Thriller Night at the Abingdon Cinemall

There are a few things that are a part of our society and our very culture that every American over the age of five can recognize. Michael Jackson’s Thriller is one of those staples of American society. Whether it’s the album (which remains the world’s bestselling album of all time), the song, the video, the dance, or all of the above, most people can recognize it for what it is. A genius album, a key song for any Halloween night, and one of the best videos ever made. As a child, I would watch the video and become entranced by the dance and all of the zombies. Since the first time I watched the video, I’ve wanted to learn the infamous dance. When I found out that the Abingdon Cinemall was hosting a Thrill the World event this year, I knew it would finally happen.

Thrill the World is an event organized to pay tribute to Michael Jackson and to attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most people dancing to “Thriller” simultaneously world-wide. It was first started in 2006, and has expanded since. To follow along with Michael Jackson’s charitable nature, event organizers are asked to choose a charity to support along with the dance. This year, the Abingdon Cinemall supported the Southwest Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank as a donation of three cans was required for all of the dancers.

It was no easy feat learning the dance, either. While Thrill the World’s official website offers instructional videos, naturally one doesn’t grasp the entire concept until they are put with a group of others dancing to the same thing. My mother and I spent seven and a half hours learning the dance and by the end, I had a whole new respect for Michael Jackson. I’ve never been much of a dancer, so this was a definite eye opener.

In all at the Abingdon Cinemall this year, there were twenty-six dancers, young and old alike. Worldwide, in thirty-two countries, 22,923 people danced at the exact same time, setting a new world record. They also raised an estimated $85,000 for eighty different charities. In 2008, there were only 4, 179 people to participate. That makes a little more than five times the number of people from last year’s and this year’s events.

If you’re interested in participating in the 2010 event, keep an eye out at the Abingdon Cinemall. Heather Savedge hopes to begin coordinating next year’s event within the month of November. Dance classes will be offered for those who feel more comfortable learning with a group than by themselves over YouTube.

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