Is it really Halloween if you don’t play Michael Jackson’s Thriller? I don’t think so.
It’s as much a Halloween tradition as Home Alone is for Christmastime. If you can’t do the dance, at least play the song for someone who does.
Folks at the New York City Halloween Parade knew that people wanted MJ this year, and they delivered.
The Halloween celebration ain’t over till someone does the Thriller dance, so why not have everyone join in? We only get to do this once a year.
New York is where this gathering of the undead is taking place. It’s the 31st of October, and the sun has set already.
If anyone wants to do something spooky, it’s the perfect time.
And in the streets are dozens of people in costumes feeling the spirit of Halloween.
This crowd isn’t all zombies. There are a few pirates, construction workers, and witch costumes too.
But there’s no dress code for this dance number – as long as it’s a costume, it seems like you’re welcome to join.
Despite the popularity of MJ’s spooky music video, the late king of pop seemed to have at least a mild aversion to certain spooky subjects.
He went as far as to include a “I don’t actually believe in the occult” disclaimer on the video.
Though you might be quick to think it’s a pop song, Thriller is technically a disco-funk song.
The song was written by Rod Temperton, who’d also written Rock With You for Jackson.
And that scary, foreboding monologue at the end of the song was recited by horror actor Vincent Price.
The crowd here starts the dance number with the old zombie walk. What else would you start it with?
Then the dance starts, and it’s hard to resist the urge to join them.
First the slow, forward march. Then the head twitch, and then the iconic clawing hand motion. You know how it goes.
It seems like the entire street came out to participate in this dance. That’s just the way to close off Halloween night.
Having a costume might have its perks for confidence too. When no one can recognize your actual face, you might feel less shy about busting a move or two.
The chorus finally hits, and the bystanders let out a cheer they’ve been holding in for a while.
This is entertainment, and it’s a little contagious.
Everyone knew the steps to the climax of the dance, and they all did it by heart.
It looks like such a joy to watch that I’m almost jealous I couldn’t see it in person.
Why can’t Halloweens in my city be this exciting?
I hope MJ’s Thriller got its time to shine for the spooky season because a certain song by Mariah Carey is going to be playing everywhere very soon.
Thanks to these talented strangers for giving us some killer entertainment this Halloween.
Watch this crowd’s dance number to “Thriller” down below. Please share this article too!
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