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How to Dance to the Thriller Video

Michael Jackson's "Thriller" is one of the most popular music videos of all time. Learning the dance from the Thriller video is a challenging way to entertain and amuse your friends. Like any dance, the Thriller dance takes a bit of commitment to memorize and perform, but many resources can aid you. With a little practice and preparation and the Thriller video to guide you, you'll be able to "thrill" everyone with your spooky moves in no time.

Things You'll Need

  • Thriller music video
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Instructions

    • 1

      Walk four steps forward, starting with the right foot. Walk four steps back. Repeat. Walk four more steps forward. On the fourth step, jerk your right shoulder up and tilt your head to the right. Walk four steps backwards, and repeat the shoulder jerk motion.

    • 2

      Bend your knees and bounce your hips as you raise both arms directly out to the side. Step toward the audience with your right foot, and bring your left foot in toward it so you are standing with your feet together. Repeat. Turn to face the right, and step toward the audience while making a swimming motion with your arms. Turn and face the left side. Repeat the motion.

    • 3

      Stand on your left leg and point your right leg to the side. Hop twice, and fold your torso over so that your head is near your right knee. Snap your head up and sneer. Straighten up. Put your left hand near your belt and extend your right arm to the side. Bend and straighten your knees four times, tilting your fingers toward the ceiling every time you straighten. Clap your hands over your head and step to the left. Slowly slide your feet together. Shrug your shoulders, look to the left and then snap your head forward. Repeat the entire sequence.

    • 4

      Hold your hands out in front of you in a claw shape. Bump your hip to the right three times. Face the right and lift your claws high overhead. Walk two steps to the right, kicking your knees high. Turn sharply to face left, swinging your claws so that they face left. Turn once again to face the right, and then turn quickly to face left again. Repeat.

    • 5

      Circle both arms overhead, then bend forward from the waist like a rag doll. Stand and squat with your hands on your knees. Leave your right foot in place, and use your left foot to pivot around until you are facing the back. Look over your shoulder at the audience. Walk four steps forward. Turn to face the front. Take a large step forward with each foot, and follow it with three small steps. Do this again, still moving forward. Let your arms flop in front of you. Repeat the sequence, moving backward instead of forward. Repeat the sequence of movements outlined in Step 3.

    • 6

      Hold your left arm out to the side, and snap eight times. Turn your back to the audience and repeat the eight snaps. Face the front. Roll your head and shoulders clockwise. Stand up straight and fold your right arm so your elbow is near your waist and your fingertips are near your shoulder. Make three jerking motions to the right with your arm. Make a fist-pumping motion overhead four times. Face the right, and feign throwing a punch. Turn to face the left, and throw two quick punches.

    • 7

      Face forward and tilt your head to the left. Point your left toe out to the side, look forward and extend your arms in front of you. Bring your right foot in beside your left, and draw your arms close to your body. Put all of your weight on your left foot, and point your right foot out to the right side. Hold your arms over your head with elbows bent, and twist your hips to the left and then right four times. Walk four steps forward, then throw your arms into a V-shape overhead. Assume a dramatic zombie pose.

    • 8

      Squat with your hands on your knees. Leaving your right foot in place, use your left foot to pivot until you are facing the back. Take eight lunging steps forward, and then look over your shoulder and sneer at the audience. Repeat this sequence. Drop your entire body into a low, tucked position with your knees bent and hands on the floor. Slowly mimic rising from the grave with clawed zombie arms. Rush offstage and attack your audience.

    • 9

      Use a video of Thriller as guidance and practice the moves until you can remember the sequence of the steps. Compare your movements to those of the dancers in the video. The Thriller dance is done by demons, so your movements should be jerky and sharp instead of smooth and graceful.

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