GATLINBURG, Tenn. (October 26, 2009) – Dancers at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies were a part of helping break the Guinness World Record on Saturday, Oct. 24 resulting in about 23,000 people in 32 countries dancing in” Thrill The World,” a worldwide attempt to break the record for the largest simultaneous dance with Michal Jackson’s Thriller.

Actress Ola Ray, who was best known for Michael Jackson’s girlfriend in Thriller was at the Aquarium and counted down to start the dance as dozens of dancers dressed as Zombies and other haunted creatures from across the area danced Thriller at the same time. Also, Scott Cummings who was Michael Jackson’s bodyguard in three of his world tours was in attendance..

Before the Thriller Dance, Stephanie Barnes, Owner of Center Stage Performing Arts Studio in Newport, and 13 of her dancers performed a great show featuring different type of fright dances including The Monster Mash.

Now in its third year, Thrill The World’s participant numbers have increased exponentially from the initial 62 dancers in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2006, which resulted in Guinness World Record to approximately 23,000 people in 32 countries dancing “Thriller” at the same time in 2009. This totally easily surpasses the last year’s record of 4,179 people for the Largest Simultaneous Thriller Dance.