By Kate Bartlett
This Halloween weekend, the spooktacular Thriller dancers return to the streets of Ellicottville outside Villaggio for their annual ‘flash mob’ style performance. Join the crowd on Monroe Street Saturday October 29 at 8:30pm and 9:30pm for a recreation of Michael Jackson’s 1983 smash hit music video Thriller. About 55 dancers dressed as zombies from Fusion Dance Studio will hit the street to recreate the spectacular. The shows are free and open to the public.
This year, Fusion Dance Studios invites spectators to join in the fun as they will offer a tutorial in between shows for those interested in learning the dance moves to the Thriller chorus. There will be a dance contest with a prize package for participation/best zombie character.
Kelli Wagner is the owner and director of Fusion Dance Studio and has been organizing the choreography for the performance since its inception 7 years ago. The choreography is unique every year, but stays true to the original King of Pops style. The competitive dancers put in an average of 6 hours per week rehearsing for the month leading up to the Thriller shows.
The Thriller performances have gained attention across the country, and even internationally with people traveling from far and wide to see the show. The city of Buffalo proclaimed Halloween in 2018 to be “Fusion Dance Studio Day” in recognition of the studio and its outstanding performances. “A show like this is very unique and rare. We don’t know of any other studios recreating the Thriller dance with such unique choreography. The costumes, the dancers, the energy are captivating. You really need to see it to feel the excitement.” It has gained the attention of international news broadcasts as well as the Radio City Rockettes social media.
The event was started by Villaggio owners Nick and Kendra Pitillio’s nephew, Michael Donald Perry, who passed away suddenly. Halloween was Michael’s favorite holiday, and Nick decided to continue the event in his nephew’s honor. 7 years later, it is still going strong.
The event has grown bigger and better every year. The choreography has evolved through the years, and costumes and makeup get more elaborate. Kellie encourages the performers to find their ‘zombie style’ creating for diverse characters and a more interesting show. Dancers this year range from 7-18 years old.
Kelli’s favorite part of the event is the crowd. “I love meeting people who come from all over. The crowd in Ellicottville is fantastic. We love getting everyone involved and the dancers feed off their energy. The kids get more into character as they listen to the crowd. It really pumps them up, and for some it’s their first experience in front of a live street audience. There’s nothing else quite like it.”
Nick also invites families to stop down to Villaggio Saturday, October 29 at 11am for their annual pumpkin painting event sponsored by Pumpkinville and Aldrich Painting.