Darkness fell across the land and beneath a thick blanket of ominous storm clouds, a swarm of moaning, groaning, hideous zombies sought shelter.
But these weren't your typical slow-moving, brain-munching zombies you see in the movies, these zombies were gathered for a much less sinister purpose - they were there to break dance.
Close to a hundred people turned out for a rehearsal to prepare for "Thrill the World 2009 St. Petersburg," an Oct. 24 attempt at the St. Pete Pier to break the world record for the number of people dancing simultaneously to Michael Jackson's "Thriller."
Turnout was so high for the groups' first practice that space was at a premium at Bay Medical Center Studio on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. The next rehearsal, on Oct. 3, may move to a larger venue.
Poster boards scrawled with large, block-letter Magic Marker choreography steps flanked a mirrored wall at the front of the room as participants of all ages, sizes, and experience levels were coached by Gemma Hughes, a fitness trainer and dance coordinator with the event.
"Whatever kind of learner you are, there's a process already in place for you to learn the dance," said Hughes. "When you first look at it as a whole, it's intimidating. You have to break it down to its parts."
The crowd was enthusiastic and near the end, intimidation quickly transformed into confidence as dance steps were learned and practiced.
It's not too late to get involved, Hughes says. Visit http://thrillstpete.com, where you'll find event information, a schedule of upcoming practices, and video of all the dance moves so you can learn the dance at home.
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