Thrill The Villages began with 10 people learning a dance in a recreation center. Six years later, more than 200 members are part of the group, which had 38 performances scheduled this October.

They come together around Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” performing the six-minute routine in zombie makeup and costumes. They also participate in the worldwide phenomenon Thrill The World.

Some members are experienced dancers. Others arrive having never learned choreography, but founder Bonnie Stein says that shouldn’t keep anyone from joining.

“There’s room for different abilities and personalities, even as the dancers work toward a coordinated performance,” Bonnie says. “I mean, we are zombies.”

That doesn’t mean the choreography is easy. The group teaches the steps, breaks down the movements and provides videos for practice between rehearsals.

Auditions for new members take place in spring, and rehearsals start in August. By October, the aim is for everyone to feel ready to perform together.

While most members are women, men sometimes join the show, too. Kevin Aker signed up for the socializing and the exercise.

“I told my wife that I wanted to do this before we even moved to The Villages because I love ‘Thriller’ and when you retire you need to fill in spaces,” Kevin says. “This group provides us with a great social environment but also exercise, so I can get all of the benefits all at once.”

For Bonnie, the connection to “Thriller” predates her move to The Villages. She began performing the dance in 2008 while living in St. Petersburg, where she was part of Thrill St. Pete. When the 2020 event was canceled during the pandemic, she emailed a few people about learning the dance locally.

“At the time, recreation center gatherings were limited to 10 people,” Bonnie says. “That first small group became the beginning of Thrill The Villages.”

Bonnie expected it might be a one-year activity. Instead, the response encouraged the dancers to continue, with early performances at country clubs and, during social distancing, at driveway parties.

Last year, the group gathered at Brown & Brown Farms for its synchronized Thrill The World performance.

The costumes develop alongside the dancing. Rather than asking members to buy something new, the group encourages them to use clothes they no longer wear or find pieces at Goodwill and other thrift stores. Two workshops show members how to cut, distress and dirty the clothes, or “how to zombie up your clothes,” as Bonnie puts it.

Bonnie says professional makeup artist Brian LaPalme visits twice during the season, demonstrating looks ranging from simple to intricate and gory.

Carol Abbate, 82, dressed as a bride this year to honor her wedding anniversary.

“Last year when we were here full time in The Villages, I saw the group perform, and it looked like so much fun,” Carol says. “It was making me so happy, and I said, ‘Well, this is something I can do to make other people happy, too.’ It keeps me young. I’ve always loved dancing, and I thank God every day that I can do what I do at 82.”

The weeks spent learning and preparing have created connections that extend beyond the performances.

“It has been unbelievable,” Bonnie says of the friendships and relationships that have flourished.

The group has also found ways to support others. After members were diagnosed with breast cancer, its Pink Zombies effort took on personal significance. This year, Bonnie says, the group donated $1,000 to the breast cancer center at UF Health Spanish Plaines.

Members also attend an annual Halloween party for Best Buddies, involving adults with special needs who live with their parents in The Villages.

The zombie appearances themselves, however, have a more limited calendar.

“On Nov. 1 each year, we zombies go into hibernation and come back the next year to thrill the audiences once again,” Bonnie says.

Photos by Gina Horan