South Kent School’s “Thriller” Group Takes Center Stage in Kent | Learn More About South Kent School
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“Darkness falls across the land. The midnight hour is close at hand. Creatures crawl in search of blood, to terrorize your neighborhood …” These iconic lyrics from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” have echoed through the streets of Kent for over a decade, brought to life by the electrifying performances of South Kent School’s “Thriller” Group.
Originating in the fall of 2013 by South Kent student Jack (Chao) Huang ’14, a talented dancer with the Explore Affinity Group, the “Thriller” Entertainment Group has become a beloved tradition at South Kent School 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’s 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 “Thriller.” According to the Republican-American newspaper, the group’s choreography seamlessly transitioned from eerie zombie movements to precision dancing, captivating audiences young and old alike.
Following their debut success in Kent, the “Thriller” Entertainment Group continued to dazzle with another Halloween night performance on the field next to Kent’s own Heron Gallery. Thanks to months of dedicated practice and guidance from South Kent School’s art department chair and coordinator of the “Call to Explore” affinity group, the boys delivered yet another unforgettable performance.
Reflecting on their journey, Wanessa Anderson praised the boys for their dedication and courage. “None of them had ever performed, let alone danced, in front of hundreds of people,” she remarked. “Dance is often seen as taboo for teenage boys, but they stuck with it and were pleasantly surprised by the experience.”
As the South Kent boys continue to hone their craft and inspire audiences with their talent and enthusiasm, one thing is certain: the “Thriller” Entertainment Group will remain the life (or death?) of the party for many Halloweens to come.
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“All of the boys chose zombies in September. They’ve been practicing for two months, and it hasn’t always been an easy experience. Many had never performed, let alone danced in front of hundreds of people. They hadn’t anticipated how wonderful it would feel to have all those people cheering, clapping, and complimenting them.” – Cheryl Moore, Art Department Chair and Coordinator
“I’m a dancer, but not a teacher, so in the beginning, I was a little frustrated that others didn’t 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.” – Jack (Chao) Huang ’14
“I had never danced before, so it was hard at first. I practiced in my dorm to make sure I knew the steps,” Jeff Charles ’14 said. “But I wanted to challenge myself since I’d never done this before. In my costume, I felt like a professional.”