By Kate Bartlett
Saturday October 24th, The Thriller Dancers return to the streets of Ellicottville outside of Villaggio for their 11th annual ‘flash mob’ style performance. 63 dancers will perform 2 sets on Monroe Street decked out as their best Zombie to recreate Michael Jackson’s 1983 smash hit music video Thriller. As always, the shows are free and open to the public and will take place at 8 and 9pm.
The Thriller Dancers are from Fusion Dance Studio in Buffalo, NY led by owner Kelli Wagner, Shari Bently, and many other talented instructors. The dancers range in age from 7-18 years old with this year being their biggest mob to date. Every year, the dancers make their performance better than the year before. “The main choreography stays true to the well-known Michael Jackson moves,” says Kelli. “We add our own unique choreography and acrobatics throughout the song to keep it exciting; we like to change it up year to year.”
Nick Pitillo, owner and founder of Villaggio, loves hosting this event every year. “It’s such a fun way to celebrate the Halloween season,” says Nick. “We love getting the community together and showcasing these talented dancers; it’s really something everyone should experience!” Nick is grateful for the support from fellow business owners, Sam and Beth at the Winery of Ellicottville, who provide the dancers a warm space to get ready and warm up in between performances. “It’s really a community effort and we’re grateful for their support. We couldn’t’ do it without them!”
Villaggio will also host their annual pumpkin painting event complete with cider and donuts Saturday afternoon from 11am-2pm in collaboration with Aldrich Painting and Pumpkinville. “It’s great for families, but it’s really an all-ages event.” says Nick. “Pumpkinville and Aldrich generously donate the supplies every year; it’s a fun tradition for families.”
The Thriller Dancers have been performing this dance in October in Ellicottville for 10 years, bringing a high-energy, interactive performance. The dancers are encouraged to come up with their own unique zombie characters going all out with costumes and make-up. “It’s incredible to see what they come up with. It just keeps getting better every year,” says Kelli.
For many dancers, this is their first performance in front of a live crowd, and this performance is like none-other. “It’s such an incredible experience for the dancers,” says Kelli. “Performing in full-zombie character, on the street in the middle of the night… it’s just incredible. Ellicottville has all the charm of a storybook village and we love adding a little “Thriller” to the story! The quaint setting and warm, welcoming people make it the perfect place to bring our dancers.”
As tradition, the performers will lead tutorials of the dance in between performances with prizes for participation. “We have a lot of fun and a lot of talented participants! We love getting the crowd involved and teaching them the classic Thriller moves. We all have a good time,” says Kelli.
The Thriller Dancers have even gained international attention as they were featured on international news broadcasts, the Rockettes social media, and YouTube. Fusion Dance Studio, located in Buffalo, NY, has won the Studio of Excellence Award several consecutive years. The studio is also active in community fundraising efforts, including annual Animal Relief Funds and helping clean up the community.
For more information on Fusion Dance Studio visit fusiondancestudio.org and follow on social media. Come experience their unique performance on Saturday, October 24th at 8 and 9PM outside of Villaggio on Monroe Street.