In 2007, more than 1,500 Filipino inmates performed the choreography for “Thriler” and Michael Jackson became their fan. Travis Payne, Jackson’s choreographer said that Jackson watched the videos of Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) prisoners during breaks from his tour rehearsals for “This Is It“.

According to the New York Times, Bryon decided to post videos of the prisoners dancing online to publicize some of the positive changes he implemented at Cebu since joining the staff in 2004.

Watch “Dancing Inmates – Michael Jackson’s This Is It”