Michael Jackson: Dancing to Th

The year of 1958 gave birth to the thrill of the 1980’s. Michael Joe Jackson was a sensation ever since he set foot on stage at the age of 5. His ability to dance and sing helped launch the Jackson 5’s career as well as his own. His mother Katherine Jackson said, “You know how babies move uncoordinated? He never moved that way. When he danced, it was like he was an older person.” (qtd. in Nicholson)

As a natural born dancer, he had to ability to move like anyone and no one, but didn’t know it until later in his life. As Jackson grew up, he watched street dancers and mimes perform. He also watched great dancers on television, such as James Brown. He idolized James Brown and got angry every time the cameraman would not show his feet enough during a performance. Observing each move, many times he acquired them and mixed them with his o

Michael Jackson’s live performances also set a standard that each generation attempts to outdo. Even with all lights extravaganza and special effects, it was his dancing that put the cherry on top. As Jackson performed more and more, he naturally designed some old moves and learned new ones. Instead of the traditional Moonwalk, Michael spiced things up and introduced a Side-Moonwalk that allowed him to slide sideways across the floor and send the crowd wild.

that art form…If you watch MTV, the odds are that someone will be grabbing his crotch. And Michael Jackson isn’t the first. Rock performers have been grabbing their crotches for a long time.”

His dance performance had impressed even he best of dancers. He received a call from Fred Astaire, one of Jackson’s heroes. Along with Astaire, dancers Gene Kelly and Sammy Davis Jr. praised his routine. It seemed that from that night, children everywhere began to imitate Michael’s unique style.

It was also said that Michael’s Robot was taken from both street dancers and mimes. All this is probably true, but although he may not have been the originator, it was his performances that spread the trends worldwide. But aside from those two moves, the single most well known dance that Michael has popularized is the Moonwalk.

With Michael Jackson setting a standard for videos, many artists have followed in his footsteps. He also incorporates his dance into a storyline in many of his videos. Not only do they form stories that follow the song, but sometimes the videos can be considered a short film. Captain Eo, Smooth Criminal, and many others including recent videos are considered short films.

Mike Royko, correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle, wrote, “Nor is Michael Jackson the most renowned crotch-grabber. Madonna is more widely hailed for

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