Hundreds of undead shake it in Phoenix

PHOENIX, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Hundreds of "zombies" seemed very much alive as they danced to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" at the Arizona State Fair this weekend.

The 213 zombies in Phoenix Saturday joined thousands around the world in the annual "Thrill the World" stunt who were aiming to break a record for the number moving to the monster hit, The Arizona Republic reported.

Along with the six-minute dance, the Arizona zombies raised more than $1,000 for the Phoenix Children's Hospital. There were 3,362 zombie dancers Saturday, said the Thrill the World Web site.

Penny Hudspeth started the Phoenix Valley chapter seven years ago with nine people in a friend's back yard.

For Irismaria Gonzalez De La Torre, the event provided fun and support for a good cause. "I learned it in a week," said the ballet-trained dancer. "It was amazing, and I love to dance."

The record for "Largest Simultaneous Thriller Dance" was set in 2009 when 22,596 people in 264 cities from 33 countries danced to "Thriller" over two days, Thrill the World said.