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Do you want to learn how to moonwalk like Michael Jackson? If you want to recreate Michael Jackson's legendary Motown performance of "Billie Jean", then you need to learn how to moonwalk. Although it looks complicated, it can be broken down into a few simple steps. Read on to learn how to moonwalk like Michael Jackson.
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Moonwalking Tips
- Practice on a smooth surface.
- Start slowly. Speed will come later.
- Practice one step until you get it down before moving on to the next step.
- Don't add head and arm movements until you have perfected your foot movements.
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Introduction
- When most people think of the Moonwalk they think Michael Jackson. Some even believe that Jackson created the moonwalk, probably because Jackson claimed that he did in his autobiography Moonwalk.MSNBC: Did Michael Jackson Invent the Moonwalk? He didn't; however, he did reintroduce the dance to popular culture on May 16, 1983, by performing it on the Motown 25th Anniversary Special.History.com: Michael Jackson "Moonwalks" The move, originally called the backslide, was called the moonwalk.History.com: Michael Jackson "Moonwalks" In reality, the backslide or moonwalk had been performed for years by dancing greats such as Bill Bailey and Sammy Davis, Jr.YouTube Video: Origins of the Moonwalk (Time: 3:43)
What You'll Need to Learn How to Moonwalk like Michael Jackson
- Basically, you only need two things to learn how to moonwalk: a smooth surface and a pair of socks or smooth-soled shoes. You will also want to make sure you are wearing comfortable clothing. You may also opt to having the song "Billie Jean" playing in the background.
- It is easiest to learn the moonwalk wearing socks.The Sun: Learn Moonwalk in Mins (June 6, 2006) However, you could also wear pair of smooth-soled shoes. Avoid shoes like sneakers that have grip.
- Wood and marble floors are the perfect surface for learning the moonwalk. However, a low-pile carpet can work in a pinch.
- YouTube Video: Origins of the Moonwalk (Time: 3:43)
Step 1: Starting Position
- Start with both feet together slightly closer than shoulder width apart.Hub Pages: Learn Moonwalk
- Move your right foot back slightly. The toes of your right foot should align with the middle of your left foot.All Michael Jackson.com: Michael Jackson Dance Moves Moonwalk Steps to Learn However, this placement is not strict.
- Lift your right heel so you are standing on the ball of your right foot.
- Keep your left foot flat.Dancing 102: Today's Style of Dancing: Different Types of Dance Moves
- All your weight should be on your right leg.Flashmavi: Learn the Moonwalk
- Make sure you bend your right knee.Dancing 102: Today's Style of Dancing: Different Types of Dance Moves
- YouTube Video: Pantomime Lesson: "How to Moonwalk" (Time: 3:56)
Step 2: Slide the Left Foot
- Slide your left foot back while lowering the heel of your right foot. Your two feet should move at the same speed.All Michael Jackson.com: Michael Jackson Dance Moves Moonwalk Steps to Learn
- Keep your left foot flat and left leg straight.Dancing 102: Today's Style of Dancing: Different Types of Dance Moves
- Stop when the toes of your left foot are aligned with the heel of your right foot (although you can move your foot further back).All Michael Jackson.com: Michael Jackson Dance Moves Moonwalk Steps to Learn
- Do not push down on your left foot when sliding (or you will not slide).The Sun: Learn Moonwalk in Mins (June 6, 2006)
- By the time you finish, your left heel should be slightly off the ground.The Sun: Learn Moonwalk in Mins (June 6, 2006)
- Do not move on to the next step until you can do this one smoothly.All Michael Jackson.com: Michael Jackson Dance Moves Moonwalk Steps to Learn
- Howcast: How To Do the Moonwalk (Time: 1:23)
Step 3: Slide the Right Foot
- When you stop the left foot, you will need to do three things simultaneously:
- Bend your left knee to bring your heel up and place your weight on your left toe.Dancing 102: Today's Style of Dancing: Different Types of Dance Moves
- Put your right heel down by straightening your right leg.Dancing 102: Today's Style of Dancing: Different Types of Dance Moves
- Slide your right foot back until it is aligned with the middle of your left foot (although you can move your foot further back).
- This is the part that can make or break your moonwalk. The smoother it is the better it will look.Hub Pages: Learn Moonwalk
- YouTube Video: How to Moonwalk (Time: 2:14)
Step 4: Slide the Left Foot Again
- Now it is time to repeat with the other leg. Here are the same directions from the second step with the legs reversed:
- Bend your right knee to bring your heel up and place your weight on your right toe.Dancing 102: Today's Style of Dancing: Different Types of Dance Moves
- Put your left heel down by straightening your left leg.Dancing 102: Today's Style of Dancing: Different Types of Dance Moves
- Slide your left foot back until it is aligned with the middle of your right foot (although you can slide your foot further back).
- Expert Village: Moonwalk Dance Demonstration
Step 5: Finishing Touches
- Keep repeating Steps 3 and 4 until you have the moves down. Once you have mastered them, there are a few tips to polish up overall move:
- When you are starting out, practice without any arm or head movements.Flashmavi: Learn the Moonwalk
- Gradually add upper body movement as though you were walking forward normally.
- Keep upper body movements in the same rhythm as the motion in your legs.YouTube Video: How to Moon Walk like Michael Jackson (Time: 2:13)
- The right movements will help create the illusion of forward motion as you slide backwards:
Conclusion
- Now that you have the moonwalk down, perhaps you want to move on to other breakdancing moves such as a baby freeze, a backspin, the 6-step. Don't forget to check out Mahalo's other how to dance pages such as How to Dance, How to Breakdance, How to Dance in a Nightclub and How to Dance with a Partner.
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