Do you Remember the Time 203 dancers blamed it on the boogie and performed Michael Jackson’s Thriller routine at Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey? It wasn’t Bad.

Adults and children from across Swale recreated the iconic ‘80s music video at the school’s site in Minster Road, Minster, last Wednesday.

Sixth-form dance students Fleur White and Demi Planson came up with the idea to showcase the talents of local youngsters and engage the community as part of a Youth Dance Platform Project.

Children from Eastchurch, St Edward’s, St George’s, Richmond Academy and Elliott Park learned the steps in their own schools and joined the final performance dressed as zombies.

Entertainment was provided by a staff band, Star Academy Stage School from Sittingbourne and year 13 pupil Jordan King who warmed up the audience with a drum solo.

Mayor of Swale, Cllr George Bobbin and mayoress, Brenda Bobbin, verified the number of people taking part and helped to judge the best costumes.

Alongside the dancers, a further 200 members of the public attended the evening.

Head of dance, Chantelle Crofsky, said: “I am so proud of what we created. I have had the pleasure of working with a talented team of staff and students at the academy who together have created a thrilling and inspiring event.

“We were delighted that five primary schools were able to join us and it was a pleasure to have danced with so many talented and enthusiastic children.”

A total of £250 was raised for the Swale Youth Development Fund through donations and fundraising ideas created by candidates from last year’s Academy Apprentice competition.

Students Abbie Jane Barnes, Keely Smith, Kacy Brend, Keely Riches, Ocean Ratcliffe, Ivanna Aitkin-Thompsett, Caitlin Claringbold, Maddison Drake-Barnett and Chelsey Claringbold looked after the guess the weight of the cake, bobbing apples, hide ‘n’ shriek, lucky dip and raffle stalls.

Executive principal David Millar said: “How wonderful to see so many of our community come together to have fun and raise money for charity.

“The standards of costume and dancing were excellent and everyone had such a great time. Thank you to everyone involved – I can’t wait for next year.”

The academy is looking to create a collage and film about the night and anyone who took photographs or videos can email them to: thrilltheisland@oasisisleofsheppey.org.

BLOB For more on the academy, see page 10.