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Fan attempts to set new dance record

Aug 16 2009 by Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun

Video was first of its kind

WHEN the 14-minute video for Michael Jackson’s song Thriller was first shown in December 1983 it was the most expensive video of its time, costing more than half a million dollars.

Guinness World Records also lists it as the most successful music video ever.

The concept of turning a song into a film was completely new at the time, and bringing in film director John Landis – of Trading Places and American Werewolf in London fame – was a masterstroke.

The video and associated dance has become a cult hit, spawning many copycat attempts that have appeared online on YouTube, including a performance by hundreds of inmates in a Philippines prison.

The first record for a simultaneous performance of the Thriller routine was set three years ago when a mere 62 people took part in Toronto, Canada. It has been an annual event ever since, with the record being smashed each time.

Last year, more than 4000 people took part worldwide. This year, following Michael Jackson’s death in June, it is hoped the Thrill The World attempt will attract between 270,000 and one million people.

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