Dance team performs “Thriller” during Night on Haunted Hill

The dance team kicked off the Night on Haunted Hill by busting moves to Michael Jackson’s song “Thriller.” On Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20, the team held two performances beside the gym in the McKenna Center at 8:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.

The “Thriller” dance was the first routine of the year. It was also their first time in front of an audience.

By Tiffany Gilbert

Staff Writer

The dance team kicked off the Night on Haunted Hill by busting moves to Michael Jackson’s song “Thriller.” On Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20, the team held two performances beside the gym in the McKenna Center at 8:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.

The “Thriller” dance was the first routine of the year. It was also their first time in front of an audience. The choreography was based on the actual dance from “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, however Tamara Swank, the dance team coach choreographed most of the dance.

“There were some dancers on the team who watched the music video to thriller individually to get a feel of how to look like a zombie,” said Elyse Schneider, a junior.

Each dancer wore a different costume inspired by their own creativity. There were zombie brides, dead ballerinas, even a dead nurse.

“Since I was the only guy on the team, I played Michael Jackson,” said J.T. White, a sophomore.

White’s attire for the dance was similar to Jackson’s costume in the music video. He courted a red jumpsuit and jacket to play the part of the infamous singer.

The dance team performed in front of an audience of students, friends, and members of the community.

“I think the turnout for the team this year was more successful. There were more students willing to sign up and join,” said White.

“I was surprised at the turnout of students wishing to participate,” said Schneider.

Last year, the dance team did not perform for audiences, but this year, it took five weeks of practice to prepare for this event.

“The hardest part about rehearsing was finding a time convenient for everyone. We hope this becomes a tradition at Halloween every year,” said Florian.