Before we learn how to learn how to make a moonwalk, let's find out what it is. Moonwalk (sliding backward) is one of the most popular dance tricks of the twentieth century, which creates the illusion of moving forward, although the dancer moves backward. A thorough mastery of technology allows you to move sideways, forward and even in a circle.
Moonwalk: Before Jackson and After
For the first time, something like a moonwalk was demonstrated by jazz musician Cab Callow back in 1932. Well, in a performance close to modern, it could be seen in 1945 in the painting "Children of Paradise." There, with a lunar gait, two mimes expertly walked. After that, many actors, dancers and singers took it into service. Each of them tried to bring something new to the technique of movement. For example, rock singer David Bowie performed this dance technique for the first time, remaining in place. Here through dance the whole power of art was manifested. In 1974, Michael Jackson attended a rocker concert, and nine years later he walked the moonwalk on a television show. A little later, during the performance of the song "Billie Jean", the trick was repeated, which Michael made him popular all over the world and turned into his business card.
How to learn to make a moonwalk?
1. Stand sideways in front of the mirror. Hands relaxed, legs together. The mass of the body is evenly distributed on both legs.
2. We put the left leg back on the toe, and then slowly transfer the body weight to it, slightly leaning back. Hold this position to feel the emphasis on the leg.
3. With a sliding movement we move the right leg back, trying not to tear it off the floor. It is necessary to slip as far as possible, while the weight of the body remains on the left leg.
4. At that moment, when the heel of the left foot falls to the floor, the heel of the right rises. The body mass is calmly transferred to the right leg (this is the key point in the question: “How to learn to make a moonwalk?”).
5. Now the left leg is free and can freely slide back on the floor. As soon as the sliding backwards reaches the farthest position, the heels of the legs change (left - raise, right - lower) and the body weight is again transferred to the left leg. It turns out that we are returning to point 2. These movements must be looped one after another and smoothly moved back. The position in paragraph No. 1 is the starting position, and it is not necessary to repeat it. Once your legs get used to all positions, work on pace and smoothness. It is important to slide only in a straight line and not deviate. Success will also depend on shoes and flooring. Remember the performances of Michael Jackson. Personally, I don’t remember a single one where he slipped in sneakers, because the frictional force they have is much higher than that of ordinary shoes. At first, I advise you to use socks and be sure to track movements in the mirror or using video.
If you haven’t figured out how to learn how to make a moon walk, then watch the instructional video from the “learn to dance together” category or go to a multidisciplinary dance studio where you can master this technique under the guidance of a professional choreographer.