Dance Moves

Michael Jackson Dance Moves

We are going to take a closer look at learning some Michael Jackson dance moves and steps! We are going to start with a closer look at 3 really famous Michael Jackson dance moves and steps, The Moonwalk, The Side slide and a little bit of Thriller! The best way to learn something is to get as much information about the subject and practice! If you can’t make it to the Michael Jackson class then you can get to work with all the routines and moves with the Michael Jackson dance DVDs at home. There are 3 articles linked below which include links to free short Michael Jackson lessons clips.
1) The Moonwalk
Although Michael Jackson hugely popularised the moonwalk, as it is known today, the step is also known as the “backslide”. The moonwalk is actually a slightly different move which is a combination of floating, gliding and sliding, and has a more circular movement, which I like to call the “circle slide”.
Michael Jackson first showcased the moonwalk in his legendary performance of “Billie Jean” in 1983 at the Motown 25th anniversary show. But in actual fact dancers like the legendary Jeffrey Daniel, who subsequently choreographed for Michael Jackson were performing the backslide years earlier. Before that James Brown performed a kind of moonwalk but it was a street dancer called Cooley Jackson who apparently taught Michael Jackson the backslide.
One of the most impressive backslides was performed in 1955 at the end of a tap sequence by the entertainer Bill Bailey. It is clear though, that although he did not invent it, it was Michael Jackson who has made the move world famous. So I think we should give it a try…here goes!
Full “Learn the Moonwalk” article
2) The Side Moonwalk
The next dance step we’re going to take a look at is called a “glide”. We are going to try and glide toward the side giving the illusion that we are floating on air, effortlessly. A glide is very much related to popping and is very similar to the moonwalk, but has more of an effortless, smooth quality to it. We will be using our feet to push, pull and turn to create the illusion. This move was popularised, again by Michael Jackson but has recently been attempted and varied by pop artists like Justin Timberlake and Usher, who have tried to add their own unique interpretation to the step.
I personally like the smooth yet sharp quality of Michael Jackson’s glide. I like to call the step the “side slide” and it is one of my favourite steps, as it is quick and easy to perform after it has been mastered. Feel free to vary it and add your own interpretation and ideas to the move.
This is essentially a street dance step and consists of pretty unnatural body movements. Which adds to the illusion, as it looks like it is impossible to do, but only adds to the surreal effect. It’s important to remember to learn one step at a time.
Firstly, break down the move and isolate each component; next master each one; and later join them together. Isolation is the key to this step; that is, moving different parts of your body independently of the rest. This requires focus and practice. But after a little practice it becomes second nature – you’ll start enjoying it once you’ve practised so much that you stop thinking about the steps, and just let your body go with the flow.
As with every step or piece of choreography, try and allow the music to flow “through” you as opposed to dancing “on” the beat. One way of doing this is to literally imagine you are part of the music or an instrument in it, like a drum. Most important is practice and methodical conditioning. So let’s have a closer look at the “side slide”…
3) Thriller Dance
a) It is very easy to make the Thriller dance routine look terrible! ☺ The thing to remember is that you have to do this with high energy and real intention otherwise you will look like a complete nutter!
b) It’s also important to remember that this was choreographed by Michael Peters it is a JAZZ and FOSSE inspired piece of choreography. You must keep your lines completely straight. Make sure that you keep your spine completely straight like somebody is pulling you up with a piece of string. Try to keep hip movement to a minimum.
c) After the initial walk forward lean back about 40 degrees. Make sure that you keep straight and elongate every move. In fact, leaning back and will facilitate the moves and a good transition by encouraging the correct body posture (i.e., your shuffle to the right). At no point do you lean over and forward, even though you might feel like doing that with your shuffle forward and claws: stay leaning back with weight on the back leg. In fact, try and focus on keep the front leg as straight as you can.
d) Keep your arms straight! When you are doing your hip shuffle KEEP YOUR ARMS HORIZONTAL AND PERFECTLY STRAIGHT. Do not bounce them or let them drift. Keep leaning back but keep straight and let your hips do the moving.
e) Same with the head movement on the same move (the first “step”, throw your head with real passion and move like a crane. Think about the mechanics of a crane. Don’t just look to the left on that second step. Take your head UPWARDS IN FRONT OF YOU, THEN LOOK TO THE LEFT (WHILST KEEPING IT UP), THEN TAKE YOUR HEAD DOWN. 3 distinct parts and execute it in an energised FOSSE like style. This is what makes it look amazing.
f) Small things make a big difference! When you are walking forwards at the beginning…it’s not a walk! It’s a shuffle. Keep your legs LOCKED, do not bend at the knees, same with your initial shoulder movement. Keep your heels tight together and turn your feet out 45 degrees. Raise your shoulder to its maximum height and just finish it off with your head. Don’t lean into it at all. Keep your spine straight, and certainly DO NOT fall into the habit of moving your hips when you move your shoulder. Straight spine. Isolated shoulder raise, whist shuffling forward with straight locked legs! Keep your claw raised high and really contorted and evil! Let the evil show in your face! Finally, make sure that your elbow stays tucked in, don’t let it move out of alignment with your shoulder raise. It’s Thriller! ☺