What began as a small flash mob in Monument Square in Portland in 2012 has grown to include over 100 dancers that big crowds turn out for each year before Halloween.

The "Thriller Throwdown" is a choreographed dance performed by over one hundred dancers from Maine who practice for weeks before the performance. It recreates the dance routine featured in Michael Jackson's 1983 video "Thriller."

The song was released on November 5, 1983, in the UK, a little late for Halloween, which it has now become synonymous with. The song is so popular at Halloween that "Thriller" returns to the Billboard Hot 100 every year. In 2021, it went all the way to number 18, the highest chart position since the original release.

According to News Center Maine, Portland dance instructor Kristin Sutton had the idea to do a flash mob based on "Thriller. " It has grown every year since, with over a hundred Mainers of all ages learning the moves over several weeks and dressing up in costume to perform.

Here's 2022's Thriller Throwdown celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Will Johnson is seen right up front in the role of zombie Michael Jackson, and his performance is right on the mark. As you can see in the video, a lot of practice, hard work, and dedication go into making this look as amazing as it does.

What are we in store for this year? How many zombies will be crammed into Monument Square to "terrorize y'alls neighborhoods?" You'll have to wait until Friday, October 25, to find out!

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