Buckin’ Backhoes

St. Louis is no exception, thanks to the happy feet and loose hips of Katie Millitzer, a 27-year-old fitness instructor at the Mid-County YMCA in Brentwood. Millitzer has taken it upon herself to teach the zombie moves as many St. Louisans as possible so this city can ably represent in the "Thrill the World" dance October 27. For all you "Thriller" neophytes out there, that's going to be a worldwide rendition performed simultaneously and in real time in an attempt to break the "Guinness World Record for the Largest Thriller Dance." (Canada currently claims the honor.)

Unreal visited a practice session last week to learn more about Millitzer's calling. She was so busy working the floor with some 50 zombies that we pumped her husband, Joe, for a few explanations.

Unreal: Really, there's just one question to ask, and that is, why?

Joe Millitzer: It's a neat thing to do for October, but the back story is this: We were out at Hooters after her sister's wedding, and one of her sister's bridesmaids busted out into the dance right in the middle of Hooters, and we were all like, "Wow!" Katie basically decided: I need to know how to do that.

And you were, like...?

Yes!

So she wasn't predisposed.

She's really into zombies. Loves zombies. We get zombie movies on Netflix once a week. And we've checked out the Zombie Squad in St. Louis. I think she likes the concept of "the other." I personally checked out the Michael Jackson jacket selling on eBay, and they want like $200 to $400 for it! It's insane! I guess it's all about the zippers.

Aha. So is everybody going to dress up?

As Katie likes to say, you died when you became a zombie, so whether you're a sailor or a French maid, come as you are — just zombie it up a little bit.

I guess she'll have to go as Michael.

Yeah, I'm working on it. We'll get her a black wig. We want to make her look like Michael Jackson looks now — like a white lady. It shouldn't be hard.

Easier than the dance, anyway!

Want to join in? Be at the Mid-County Y (1900 Urban Dr., Brentwood; 314-962-9450) by 7:15 p.m. sharp on Monday, October 22.