Zombies gather to do the Macarena Thriller dance!

Rarely does such a wonderful event come into our inbox that we must write about it right away. But this one blends a few things that have aged well: Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” because it’s an awesome piece of music, and zombies, because they are difficult to kill.

So set your calendar for October 24. About 200 local dancers and zombie-files will meet at the El Torreon Ballroom (3103 Gillham Plaza) and join thousands of other dancers from across the world (China and Pakistan in the house) for a synchronized “Thriller” dance.

This sucker will be so big, all dancers have a chance to be part of a Guinness World Record attempt.

The rhythm-challenged can attend one of nine area dance workshops prior to the event (see Thrill the World KC.com for details) and learn how to turn everyday clothes into zombie gear — because zombie-wear is compulsory. The final crash course for dancers is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the day of the event. Final dance practice, make-up application and registration will begin at 4 p.m.

The event includes other live entertainment and a silent auction that benefit the the Children’s Place and the Bishop Sullivan Center. General admission is $5 for adults ($3 with two non-perishable food items), and $3 for kids (free with the food). Guaranteed seats are $20 and VIP status is $75.

Dancing starts at 7:30 p.m. with a countdown and then the music rolls. The dance itself takes only 5 minutes and ends with that creepy madman’s laugh. It looks rather like this: