It's 'Thriller' night: Michael Jackson fans to go for world record for largest dance

Does the world really need yet another Michael Jackson tribute? If it means getting thousands of people all over the world to participate in a possibly world-record-breaking simultaneous dance of Jackson’s infamous “Thriller,” then the answer is yes.

Thrill the World will be taking place Saturday at exactly 5:30 p.m. PST and, as mentioned above, is a worldwide attempt to break a world record for the largest simultaneous dance with Jackson’s six-minute version of “Thriller.” The current record stands at 1,722 people from 52 countries, set on Oct. 27 and 28, 2007. This year, 3,000 people are expected to dance at the L.A. event alone, which is taking place at L.A. Live. There will also be groups dancing in the South Bay, Ventura and Orange County, says Amanda Ayres, executive organizer of the L.A. division.

The theme of the event is all about the dancing. “It’s to let everyone know, whether they think so or not … that everyone can dance,” Ayres says. “It’s also to remember Michael Jackson. The fact that he was a great artist and it was a very special gift that he had. … We want to thank him for that.” Additionally, the L.A. sector, following Thrill the World’s encouragement for philanthropy efforts, will be working to raise money and collect items for the nonprofit group Inner-City Arts.

Official registration to be part of the world record has closed, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t join the fun. Thrill the World has posted step-by-step video instructions to help you with your zombie moves, and hey, if there ever was a way to truly honor the King of Pop, this is it (pun not necessarily intended). Plus, who knows, this may be your ticket to viral video stardom.

 -- Chau Tu