Moonwalk (dance) facts for kids
The moonwalk is a super cool dance move where you look like you're gliding backward, even though your body seems to be walking forward! It's also sometimes called the "backslide." This amazing move became famous all over the world when the legendary singer Michael Jackson performed it in 1983. He loved the moonwalk so much that he used it in many of his concerts and shows. People often say Michael Jackson gave the "backslide" its new name, the "moonwalk," and it became his special dance move!
How to Do the Moonwalk Dance Move
The moonwalk creates an amazing illusion that makes it look like the dancer is floating backward. Here's how it generally works:
- First, one foot is flat on the ground, pointing forward.
- The other foot is behind it, up on its toes (like you're on your tiptoes).
- The flat front foot then slides smoothly backward past the foot that's on its toes.
- As the front foot slides back, the foot that was on its toes now becomes the new front foot and lowers flat.
- The other foot (which is now behind) lifts up onto its toes.
- You repeat these steps over and over. This makes it look like you're being pulled backward by an invisible force, even though you're trying to walk forward!
Michael Jackson and the Moonwalk's Fame
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Michael Jackson first showed off the moonwalk to the public on March 25, 1983. This happened during a TV special called Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. He performed it live in front of an audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
The dance became incredibly famous two months later when the TV show was broadcast. From that moment on, the moonwalk became Michael Jackson's signature move, especially when he sang his hit song "Billie Jean". Michael Jackson even named his autobiography Moonwalk. He also starred in a movie in 1988 called Moonwalker, showing how much this dance meant to him!
