Students from Viola L. Sickles School in Fair Haven Serve Up Halloween Treat -- A Surprise Flash Mob Dance

Spectators enjoying the Halloween Parade on October 31 at Viola L. Sickles School in Fair Haven received a spine-tingling surprise.

Led by Vanessa Berry, Owner/Director of Kick Dance Studios in Fair Haven and Rumson, the students in first through third grades entertained the crowd with an impressive flash mob dance.

As music blared through the sound system provided by Monmouth Stereo of Shrewsbury, Berry led the students through an exciting array of choreographed moves to the tunes of “Thriller” and “Zombie Style”.

The performance-- the first of its kind -- was the brainchild of local parent Bennett Coleman, who reached out to Berry for her expertise.

“I immediately answered ‘Yes!’” said Berry, who instructs many local students and has two children in the Fair Haven School System – first-grader Henry and fourth-grader Sadie.

“We had just three rehearsals, and all of the students worked really hard,” said Berry. “This was a great opportunity for the children currently taking dance lessons to show off their moves, as well as for all of the students to enjoy demonstrating what they learned.”

Susan Culbert, mother of third-grader James, was one of the parents enjoying the spectacle.

“I thought all of the students were utterly charming,” said Culbert. “I was impressed by them.”

The Sickles Halloween parade, a long and storied tradition, features a procession of teachers and students from Pre-Kindergarten through third grade in a dazzling array of Halloween attire.

Sickles School Principal Cheryl Cuddihy, outfitted as a roll of candy “dots” as were all of the faculty members, expressed appreciation for those who made the performance possible.

“I am so grateful to Vanessa Berry for the donation of her time, and to Monmouth Stereo for the donated use of their equipment,” she said. “I also want to express my thanks to Bennett Coleman, who was instrumental in organizing this wonderful activity.”