Thriller dance record? Let's beat it!

It's a challenge no mere mortal will be able to resist – taking part in a Thriller of a world record attempt.

A Leicester dance company is hoping to get more people than ever before to perform the dance routine from Michael Jackson's hit song in the same place, at the same time.

Organisers of the attempt – which will take place on what would have been the superstar's 51st birthday – are hoping about 1,300 people will take part, smashing the current record of 242.

They will be joined by the cast of tribute show Michael Jackson 51, which will be performed at Leicester's Curve theatre on the same day.

The attempt will also raise money for charity.

Organisers are planning to send people into workplaces to teach groups of employees Thriller's famous routine.

Anand Bhatt is principal of Belgrave-based Bollywood dance company Desi Masti, which is performing Michael Jackson 51.

He planned the record-breaking attempt before the superstar's death from cardiac arrest on June 25.

The 29-year-old, of Wigston, said: "We want to really celebrate his life and show people what an inspiration he is.

"We have extended an open invitation to other dance groups to take part and we plan to go into people's offices and teach them the moves.

"I want to get about 1,300 people coming and if everyone raises £10, then that's £13,000 for charity.

He said: "If we can find the funding I want to get the children prepared with goblin make-up on."

All 300 cast members of Michael Jackson 51 are taking part in the attempt at 10am on Saturday, August 29, outside Curve in Orton Square. They will be raising money for three charities, Water Aid, Asian Foundation for Philanthropy and Fairytales.

Public participants are encouraged to raise money for their own good causes.

A Guinness World Records spokesman said the largest Thriller dance was achieved by Kevin Dua and 241 other participants in an event at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA, on April 19 this year.

Ruth Eastwood, chief executive of Leicester Theatre Trust, which runs Curve, said it wished Anand "the very best of luck" with his attempt.

Michael Jackson 51, a tribute show with dances set to his hits, will be showing at Curve from August 28 to 30. Companies which want dancers to visit them to teach their staff Thriller dance moves, or individuals who want to attend a free Thriller workshop, can contact Desi Masti or call Anand on 07957 148 150 or via e-mail at:

info@desimasti.net