The popular local dance group, Philly Thriller (Facebook page), which holds Michael Jackson inspired flash-mob performances on the streets of West Philly every Halloween, will be entertaining the crowds this year as well. We got in touch with the group director Rashida Holmes to see where folks can catch them this Saturday. According to Holmes, they’ll be at Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore) tomorrow from 5:30-6:45 p.m., so don’t miss their performances. For more Halloween events, go here.

Philly Thriller dancers perform in front of The Rotunda near 40th and Walnut. (Facebook photo)

Halloween is approaching fast, and the super popular local dance group Philly Thriller is seeking performers for the 7th annual Thriller-inspired flash mob-style dance routine on Halloween night. Rehearsals will begin on Friday, Oct. 16. If you’re interested to join the group, check out this announcement from the Magic Bowl Dance Company:

Always wanted to do the Thriller dance? Saw us last year and want to join in on the fun this year? Be there for a night of performing a short Thriller-inspired dance routine in the streets of West Philly!

Rehearsals pre-registration is required as space is limited!
In full costume and zombie make-up! Four Rehearsals [will be held at University City Arts League]. Must be 18 or older.  Continue Reading

We can’t get enough of Philly Thriller. The popular local community dance project has grown since its introduction in 2009 and this year included 34 dancers and a long waitlist of those who wanted to be part of the project, according to its founder Rashida Holmes. If you missed Philly Thriller perform this Halloween check out the video below shot by Rich Wexler of Project Arts. Rich also spoke to Rashida about her project and chatted with some Philly Thriller dancers. Enjoy!

Philly Thriller dance group performing on the streets of West Philly. Photo from Philly Thriller’s Facebook page.

You’ve probably heard about the Philly Thriller “zombies” group, which dances at various locations around West Philly on Halloween night. But it’s hard to catch up with them because they show up flash mob style, perform their routine and move on to the next location. So here’s the Philly Thriller performance schedule for tonight that their leader, Rashida Holmes, kindly shared with us:

“Weather permitting, we’ll be doing a dress rehearsal performance on The Rotunda Plaza (40th & Walnut) from 4-ish to 4:30-ish, then we’ll be “flashmobbing” a couple spots along Baltimore Ave around 5-ish then we will be stationed at the Haunted Gym at St. Francis de Sales (47th & Windsor) from 6-ish to 7-ish. If we are totally rained out, we’ll make our way to the gym earlier (5-ish or so) but that doesn’t seem likely.”

For more info about today’s activities in the neighborhood, including the Halloween Tot Parade and Haunted Gym, check out this page.

Photo from Philly Thriller Facebook page.

Many of our readers have probably seen this group perform in the streets of West Philly and near the Haunted House at 46th and Springfield on Halloween nights. Now, in its 5th year, Philly Thriller is planning to return for Halloween 2013 and they need some dancers. If you want to join in on the fun for a night of performing a short Thriller-inspired dance routine, read on.

Rehearsals begin on Friday, Oct. 18 at the University City Arts League (4226 Spruce St.). Performances are on Halloween (Thursday, Oct. 31) all over West Philly.

The show is choreographed and co-directed by Sammy Reyes of Sambruca Productions. Here are some of the Q & A’s compiled by Philly Thriller for those interested in joining the group:

Q: When are rehearsals?

A: There will be four in all. Rehearsals will be on:

Friday, October 18, 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 20, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Friday, October 25, 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 27, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Q: How can I participate?

A: To participate, you must reserve a spot by registering. You must also be 18 or over.

Q: How much does it cost to participate?

A: Participation is FREE HOWEVER…If you come and have a blast (which we are sure you will) we just ask that you make a donation at each rehearsal to help us defray costs of the production. We’ll accept more if you have it and less if you don’t, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. This project is a labor of love. There is no profit made. It’s put on with a shoestring budget and with a little help from participants, friends, and neighbors. No contribution is too big or too small. One dollar? One million dollars? We’ll take it!!

Q: When are performances?

A: Halloween, Thursday, October 31, 2013 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. depending on weather and other factors. Dancers, we will meet at 2:45 p.m. at 4014 Walnut, The Rotunda, to get our make-up done. Please enter at the side of the building. We will return to The Rotunda by 8 p.m.

Q: Where are we performing the dance?

A: In the streets of West Philly, on Penn’s campus, possibly The Haunted Garden at 46th and Springfield (if they put it on again this year), hopefully also at some block parties maybe, parades, some other places to be determined, etc.

For more information, visit Philly Thriller’s Facebook page. For more Q & A’s click here.