Old Town Rises: The night a “Thriller Flash Mob” took over King Street in Alexandria, VA
By Vivienne K., 8, InkandescentKids.com reporter for The Zebra newspaper • With Hope Katz Gibbs, publisher, InkandescentKids.com
Saturday, October 17 — More than a thousand people gathered near the waterfront on King Street tonight to watch a flash mob dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to raise money for Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.
As an Inkandescent Kids magazine reporter, I was on site to cover the event for InkandescentKids.com online and Alexandria’s newspaper, The Zebra.
Here’s what I discovered just before King Street went quiet at dusk — and the dead-icated dance began.
Meet the women behind the Thriller: Coldwell Banker Realty agents Barb Scheeler and Rachel Knapp
Makeup is a must: Preparations for the 5 p.m. event began two hours earlier, when the performers got their makeup done and got into character. I was there to watch at 310 King Street and interview Coldwell Banker Realty agents Barb Scheeler and Rachel Knapp, who coordinated the event.
As they were getting ready, Barb and Rachel took time to talk with me.
I spoke with Barb first:
Why did you decide to have a flash mob event?
Barb said: “We wanted to draw attention to Old Town. It’s the coolest place to come on Halloween with all of the decorations. We couldn’t think of a better way to combine our two favorite things. We also love dogs, and the money we raise will go to one of our favorite charities, the Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.”
Why did you pick Michael Jackson’s song Thriller as your theme?
“I grew up with the song, which was really popular when I was in high school. Your generation knows it from the Michael movie. We wanted to pull everyone together with his famous tune.”
Scary dancers and friends: Kate Schlemmer, bride Guinevere Que, Jenny Young, Melissa Schlemmer
With the goal of having 100 people participate, how many people joined?
“We capped it at 105, and there was still a long wait list. It was adults only because we rehearsed at our sponsor’s site, Port City Brewing Company. The dancers took 8 lessons to prepare for the event. An added benefit was the friendships we made during the months of preparation. Many people have made friends for life.”
Who taught the dance class?
“Professional dancer Jelasia is our teacher. I know her from my Zumba classes. She is Michael Jackson on tonight’s dance floor, and her costume is my favorite.”
Rachel answered my next four questions:
Why did you choose to work with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue?
Rachel explained: “Barb and I both volunteer with Lucky Dog, and we have fostered dogs for years. We are dog fanatics and especially love rescue dogs. You can learn more at luckydoganimalrescue.org.”
Where did you get all of that cool makeup?
“A lot of participants are makeup artists and performers, so they donated it. We also bought some of the Halloween-inspired makeup, like blood that washes off, and other gooey things.”
Proceeds from the event go to support Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. How much money did you raise?
“We raised $3,700 just from the dancers who donated money to participate. Others have also donated, and we are tallying the final amount.”
How can people get involved with next year’s event, and also work with this organization? “Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: #danceforthedogsalx”
About our reporter: Vivienne K. is a third grader in Maryland.
InkandescentKids.com is the magazine for kids, by kids, about kids. Founded in August 2025 by award-winning journalist and author Hope Katz Gibbs, her team of professional journalists is on a mission to teach students to think critically — like reporters. Send Hope an email to become an Inkandescent Kids reporter, photographer, illustrator, podcaster, videographer, or to join the kid-powered newsroom: hope@hopegibbs.com
Check out the Michael Jackson kid fans in the crowd:
Mae Parikh, 5, with her parents Becca and Chirag
Sophea Leang as Michael Jackson
