Explanation

On October 25th at 12:30 GMT (October 24th at 5:30 pm in Vancouver), thousands of people around the world danced Michael Jackson's Thriller together for Thrill The World (TTW)! Many of these people had never danced before, but with TTW's easy choreography, they were talented zombie dancers after only a few hours' practice.

Thrill Toronto was conceived in 2006 and Thrill The World was born in 2007. Vancouver's first TTW was organized by Ceroc SFU in 2008, and saw 69 zombies dancing at Kits Beach (see banner photo).

This year's dance is likely to happen on Saturday, October 23, 2010 in Vancouver, but we're awaiting further details from Thrill The World Headquarters.

OK, but why?

Because it's SO. MUCH. FUN! Well, that and other reasons. Thrill The World was born out of an idea to unite the world in dance. TTW's choreography is easy enough to learn that people who have never danced before have the opportunity to feel the joy of dancing. Furthermore, each event is encouraged to contribute to a local charity as an expression of goodwill towards those in need.

TTW 2009

242 zombies danced Thriller together at Thrill The World Vancouver 2009, raising over $3500 for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society The performance took place in the Roundhouse Turntable Plaza on October 24th at 5:30 pm. Hundreds of spectators flocked to the plaza for Vancouver’s second annual dance. Photos and videos are available on the “Thrill The World Vancouver” Facebook group. Worldwide, over 23,000 people in 32 countries danced simultaneously, raising over $100,000 USD for over 80 charities.

 

Photo credits: Vancouver Film School John Biehler, tintinetmilou, susan gittins, S0MEBODY 3LSE, Rebecca Bollwitt, Kimli Welsh, coaxeus, and lambair.

 

 

 

TTW 2008

On October 25, 2008, Ceroc SFU organized Thrill The World 2008 Vancouver, bringing together sixty-nine Vancouver zombies to dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The dance took place under a sunny sky on the Kits Beach seawall and raised $1,418.09 and 44 lbs of food for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (that's $4,254.27 of purchasing power for them!).

Thrill The World 2008 saw 4179 people from 72 events in 10 countries dance Thriller simultaneously. The aim was to raise money for local charities, as well as to provide a lighthearted way for people with little or no dance experience to start dancing, a goal that is shared by Ceroc organizations worldwide.

In the weeks leading up to it, Ceroc SFU hosted comprehensive lessons for students and public in how to Thrill the World. Many participants had never danced before but soon found how easy the dance was! The only cost associated with the event was a minimum $10 donation to the Food Bank.

Photo credits: wade in da water, Jerk With A Camera