Canadians shake to Jackson's "Thriller"

October 25, 2009 01:48:34 PM

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Dancers launched a worldwide attempt Saturday to be listed in the Guiness Book of World Records for the greatest number of people simultaneously dancing to the Michael Jackson's hit song "Thriller."

Some 230 people donated food or money to the food bank in this western Canadian city for the right to contort themselves into the zombie poses of Jackson's song, which blasted out of loudspeakers as howls reverberated off surrounding high rises in a downtown Vancouver plaza.

Performers included children, teachers, and university students. They came dressed in body paint, blood-spattered wedding dresses, prison garb, and as ghouls.

"I love dancing, I love Michael Jackson and it was a perfect opportunity to do both and get into the Guiness Book of World Records," said elementary school teacher Heather Shantz, 26, who travelled half a day from a rural coastal community to take part in the event.

"I love dressing up in Halloween stuff," said Kristine Teichrob, an interior designer dressed as a dead member of the Blue Man Group.

"Five-four-three-two -one -- it's thrill" time!" yelled local coordinator Graeme Lea, as Jackson's "Thriller" started with its trademark low growl, then blasted into the familiar song as a crowd of several hundred cheered.

The global event was ostensibly launched in Vancouver, but started at the same place around the world, according to a clock on a conference call by organizers. "When we take our first step people in China will take their first step," said Lea.

The local food bank collected more than 2,000 Canadian dollars from the event.