Old Town Rises as ‘Thriller’ Flash Mob Takes Over King Street for Lucky Dog
Vivienne K., 8, reports from the makeup room and King Street as 105 dancers bring an estimated crowd of more than 1,000 to Old Town—and raise at least $3,700 for animal rescue.
By Vivienne K. | InkandescentKids.com reporter for The Zebra
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Just before dusk on Saturday, Oct. 17, King Street went quiet. Then the zombies danced.
Organizers estimated that more than 1,000 people gathered near the Old Town waterfront to watch 105 costumed performers take over the street with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”—a flash mob organized to benefit Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.
As an InkandescentKids.com reporter, I got there early to see the behind-the-scenes work at 310 King St., where dancers transformed themselves with makeup, costumes and plenty of Halloween goo before heading to King and Union streets for the big performance.
The night was called Dance for the Dogs ALX, and it had two favorite things at its heart: Old Town Alexandria and rescue dogs.
Makeup First, Then Mayhem
Preparations for the 5 p.m. street performance began two hours earlier. I watched dancers become zombies and interviewed Coldwell Banker Realty agents Barb Scheeler and Rachel Knapp, who coordinated the event.
Scheeler said the idea was meant to draw attention to Old Town during one of its most colorful seasons.
“We wanted to draw attention to Old Town,” she said. “It’s the coolest place to come on Halloween with all of the decorations.”
The fundraiser also gave the organizers a chance to support Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, where both women volunteer and foster dogs.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to combine our two favorite things,” Scheeler said. “We also love dogs, and the money we raise will go to one of our favorite charities.”
Why “Thriller”? Scheeler said the song has a way of bringing generations together.
“I grew up with the song, which was really popular when I was in high school,” she said. “Your generation knows it from the Michael movie. We wanted to pull everyone together with his famous tune.”
From Rehearsal Room to King Street
The organizers originally hoped for 100 dancers. They capped participation at 105, with a wait list still waiting in the wings.
It was an adults-only performance because rehearsals were held at Port City Brewing Company. The dancers took eight lessons to prepare, and Scheeler said the months of practice created something more than a one-night event.
“An added benefit was the friendships we made during the months of preparation,” she said. “Many people have made friends for life.”
Professional dancer Jelasia taught the choreography. Scheeler, who knows her from Zumba classes, said Jelasia’s Michael Jackson-inspired costume was her favorite of the night.
Knapp said the makeup came from the community, too. Several participants are makeup artists or performers who donated supplies, while organizers bought extra Halloween touches—“blood that washes off, and other gooey things,” she said.
Dancing for the Dogs
The event’s first count showed $3,700 in participant donations, with additional gifts still being tallied. The money will support Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, which works to save dogs and cats through foster care, medical treatment and transport from high-risk shelters.
“Barb and I both volunteer with Lucky Dog, and we have fostered dogs for years,” Knapp said. “We are dog fanatics and especially love rescue dogs.”
The organizers hope the flash mob will rise again next year. To follow future events or learn how to get involved, find Dance for the Dogs ALX on Facebook and Instagram at #danceforthedogsalx.
