In 1983, Michael Jackson performed his famous “moonwalk” dance for the first time and the world was stunned. Although he was not the first to showcase this movement, the world now remembers the movement as the signature movement of the king of pop. By understanding the basic moves and a little practice, you too can master this illusionary move! If you want to know how to dance to the song “Billie Jean” professionally, just follow these steps so you can become 'the master of the moonwalk'.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Prepare
Step 1. Put on a pair of socks
You can do the moonwalk in just about anything, even hiking boots, but as a beginner, make sure your feet are causing as little friction as possible. By wearing socks, you can more easily practice leg movements and glide on the floor.
Once you become a pro, you can even master this move in sneakers, although it may seem impossible at first
Step 2. Dance on the smooth floor
Again, the key is a slick and smooth surface. While you can try this anywhere, a smooth, flat, and non-sticky surface (such as a hardwood or tile floor) will help more. Most dance floors can be used, as well as the kitchen floor in your home. Avoid rough, uneven surfaces, or carpeted areas of the floor.
- If you don't have “one” smooth surface at home, it's a good idea to wear shoes instead of socks.
- Once you become a pro, you can even practice on the carpet.
Method 2 of 2: Performing the Moonwalk
Step 1. Place one foot directly in front of the other and stand with the toes of the back foot
Then, lift your right leg and let your toes touch the floor, roughly around the back of your left foot. Keep your hands together at your sides – you can think about this later. Keep your left foot on a flat floor.
Step 2. Keep your balance
You can do this by increasing the distance between your legs so that you feel stable. The rule of thumb is to place the feet 7.5-15 cm apart (the width of one of them). Once you're more comfortable with this move, you'll be able to moonwalk with your feet together. You can also raise your arms slightly to help maintain balance as you move backwards.
Step 3. Slide the heel of the left foot back and press "into" the floor
Do this while supporting your body with your right leg so that your left foot will be behind your right foot. During this process, the heel of the right foot should remain elevated in the air, with the toes pressed against the floor. Put all the weight you feel onto your left foot that is being lifted so that the foot that is flat on the floor will feel lighter.
Step 4. Kick the heel of your left foot up and your right foot down at the same time
Now you are in the same position when you want to start this dance, only with the position of the feet that are now changing. Your right foot should now be in front of your left and not the other way around. In order to moonwalk properly, at certain times one of your feet must be in the air. Must be one leg; not both, and neither to none.
Step 5. Repeat the previous two steps with the different leg
The new moonwalk can be really mastered by refining this movement over and over again, until you look like you're walking on the moon until your feet move gently backwards without looking stiff.
Step 6. Provide additional movement
Make head movements to add the illusion that you are “walking on the surface of the moon”. As you slide your left foot back, move your head forward as if trailing behind. When changing legs, pull your head back to its original position.
- You can also swing your arms as you move your legs, or raise your shoulders and then grab a hat (if you're wearing one). This is what Michael Jackson did.
- You can also use your entire body (not just your legs) to make a move as if you were walking on the moon.
Tips
- The ends of your feet should not be "at all" pointing upwards.
- Historical fact: The real name of this movement is actually not the moonwalk, but the "back slide". During Michael Jackson's golden era, the mass media mistakenly named this movement the moonwalk and it persists to this day.
- Practice as much as possible.
- This technique is actually a combination of two different mime movement techniques, namely “walking in place” – sometimes called “walking pulling” and “walking pressing.” Mastering the two movement techniques separately can make it easier and smoother for you to master the moonwalk.
- You can easily see your appearance if you use two mirrors (one is in front and the other is on the side).
- Once you learn the moves, you can practice using the rhythm of the music.
- Start slowly while practicing movement by movement methodically. Then, you can gradually increase your speed until you get the perfect move. Make sure the movement you do is powerful.
- Once you think you've got the hang of it, invite friends to watch it and get their honest opinion before you try it at the club.
- Once you've mastered the back leg pull, you can sharpen the moonwalk in place, then the forward moonwalk. The trick to doing it perfectly is to sharpen the slide-and-slam part of the movement, and, of course, synchronize the rest of the body so that you look like you're walking/sliding backwards even though you're actually moving forward.
- If you are a beginner, start on a smooth surface and wear socks.
- Socks will really help you.
- It can also be very helpful to first hold onto another object around you, then perform this movement slowly with your free hand.
- Swing your arms as if you were walking normally. When your left foot slides back, your right hand should swing forward, and vice versa. Another variation of the movement that you can do is to put both hands in your pants pockets while doing the moonwalk.
- Watch how people do the moonwalk. You'll find it easier to do it once you've seen someone else do it first. If you know someone who can moonwalk, see how he does it and ask for advice. If none of your friends can moonwalk, great; You can be the first. Watch the video to learn how Michael Jackson and others did the moonwalk.
