Dance Steps to Thriller

The Thriller Video

Michael Jackson released the Thriller album in 1982. "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" were the first big hits from the record, but with the release of the title track in 1984, the singer created a dance phenomenon. Clocking in at nearly 14 minutes, the accompanying video is more of a short film than a traditional music video.

As Jackson and his date return home from watching a scary movie, they walk past a graveyard. Bodies begin to rise from the graves, and zombies soon surround them. Jackson's character in the video becomes a zombie and joins the rest of the undead for a carefully choreographed dance number. Narration from Vincent Price adds to the spooky atmosphere, but it’s the zombie dancing that has captured the imagination of untold numbers of viewers.

Learn the Dance Steps to Thriller

Watch the Video

One of the best ways to learn the dance steps to "Thriller" is to watch the original music video. Study it carefully and practice your moves as it plays.

The "Thriller" video is available as part of the official Michael Jackson YouTube channel. If you would like to own the original music video, it is included in the DVD collection Michael Jackson - Video Greatest Hits – HIStory. The 25th anniversary deluxe release of the Thriller album also includes the video in its many extras.

Thrill the World

Thrill the World is an organization dedicated to coordinating a record-breaking worldwide Thriller dance event. At the designated time, participants in cities around the world will recreate the famous zombie dance. In order to get the undead masses ready for the big day, the site offers helpful instructional tools. The group's choreographer has created an outline of the steps based on descriptive words instead of beats. Used in conjunction with the downloadable instructional videos, you'll be dancing like Michael Jackson in no time.

Just for Fun

• Tess' Michael Jackson Dance School is one individual's attempt to recreate the artist's iconic dance moves.
• While this won't help you learn the steps, My Thriller Video, created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Thriller album, lets you put yourself in the action. Register at MichaelJackson.com, and upload three digital images to see your face in the video.