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Moonwalk as a
dance move
The moonwalk is a well known breakdance move that gained widespread
popularity after being performed by Michael Jackson, first on
the 1983 television special rental Motown 25: Yesterday, Today,
Forever, and has since become his signature move. Indeed, although he
did not invent the move, the move is so closely associated with him.
Alright, lets get this party started:
The effect
The idea of the moon walk is do give the illusion that the dancer is
walking forwards whilst mysteriously moving backwards, giving the
appearance that the dancer is sliding unnaturally backwards even
though he should be moving forwards.
How is the moon walk dance done
As stated before, when done properly the dancer looks like he is
walking forward normally, however this is not true, in fact, neither
foot ever should be lifted entirely off the ground. The effect is
gained by putting all your weight on the ball/toes of one of your
feet, and putting the other foot flat on the ground, in front of your
raised foot. The dancer then proceeds to slide his foot backwards
whilst slightly raising and lowering the other foot to give a
'stepping' effect. When done properly the raised foot looks like it is
stepping forward and the flat foot looks like it is on the ground,
going "past" the raised foot. Once this is done the feet swap roles
and another step is taken. When joined together properly and natural
body movements are used, the illusion can be remarkable.
While moonwalking sounds easy in theory, it is a dance move that is
incredibly difficult to master, as even when one can do the correct
movements, one still may lack the subtle movements that actually give
the effect, with the type of shoes the dancer is wearing making a big
difference on the effect. Also it initially feels like a very
unnatural move, and can take months to learn. However, when it is
pulled off properly dancers report that it does indeed feel like you
are gliding backwards.
Moonwalk
The Moonwalk was a factor in what set Michael apart and clearly in
a league of his own in the realm of superstardom.
Michael did not invent the move, but perfected it and made it his
own. First shown to the world at the Motown 25th Annviverary in a
performance of "Billie Jean". Although to the viewing world the
performance fantastic, Michael himself was not happy with it,
being the perfectionist he is. Nevertheless the performance at
Motown 25, especially the performance of "Billie Jean" which
featured the Moonwalk, will always be remembered as a magic moment
in the history of music entertainment.
Learn to Moonwalk
The moonwalk is a kind of an illusion and takes alot of practice.
Below are the best Moonwalk instructions I could find so why not
have some fun and give it a try .
Step 1. Find a pair of low
grip shoes you could try to do it in your socks to start off with.
Step 2. Make sure that the
ground you use to practise to moonwalk on is also not too grippy,
try and find a polished floor.
Step 3. Stand with both
feet close to each other, left foot slightly ahead of the right
(toes of right should be in line with half the left foot)
Step 4. Now raise the heel
of the right foot so that you are standing on the front of the
right foot as if you are taking a step. The left foot must stay
where it is (take care not to move it).
Step 5. As you lower the
heel of the right foot, lean all your weight on the right foot,
and drag back the left foot to so that its toes are in line with
the heel of the right foot. The left foot's heel must be slightly
off the ground at this stage. As you drag back, do not push down
on the left foot at all or it will not glide. Make sure as you
lower the heel of the right foot (slowly) the left moves at an
equal speed. This will need lots of practice to master the right
speed.
Step 6. Keep practicing up to the
above steps until you can make the movement subconsciously
without any difficulty.
Step 7. Once you have
mastered that, "kick" outwards with the left foot, but although
not quite touching the ground, make it look as if it is touching.
Move it out a foot-size's worth away from the toes of the right.
No part of the left foot should be raised higher than another.
Step 8. After you make your
left foot move so it is at the starting position, lift up the heel
once more of the right foot. Make sure the left leg is bent at the
knee. Now repeat step 5. Keep practicing until you have the whole
thing figured out, and it has been verified by others, and you
feel quite comfortable with it. You should eventually get that
gravity-defying effect and you'll MoonWalk like the pro.
Step 9. Once you've figured
it out for the right leg bending, switch legs, and try the same
with the other foot. Lift heel of left, lower left as you glide
right back. Left still on the ground, throw out right foot, lift
up heel of left foot, and once again drag right foot back as left
heel is lowered.
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