Introduction
If you amazed by the sight of someone doing a moonwalk, you are not alone. The legendary dance step has been made popular by Michael Jackson, and now, everyone wants to master the technique. If you are one of those people who want to learn how to moonwalk, you have come to the right place.
In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide to mastering the moonwalk. We will also provide you with tips to perfect your skills and avoid making common mistakes. And lastly, we will give you routines to try out that are suited for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Moonwalk
The moonwalk is a dance move that gives the illusion of gliding across the floor, while moving backward. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Explanation of Leg Movements
Start by standing with your feet parallel to each other. Now, lift your right heel and shift your weight to the ball of your right foot. At the same time, glide your left foot behind your right foot, so your left heel is slightly lifted and your left toes are on the ground.
Next, shift your weight backwards to the ball of your left foot, and lift your right toes off the ground. As you do this, slide your right foot backwards to meet your left foot. Make sure your right heel stays lifted throughout this movement.
2. Explanation of Upper Body Movements
While you are gliding your left foot behind the right foot, move your right shoulder slightly backwards. As you slide your right foot backwards, move your left shoulder slightly forward. This movement gives the impression that your body is moving in the opposite direction to your feet.
3. Tips for Balance and Timing
When you lift your heel, lean slightly forward to help maintain balance. Keep your knees slightly bent, and your weight evenly distributed on both feet. This helps to avoid losing balance or falling over.
The key to getting the timing right is to practice at a slow pace, then gradually speed up. Listen to the beat of the music and try to time your movements accordingly.
In case you need extra help, you can watch tutorial videos online, or consult with a dance instructor.
For visual learners, we recommend tutorial videos that demonstrate how to do the moonwalk correctly.
10 Tips for Perfecting Your Moonwalking Skills
The moonwalk takes time and effort to perfect. Here are 10 tips to help you improve your moonwalking skills:
1. Getting the Posture Correct
Good posture is the foundation of any dance move. When learning the moonwalk, make sure you stand up straight, with your shoulders relaxed. This helps in maintaining balance and executing the movements with ease.
2. Listen to the Beat of the Music
The moonwalk is all about timing. Listen to the beat of the music and time your movements accordingly. The more you practice, the better you will become in syncing your movements with the tempo of the song.
3. Focusing on Footwork
In the moonwalk, the footwork is crucial. As you slide your foot backward, make sure that it is sliding and not dragging on the ground. This gives the impression that you are gliding across the floor.
4. Practicing in Front of a Mirror
A mirror helps in gauging your progress. When practicing the moonwalk, practice in front of a full-length mirror. This helps in identifying mistakes and correcting them promptly.
5. Wearing Appropriate Footwear
Your choice of footwear will affect your ability to do the moonwalk correctly. Choose shoes that are comfortable, and that provide good traction. This helps in maintaining balance and executing the movements smoothly.
6. Perfecting the Glide
The glide is the most important aspect of the moonwalk. Make sure that you glide your foot backwards, instead of sliding or dragging it on the ground. This gives the impression that you are gliding across the floor.
7. Practicing on Different Surfaces
Practice the moonwalk on various surfaces, such as hardwood floors, carpeted floors, and tiled floors. This helps in adapting to different surfaces, and mastering the movements, regardless of the surface.
8. Practicing with Different Genres of Music
The moonwalk works well with various genres of music, such as pop, R&B, and hip-hop. Experiment with different genres of music to find out which works best with your style of moonwalking.
9. Understanding the Importance of Practice
Moonwalking is not something you can learn overnight. It takes time, patience, and practice, to perfect. Set time aside each day to practice, and gradually increase the pace as you get better.
10. Watching Other People Perform the Moonwalk for Inspiration
Finally, watching other people perform the moonwalk can inspire you to learn the technique. Watch videos of Michael Jackson or other dancers who have perfected the art of moonwalking, to get inspiration and motivation.
History of the Moonwalk
The moonwalk originated in the 1930s, and was a popular dance step among African-American dancers. However, it was Michael Jackson who made the moonwalk famous with his performance of the move during his hit song “Billie Jean” in 1983.
A. Origin of the Moonwalk
The moonwalk is believed to have originated from tap dance. It involves sliding the foot backwards while keeping the toe pointed, then sliding the same foot forwards while keeping the heel off the ground.
B. How Michael Jackson Learned it
Michael Jackson learned the moonwalk from some street dancers in Los Angeles. He was so fascinated by the move that he incorporated it into his “Billie Jean” performance, making it a hit and launching it into mainstream culture.
C. How Michael Jackson Popularized it
Michael Jackson popularized the moonwalk by incorporating it into his music videos and live performances. His fans were intrigued by the move and started imitating it, making it a popular dance step.
D. Interesting Facts About the Moonwalk
The moonwalk is also called the backslide, and it was initially known as the “walkback.” Michael Jackson was not the first to perform the moonwalk, but his version of it popularized the move.
Frequently Made Mistakes When Doing the Moonwalk
Even experienced moonwalkers make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid while doing the moonwalk:
A. Common Mistakes
- Putting too much weight on the heels.
- Not focusing on the upper body movement.
- Bending the knees too much.
- Losing balance.
B. How to Avoid Those Mistakes
- Distribute weight evenly.
- Practice the upper body movement.
- Keep knees slightly bent.
- Maintain balance with the help of a chair or a wall.
Moonwalk Routines for Beginners
If you are starting with moonwalking, here are some routines to get you started:
A. Overview of Moonwalk Routines for Beginners
When starting, it’s important to keep the routine simple and straightforward. Focus on mastering the basics before moving onto more complex routines.
B. Simple Routine for New Learners
- Glide the right foot back while keeping the heel lifted, shift your weight to the ball of your left foot.
- Slide your left foot forward, while shifting your weight onto your right foot.
- Repeat the same with the left foot.
- Gradually increase the pace and try to synchronize your movements with the beat of the music.
C. Intermediate Routine for Learners Who Have Mastered the Basics
- Glide the right foot back with the knee bent, keeping the heel off the ground.
- Slide the left foot forward while pivoting on the heel of the right foot.
- Glide the left foot back with the knee bent, keeping the heel off the ground.
- Slide the right foot forward while pivoting on the heel of the left foot.
- Repeat the routine with faster tempo and more complex moves.
D. Advanced Routine for Those Who Want to Challenge Themselves
- Glide the right foot back while bending the knee, then extend the same leg forward in a high kick.
- Slide the left foot back while bending the knee, then extend the same leg forward in a high kick.
- Repeat the same with the right foot.
- Add other moves such as spins, jumps, or twists to create a complex routine.
Conclusion
The moonwalk is a popular dance move that requires time, patience, and practice to master. With the step-by-step guide we’ve given you, tips to perfect your skills, and simple routines to try, you should be on your way to becoming a moonwalking pro in no time.
Remember that practice makes perfect, so keep practicing to perfect your skills. Once you’ve become a pro, you can add your unique touch to the moonwalk, and who knows, you might just become the next Michael Jackson.
Final Tips for Mastering the Moonwalk
Practice regularly, and don’t be discouraged by failures. Look for inspiration from other dancers and incorporate your unique style into the moonwalk.
