More than three decades after its release, the groundbreaking video “Michael Jackson’s Thriller” continues to inspire spooky dances and zombie flash mobs. Chicagoans can learn some of those iconic ghoulish moves this year at the Halloween Thriller Dance Party.
You don’t need a partner to attend this evening group lesson at Duet Dance Studio. The living and the undead alike are encouraged to come in costume.
Participants will be taught a simplified version of the dance sequence performed in Jackson’s 1983 video. Directed by John Landis with narration by Vincent Price, the 13-minute minimovie features zombie-ized choreography and dancers dressed as graveyard ghouls.
Dance newbies need not fear. No previous experience is required to join in the party.
“A lot of people who come to this class have never done any dancing before,” says Szewai Lee, the founder of Duet Dance Studio. “I want to make sure everyone learns a sequence that they can do again. Last year people loved it so much. It was a great party.”
Lee will teach the class along with instructor Grace Lethiot. The 45-minute lesson will also include a section devoted to partner dancing. Afterward there will be 30 minutes for dancing, mingling and a costume contest. Participants can bring their own beer and wine to this 21-and-older event.
Those who can’t attend the live event can practice their “Thriller” moves courtesy of a wide range of online tutorials, as close as your Internet connection. We found a good instructional video from the FUNKMODE dance company on YouTube and a step-by-step guide on wikiHow. And, of course, there’s always Michael Jackson’s original video, now at more than 200 million views on YouTube.
8:30 -10 p.m. Oct. 31. Duet Dance Studio, 2515 W. North Ave. Must be 21 or older. Tickets, $20; purchase online at duetdancestudio.com (click on “dance lessons” link, then “group dance classes”). Class size is limited; the event sold out last year, so it’s recommended to buy tickets early. Information: 312-823-8199.
