Jackson Fans Dressed To Thrill
Dozens of people dressed as zombies, ghouls and other creatures of the night danced in unison to the 1980s Michael Jackson hit "Thriller" on the University of Tennessee campus Saturday night as part of a multinational effort to set a world record.
Some members of the crowd had spent weeks gearing up for the "Thrill the World" event, in which the Knoxville participants joined with other groups in cities around the world to set the record for having the most people simultaneously dancing to the classic pop song.
"There are groups in Spain, a couple in Malaysia, several in England and Turkey," explained one of the Knoxville group's organizers, Lacey Hubbs.
Eighty-four people danced in Knoxville, arrayed in loose formation at the Joe Johnson and John Ward Pedestrian Mall. They ranged in age from 5 to 50-plus.
Teagan Hiscock, 9, danced with her mother, Stefanie Baker, as her father, Aaron Hiscock, looked on and snapped pictures with a digital camera.
"I'm a big fan," Teagan said after completing one of the rehearsals leading up to the main event.
Her mother explained that she, too, listened to the "Thriller" album as a child.
"I have the album from when I was a kid," she said. "It was the first album I ever bought."
Not everyone, however, described themselves as avid Jackson fans - some just thought the opportunity to take part in a global dance sounded like a fun way to spend a Saturday night.
"I like to dance, I like to exercise," said 47-year-old Wendy Seaward, who showed up in full zombie makeup. "It just sounded like it a lot of fun, and it was a lot of fun. I hope they do it again next year."
An estimated crowd of 63 dancers gathered at the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg as part of the same effort, said aquarium information technology manager and event organizer Bryan Headrick.
"Thrill the World" organizers say they hope to learn Monday if they broke the old record.
In 2008, 4,179 people at 72 events in 71 cities in 10 nations took part in "Thrill the World," according to event organizers.
J.J. Stambaugh may be reached at 865-342-6307.
Knoxvillenews / Thanks Joy C!