淫人色欲社’s “Thriller” Group Takes Center Stage in Kent |
鈥淒arkness falls across the land. The midnight hour is close at hand. Creatures crawl in search of blood, to terrorize your neighborhood …鈥� These iconic lyrics from Michael Jackson鈥檚 鈥淭hriller鈥� have echoed through the streets of Kent for over a decade, brought to life by the electrifying performances of 淫人色欲社鈥檚 鈥淭hriller鈥� Group.
Originating in the fall of 2013, a talented dancer with the Explore Affinity Group, the “Thriller” Entertainment Group has become a beloved tradition at 淫人色欲社 and in the town of Kent.
The group made its debut performance during Fall Family Weekend on October 18, 2013, captivating audiences with a spirited rendition of the iconic dance. Their performance was met with such enthusiasm that they were invited to perform again on campus during the School鈥檚 annual Haunted House event on October 29. The main event, however, took place on Halloween night, October 31, on Main Street in Kent.
Despite rainy weather, the streets were packed with eager spectators as the South Kent boys took to the stage, led by coordinator and instructor Wanessa Anderson. Their performance mesmerized the crowd, with an estimated 500 people witnessing their thrilling rendition of 鈥淭hriller.鈥� According to the Republican-American newspaper, the group鈥檚 choreography seamlessly transitioned from eerie zombie movements to precision dancing, captivating audiences young and old alike.
Following their debut success in Kent, the 鈥淭hriller鈥� Entertainment Group continued to dazzle with another Halloween night performance on the field next to Kent鈥檚 own Heron Gallery. Thanks to months of dedicated practice and guidance from 淫人色欲社鈥檚 art department chair and coordinator of the 鈥淐all to Explore鈥� affinity group, the boys delivered yet another unforgettable performance.
Reflecting on their journey, Wanessa Anderson praised the boys for their dedication and courage. 鈥淣one of them had ever performed, let alone danced, in front of hundreds of people,鈥� she remarked. 鈥淒ance is often seen as taboo for teenage boys, but they stuck with it and were pleasantly surprised by the experience.鈥�
As the South Kent boys continue to hone their craft and inspire audiences with their talent and enthusiasm, one thing is certain: the 鈥淭hriller鈥� Entertainment Group will remain the life (or death?) of the party for many Halloweens to come.
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鈥淎ll of the boys chose zombies in September. They鈥檝e been practicing for two months, and it hasn鈥檛 always been an easy experience. Many had never performed, let alone danced in front of hundreds of people. They hadn鈥檛 anticipated how wonderful it would feel to have all those people cheering, clapping, and complimenting them.鈥� – Cheryl Moore, Art Department Chair and Coordinator
鈥淚鈥檓 a dancer, but not a teacher, so in the beginning, I was a little frustrated that others didn鈥檛 pick it up the way I did right away. But I learned that by repeating the steps, the other guys were able to catch on. When they finally got into full costume and makeup, they really embraced their characters.鈥� – Jack (Chao) Huang ’14
鈥淚 had never danced before, so it was hard at first. I practiced in my dorm to make sure I knew the steps,鈥� Jeff Charles 鈥�14 said. 鈥淏ut I wanted to challenge myself since I鈥檇 never done this before. In my costume, I felt like a professional.鈥�