Thrill CMU wants 500 people to break the collegiate world record tonight for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance.

“We are hoping to break the pending record,” said Carly Mills, Central Michigan Life public relations intern and Orleans senior. “We hope that the Guinness Book of World Records will approve our record.”

The current collegiate record for the dance is 242 people performing the dance at one time. The dance will take place at 7 p.m. today in the Indoor Athletic Complex.

Thrill CMU is sponsored by Central Michigan Life, Moore Hall Television and Modern Rock 91.5.

Jeffrey Sell, a Clinton Township junior and a member of 91.5, said sponsoring the event will let students on campus hear and learn about the programs sponsoring the events.

“Thrill CMU is an interesting way for students to learn about different things at the school,” he said. “They get to try and break a record, which is cool.”

Get thrilling

Students need only their campus ID to participate. There will be food, prizes and contests for the largest hall attendance, largest fraternity or sorority attendance.

“I know a lot of students are pretty excited,” Mills said. “There have been decent turnouts for rehearsals. I’ve heard people are excited honoring Michael Jackson.”

There is a video link available at cm-life.com for students to learn the dance. Participants only have to dance for five minutes for the record to be made.

“I think this is something we could possibly break the record.” Mills said. This is a way to encourage other universities to try and break records as well. If people become interested in this event, they might want to attempt to break world records.”

Some students have shown interest in the event.

“I think this is a good way to portray Michael Jackson in a positive light,” said Midland freshman William Cynecki. “He has done a lot for pop culture and music today. It’s a good way for students to honor him.”

E-mail the author: Calyn Sharp