Amanda Emsland wants to use her love of Michael Jackson to make the world a better place.
The Nelsonite is planning a trip to Africa to do humanitarian work along with members of World Dance Santa Barbara, a group she danced with when she lived in California.
As a fundraiser for her trip, she’s hosting two dance classes this weekend to teach choreography of Jackson’s 80’s hit, “Thriller.” People who learn the dance can join in the international Thrill the World movement this October when people around the world will be dressing up as funky zombies and hosting “Thriller” flash mobs simultaneously around the world.
She says the choreography is easy for anyone to learn.
“I’ll be teaching the toned down, everyone can do this, Thrill The World version of the Thriller choreography with lots of repetition,” Emsland said.
The organization has YouTube tutorials for people to keep practising the moves on the own.
“It’s pretty much set up so you can come to a class, get the basics and go home and learn it with your friends,” she said.
Emsland doesn’t know if she’ll be back in Nelson this fall to organize the Thrill the World flash mob but hopes to connect with somebody through the classes that would take charge of the event.
It’s possible that when she goes down to Africa, she’ll be staying there. Though the June trip with her dance troupe is only scheduled to last two weeks, she’s open to extending her visit.
“I made sure my plane ticket was flexible, so I could stay if there was more I could do down there,” she said.
Emsland is a registered nurse by trade, though she’s been on a break from her career for three years to make time for a journey of self discovery and living from her heart — something she says Michael Jackson is a shining example of.
“He showed that you can take whatever you’re good at in life — in his case, being an amazing singer and dancer — and use that to change the world,” she explained. “His message is exactly how I feel and think and want to live in the world.”
The “Thriller” dance classes go Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at The Moving Centre (533A Baker Street). Recommended donation for entry is $20 to $30, though any amount is appreciated and no one will be turned away.