Dancing prisoners

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.