The Aspects Holidays resort in St. Ives challenges people to give their best street performance via their webcam. And while there have been many contenders, one street dancer has captured the hearts of people all over the world. You could say he really thrilled them.
William Ryan was eight during this video. He asked his mom to play Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as he pulled off the classic dance moves from the music video. William has autism and he struggles to communicate but there was something about Thriller that captured the young boy’s heart.
You can see the little boy dancing along to the well known tune as people walked by. In the background, you can see boats on what looks to be a frozen body of water but that may as well melt because this kid is fire!
Of course he won the webcam contest!
William took home a basket of goodies and a free week’s worth of stay at the resort for his family. This kid is now an international sensation. And his costume for Halloween probably won him an award too.
A viewer commented,
“He’s awesome, and I laughed when I saw his Halloween costume. It was the way he was holding his hands, and his face. He looked like a real little zombie, he’s too cute.”
Are you packing your bags yet?
Thriller turns 38 years old this year.
The 14 minute masterpiece was a pioneer back then when most music videos were shot with a budget of $100,000, Michael’s video cost an astounding $500,000 to shoot. In 4 days. Crazy stuff.
It is still the world’s best selling album. Written by Rod Temperton for Jackson’s love of film and theater, they wanted the lyrics and video to have a mysterious effect to match Michael’s ever changing persona and image. It is disco and funk but with a darker mood that is certainly very 80s at its core.
Everybody loves Thriller. And they also love little William.
“Omg I love this and I love him.”
He doesn’t need to transform in to a zombie or wolf. All he needs is his adorable face. The staff at the resort must have had a great day too seeing a little kid pull off those classic moves. MJ would have been proud!
The music video premiered on December 2, 1983. It’s got a 50’s theme but an 80’s vibe to it. You know the video. Movie date, run out of gas, into the woods, the undead rise, and Michael transforms. The dance is still a delight to watch even to this day and those moves are signature MJ.
It’s good to see kids taking the King of Pop’s legacy in to the future.
That red jacket looks really good on William too. There are studies linking the benefits of music in helping kids with autism. Music stimulates both hemispheres of the brain which supports cognitive activity. It encourages communication and interaction which are difficult for those diagnosed with autism. Now rewind and watch William dance.
It’s clear that music and dancing gave this boy the confidence to display his wonderful personality for all to see.
Check out William’s moves in the video below!
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Source: YouTube, nursejournal, thisdayinmusic
