Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thrill the World?
TTW is a worldwide simultaneous dance of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" dance for world records and charity. Thrill the World Rockford is a local event, taking place for the second time in Rockford at Rock Valley College, that contributes to the world record numbers and will raise money for the American Cancer Society for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at the same time.
How can I participate?
Walk, Dance, Both, Donate! Those are the four ways that you can participate in this event!
Walk: Thrill the World Rockford has a team that will be walking in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday October 15th at Martin Park in Loves Park, IL. We are encouraging anyone who is interested in walking, to join our team. There is no required fee for walking but donations are encouraged.
Dance: Learn "Thriller" and dance for a World Record on Saturday October 29, 2011. There will be a minimum donation-registration fee that goes straight to the American Cancer Society. You can register on this website, and attend as many "Thriller" Dance Workshops as it takes to learn the dance and feel comfortable. If you want to be a part of the event on October 29, but do not want to dance, you can come watch! Registration to dance in the event will open up in September! Keep checking back!
Both: We are encouraging everyone to walk on October 15th and dance on October 29th!
Donate: If you can't make it to either event, or you just don't feel comfortable dancing, but still want to help the cause, you can donate on our page! Click on the "Donate" button on the right hand column. If you are interested in sponsoring some zombies that are having trouble coming up with the funds to participate, follow the "Sponsor A Zombie!" link on the right. You can also donate straight to Making Strides through our team page.
We are looking forward to seeing you all walking, dancing, and having fun!
Who can participate?
This is a family event. Anyone who can learn the dance, regardless of age, is invited to dance in the world record event. At the 2010 event we had dancers ranging in age from 4 to 79!
How do I register?
Registration is will open after Labor Day! There will be a minimum donation fee associated with registration. Please keep checking our website for registration updates or join our email list by filling out the form on the home page of our website.
This year Thrill the World Rockford will be offering prizes at different levels for the amount of money different zombies can raise. The more money you raise the better chance you have of winning a special prize! Even though registration is not open yet, get started fundraising now! Please check out our Group Participation page for fundraising ideas.
How can I donate?
There are two ways to make a donation to Thrill the World Rockford.
1. Make a tax-deductable donation directly to the American Cancer Society through the Thrill the World Rockford team page and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
2. Make a donation through PayPal on this website.
How can I be a sponsor?
Visit our "Be a Sponsor" page or contact Angie Pearse at thrilltheworldrockford@gmail.com for an official sponsor information packet!
How can I learn the dance?
You can learn the "Thriller" Zombie dance by coming to one of the "Thriller" Dance Workshops! There will be workshops scheduled September and October to allow everyone to learn the dance. The instructors are professional dance instructors that have taught the "Thriller" dance before. If you cannot make it to a workshop, there is a series of slow-track videos on YouTube that teach the "Thriller". Start with this video, and the others are linked from this video page. Contact us if you are having troubles! Keep checking the calendar on our "Learn the Dance" page or join our email list on the home page of the website to receive updates on upcoming Dance Workshops!
Do I have to dress like a zombie?
Everyone is encouraged to dress like a zombie! Dressing like a zombie does not have to be dark. There are all kinds of zombies that you can be. Check out our "Get Zombified" page for tips and photos of other Thrill the World events. Basically you can wear whatever costume you choose, and "zombie-fy" it! Dressing up puts everyone in the "Thriller" mood and it's fun!
Is there anything happening before or after the actual dance?
Yes, we are planning a zombie party for costume judging, music to get you in the mood for the dance, and of course, a few "run-throughs" of the dance for practice. Prizes will be awarded for various accomplishments including the most money raised and most participants from a group! There will be concessions available to keep the Zombies and Night Stalkers nourished! Watch for further information on a Zombie After-Party.
How can I participate in promotional performances?
Sign up for our email newsletters on the home page of the website and start learning the dance! Promotional performance details will only be released to Zombies on our official email list so sign up now!
What about school teams and church groups participating?
It's a great way to promote school spirit, compete for prizes and come together as a group to support a charitable event. If you want more information on how to become involved as a group, please contact Rachel Robinson-Bardoville, our Community Coordinator, at rbardoville@yahoo.com or visit our Group Participation page to get more information.
Can I earn service hours for participating?
Your group members may be able to earn service hours for participating in this charitable, community event. Ways to earn hours might include helping with the promotion, working as a volunteer along with dance instruction, rehearsals and performances. Please check the service hour guidelines for your organization to verify what specific activities might qualify for hours.
Are there prizes for raising money?
Yes, prizes will be awarded for varying levels of fundraising. In addition, there will be prizes for best costumes, most participants from an organization, most participants from one family, best celebrity zombie, and more!!