Fan attempts to set new dance record

Aug 16 2009 by Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun

ZOMBIES will be turning out in force in the North to recreate one of the world’s spookiest music videos as they pay tribute to the late King of Pop.

Michael Jackson fans are set to take part in a record-breaking attempt for the most people performing the iconic Thriller dance at the same time.

More than 300 people have already registered to take part in the event in Darlington and it’s hoped hundreds more will sign up before the event in October.

Willing zombies can learn the moves via an online tutorial, demonstrating the fancy footwork, hip swivels and famous "claw swing".

Covered in fake blood and dressed in zombie costumes, more than 1000 people are expected to gather to perform the arm-dangling, feet-shuffling routine.

The zombie dancers will be part of a global attempt to have as many as 270,000 people performing the moves at the same time.

The North Thriller group has been set up by Michael Jackson fan Craig Buckley, who came across the record-breaking mission as he was searching the internet for information on his idol. Craig, 25, of Middleton St George, Darlington, said: "There are 400 events happening worldwide across 40 different countries.

"I’m a big fan of Michael Jackson, and I remember dancing to Thriller in leathers when I was about four and saw it on TV."

Craig is hoping people taking part will seek sponsorship to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. He mastered the routine himself through the online tutorial, and says it only takes a few hours to learn.

Craig, who owns a construction recruitment company, said: "I’m not a natural dancer, but it wasn’t hard to learn.

"People who took part last year ranged in age from five to 70, so anyone can do it."

The event takes place on October 25, and there are expected to be rehearsals to rehearse the routine taking place before that date, to help fans perfect the moves.

To register for the event on October 25, contact Craig by e-mailing ttw09darlington @gmail.com, and to learn the routine visit the website at http://www.thrilltheworld.com/ learn/videos