According to choreographer Travis Payne, Michael Jackson enjoyed watching videos of the more than 1,500 Filipino Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) inmates who performed the choreography to "Thriller" in 2007. He would apparently watch videos of the inmate dance during breaks from his This Is It tour rehearsals.
Michael Jackson and choreographer Travis Payne
Byron Garcia, a security consultant for the prison reports that many of the inmates were not initially receptive to the idea of participating in choreographed dances. However, it became an activity that kept the prisoners busy during down time in a positive and healthy way.
Filipino inmates from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center dance to "They Don't Really Care About Us" by Michael Jackson
I just learned that the CPDRC inmates perform to other songs including Michael Jackson's "Thriller," "Dangerous," the Village People's "Y.M.C.A," and others.
Filipino inmates from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center dance to "Thriller" by Michael Jackson
When I viewed the beginning of the film I thought...they actually allowed a female to play Michael Jackson's love interest from the Thriller video?
I thought this was odd being that it is an all male prison however, it turns out that the "female" is actually played by a male. He does a very good job at playing the "damsel in distress".
Filipino inmates from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center dance to "Dangerous" by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson's "Dangerous" routine is one of my favorites so I really appreciated this one.
I can only imagine how long it took choreographer Travis Payne to teach these men the routines. I am curious as to whether all of the inmates were interested in performing or if they did not have a choice in the matter. I am also curious to know whether the 1,500 inmates that participated make up the entire prison or if there are other inmates that reside at the facility but did not participate.
I believe story telling is an art form and blogging is a medium in which to share stories and ideas. Within this blog I hope to cover a spectrum of topics. From the serious to the silly. Here you will read my views and inquiries about subjects such as feminism, other various socio-political issues, psychology, spirituality, sexuality, and general interests such as film, art and music. You will also be exposed to my obsession with cupcakes, tea, books, Hello Kitty, and quirky day to day journeys. I enjoy learning from others as I am constantly attempting to introspect, grow and evolve. During this process I will be jotting down musings on this blog. Pull up a comfy chair and a spot of tea and join me!
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