Surprise 'Thriller' leaves students on Franklin street amused

At 11:25 p.m., an assortment of zombies, fairies, a fish and one Michael Jackson lay silent on the ground outside the Franklin Street post office.

When the clock struck 11:30 p.m., Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” blasted from speakers, and the dancers came to life.

The crowd cheered with every precisely choreographed step. They stood on top of recycling bins or sat on their friends’ shoulders to get a view.

The dance coordinator, sophomore Imani Parks, began planning the show a month in advance when he and sophomore Nicole Campbell heard the song at Lenoir Dining Hall’s ‘70s dance party.

“He thought it would be cool,” said sophomore Colleen Young, a fellow participant.

Weeks later, the students heard about “Thriller” dance lessons at The Streets at Southpoint.

“We went, we learned the dance, and then we came back and started teaching,” said Parks, who played Michael Jackson, wearing a red jacket, a sequined glove and Jheri curl wig.

Campbell and Parks began rehearsing a month ago with their friends.

“We asked our friends to recruit more people,” Campbell said. Almost 30 people danced, and a few audience members jumped in.

“I thought that it was amazing that students actually organized that,” said freshman Lauren Seborowski, who witnessed the spectacle. “It was incredibly entertaining.”



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