Moonwalking is a world famous dance movement that almost everyone knows. This movement is known not only because of its unusualness, but also due to its great recognition - it is decidedly impossible to mix it up with something else! However, only a few know the truth about the history of dance.
It is widely believed that the author of the moonwalk is Michael Jackson, but this is not so. Yes, it was he who brought this movement to perfection and brought him worldwide fame, but he was not the author - the moonwalk was shown to the public long before his speech, although under a different name. So, back in 1932, this dance movement (albeit in a slightly different form) was used by Cab Calloway, and in 1943 - by the actor Barro. This movement was shown immediately before Jackson's performance - in 1982 it was demonstrated by Jeffrey Daniel.
Yes, and Michael Jackson himself in his book entitled "Moonwalk" admits that even before he went on stage, the moonwalk was used by black ghetto boys. It was with them that he mastered the basic movements, improved something, added something from himself and improved.
So, by 1983, the new movement was completely improved and honed by the famous singer. This year, Motown River celebrated its anniversary, and in her honor the singer performed the song "Billie Jean" and an unusual dance that instantly became popular. It is not surprising that many believe that it was Michael Jackson who authored it - the moonwalk made him famous, and he made her world famous.
Today this movement is used in many dances. Hundreds of thousands of people can already perform it, and hundreds of thousands more dream of learning. In fact, Michael Jackson's moonwalk is quite simple, and to perform it does not need any special talent. All you need is free time and a sincere, active desire to learn.
To master the moonwalk, you need the following: soft shoes with smooth soles without heels, if there is none, you can train in thick socks; a large mirror (preferably in full growth) - you need to train in front of him in order to see all your mistakes and correct them immediately; a room with a smooth floor (linoleum, parquet or floor tiles) - only on a smooth floor can gliding movements form the basis of the dance.
Before you start training, you need to warm up. Particular attention should be paid to the ankle, because when performing the lunar gait it is on him that the main load falls. As a warm-up, exercises such as turns and tilts of the body, squats, walking on the heels, toes, outer and inner side of the foot, rotation of the foot, and running in place can be performed . Good results can bring rubbing the legs and feet.
After the warm-up is carried out, you should take the initial position of the dance: the shoulders are straight, the spine is straight, the heel of the right foot touches the toe of the left. The left leg is bent at the knee, stands on the toe.
Next, you should swap the legs as follows: while continuing to lean on the toe of the left, you need to start sliding right back. During sliding, the right leg should bend at the knee, and the left, on the contrary, should be straightened. Next, you need to swap legs again. Moonwalking is based precisely on this movement.
The most important thing is to carry out all movements as smoothly as possible and not take your feet off the floor. Only after these movements with the legs are honed to perfection can any hand movements be added to them, whether it be a wave or the usual pat of one's own sides.
Once all the movements are mastered, you can begin to train to the music and video of Michael Jackson and achieve synchronous performance with him.