By Tommy Stuart
For the eighth year running, a Michael Jackson impersonator, accompanied by a horde of zombies, will be performing the “Thriller†dance on the streets of downtown Lexington on Friday at 8 p.m.
The performers started practicing at the end of September at the Mecca Dance Studio, and it all culminates on Friday night’s performance of hundreds of people re-enacting the famous music video for Thriller.
“Last year I went to like 8 practices and this year I’ve gone to maybe 4,†UK alumnus Shane Anderson said.
Anderson is returning for his second year as a zombie.
The event has grown immensely over the years. It has developed from around 50 people in its inaugural year to a possible 500-600 zombie dancers this year, event organizer Mel Smyth said.
There were about 300 people at the practice Monday night.
“I’ve been doing this for the eight years now, and it started out really small and just kind of blew up,†Smyth said.
The zombie crowd is much more diverse than your average George Romero film, with each zombie ranging from young children to senior citizens.
Many of the zombie children will be dancing with their families.
Gabe Miller, 6, is dancing for his first time in the Thriller dance.
“I’m really excited to do this, and I can’t wait,†Gabe said.
Business major Alex Sanders is portraying Michael Jackson this year for the first time and said he is enthusiastic about the opportunity.
“It’s really a community activity that everyone can enjoy, and it’s really become a Lexington tradition,†Sanders said.
Even with around 500 zombies dancing, the onlookers will dwarf the performers Friday, Smyth said.
“We expect to have a couple thousand people in the audience, so it’s going to be big,†he said.
Because Michael Jackson died earlier this year, this year’s dance will be special for many participates. Smyth said many zombies may be wearing white gloves on their right hands.
The dance will start at Main Street at Elm, in front of The Kentucky Theater, then move toward and up Limestone and finish at the Courthouse Square, according to the Mecca Dance Studio Web site.
After the dance there will be an after party for all ages at Third Street Stuff and Coffee.
For more information, contact the Mecca Dance Studio at (859) 254-9790 or info@meccadance.com.
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