Thriller NYC: A Village Halloween Parade Tradition

The Iconic Thriller Dance

• 🎃 The annual Village Halloween Parade in NYC features a special performance of Michael Jackson's iconic 'Thriller' dance.
• ⚡ This tradition, known as Thriller NYC, transforms 6th Avenue into a massive block party with elaborate costumes and floats.
• 🎶 The performance of 'Thriller' by 100 New Yorkers is a highlight that consistently electrifies the crowd.

Origins and Growth of Thriller NYC

• 🌱 The Thriller NYC group began in 2004 as a grassroots effort, initially with a speaker in a car.
• 📈 The group's popularity significantly surged in 2009 following Michael Jackson's death, leading to formalization with floats and professional sound systems.
• 🤝 The initiative is driven by a passion to keep Michael Jackson's legacy and this unique dance tradition alive.

Community and Diversity

• 🎭 Thriller NYC brings together 100 strangers from diverse backgrounds, including professionals from various fields like healthcare, law, and tech.
• 💬 Participation is open to anyone, with the first 100 people to sign up getting a spot, emphasizing community and shared experience.
• 🌟 For many, it's their first time dancing or performing, creating a magical experience and a sense of belonging.

The 'Designated Michael Jackson'

• 🎤 Each year, a 'designated Michael Jackson' is selected from within the group through auditions.
• 🌟 This role is filled by a 'regular New Yorker' who embodies the spirit of the performance.

Quintessential New York Experience

• 🏙️ Thriller NYC is described as a quintessential New York experience, bringing people together who might otherwise never meet.
• 🎉 The event fosters a unique community where participants feel a strong connection and a sense of being 'on top of the world'.