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Thrill The World Baltimore joins Miley Cyrus for 'Thriller' world record
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Chinese fans of Michael Jackson take part in a "Thrill the world" event in Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan province on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. The event attempts to set a world record for the numbers of people around the world dancing at the same time to Jackson's hit single "Thriller." (AP Photo)
On Saturday October 24th at approximately 8:30 p.m., a large Baltimore contingent at The Hippodrome Theatre joined over 300 official venues across five continents (1:30 a.m. in Derby, UK) to break the Guinness world record for most number of people performing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance simultaneously.
On October 26, 2006, Ines Markeljevic began what has since become an annual challenge with only 62 dancers. The event is now a worldwide phenomenon with the current record set by 13,597 people in Mexico City on August 29, 2009 (to commemorate Jackson’s birthday). Still no official word, but at least one organizer hinted that this past weekend’s festivities put the current record to shame. Estimates place the unofficial tally at about 20,000 participants.
Some groups used the effort to raise money for charity. "Thrill The World La Crosse," a group of University of Wisconsin students, collected non-perishable food and entrance fees to benefit food pantries and people with developmental disabilities.
In Los Angeles, celebrities showed their support by turning out with the masses. Michael Jackson impersonator Michael Kiss electrified a crowd estimated at 6,000 at Nokia Plaza near The Staples Center. "This is beautiful," remarked Kiss as DJs encouraged him to jump on stage. Also reportedly in attendance were teen queen Miley Cyrus and martial arts whiz Chuck Liddell.
The synchronized event took on special significance after Jackson’s shocking death last summer. Some lent their bodies specifically to pay tribute to the pop legend. Others came to enjoy "zombie weekends" filled with films, parades, music, and other festivities. Most dancers gyrated in zombie costumes while the rest were just as happy to participate in street clothing. All grooved in syncopation.
One online commentator echoed the feeling of many in attendance. “I had a blast dancing in St. Petersburg, FL. Very well run event. I hope we broke the record but if not, I will be there next year,” posted a woman identified only as Karen, "Can’t wait to see 'This Is It' next weekend!!!"
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