New York City’s Village Halloween Parade is back tonight, and with it comes one of the most anticipated moments of the entire event: 100 New Yorkers channeling Michael Jackson in a full “Thriller” performance along 6th Avenue.
What began humbly in 2004 with a handful of passionate fans has now evolved into a beloved NYC Halloween tradition and it went from big to legendary after 2009, when global tributes to Michael Jackson skyrocketed. Since then, the “Thriller” dance segment has only grown more polished, more theatrical, and more iconic, drawing fans from around the world and turning 6th Avenue into a zombie-filled celebration of MJ’s legacy.
This year, just 100 spots were available for dancers and they filled in just 60 seconds once sign-ups opened. From there, those lucky enough to secure a spot had one more challenge: auditioning to become the official Michael Jackson of the group, a coveted role awarded annually to the dancer who can best embody the King of Pop’s unmistakable style.
For many parade-goers, the “Thriller” moment has become the highlight of the entire night, a fusion of choreography, costuming, energy, and MJ magic that stops the city in its tracks.
So if you’re in New York City tonight, make sure to grab your spot along 6th Avenue, you won’t want to miss the undead groove their way downtown. And don’t worry, we’ll be sharing videos and photos the moment they hit our inbox.
Happy Halloween, MJ Fam—let the zombies dance!
Check out some News video about this year’s group:
