Cebu, Philippines
Convicted murderers, drug dealers, and rapists are keeping fit in a Philippine prison by dancing in formation to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Security consultant Byron Garcia started teaching the dance routines last year as a way of encouraging the men to exercise. Now, hundreds of dancers in orange jumpsuits perform the “zombie dance” twice a day. Other prisoners prefer to don nuns’ habits, which are provided by the authorities, and do a number from the Whoopi Goldberg film Sister Act. Footage of the prison-yard performances has become popular on Youtube.com. Garcia said the dancing has had a positive effect on morale and discipline. “Three years ago, these inmates were very unruly,” he told Al Jazeera.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.