In the months following the release of his legendary album “Thriller” in November 1982, Michael Jackson became the apostle of the moonwalk, a dance step that had become his trademark, since then taken in countless shows, from musicals to the circus via hip hop. Where does this famous passage come from? Coaster.
Michael Jackson’s premiere on television
It takes place on May 16, 1983 on the American public television channel NBC, for the evening tribute to the 25th anniversary of the Tamla Motown label. The Jackson 5 brothers are cool, but here’s Michael alone in the very fresh “Billie Jean”, one of the key tracks of his new album “Thriller”. And there’s another pair of loafers… Michael says he discovered the moonwalk, or back slide, by watching kids dance on a sidewalk in the Bronx.
Star Michael Jackson on a walk in the Bronx ghetto? The legend seems too good to be true.
>> Must See: Michael Jackson Performs ‘Billie Jean’
Shalamar, the funky class
Shalamar is an ultra-dancing group assembled by producer Don Cornelius for the needs of his show “Soul Train”, The soul television appointment for young African Americans since 1967. There is everything: the moonwalk, the borrowings of the mime Marceau, that which would later be called popping in hip-hop dance. Unstoppable Jeffrey Daniel guest in the English program “Top of the pops”.
>> Must see: Shalamar in “Top of the pops” in 1982
James Brown, the master
James Brown, so often copied, imitated or sampled, is a tireless worker in scorching concerts with an orchestra of unstoppable groove. In 1965, soul reigns in African American communities. James Brown lays the groundwork for funk, hip-hop and has footwork worthy of a mad boxer.
>> Must see: James Brown dancing to “I Got You” in 1965
Bill Bailey, sole batter at Apollo
His Bill Bailey thing was tap dancing and the boatman, Fred Astaire Harlem version. We are in 1955, a smile and relaxation are a must. And in the final seconds, no doubt, he does it: the moonwalk.
>> Must see: Bill Bailey during the first moonwalk
Etienne Decroux, the European pioneer
Etienne Decroux does not hold back, he walks on the spot. Actor, mime, choreographer, he taught this illusionistic step to Jean-Louis Barrault and Marcel Marceau. The first will use it in “Les enfants du paradis” by Marcel Carné in 1945. The second will integrate it into his pantomimes.
>> Must see: Étienne Decroux performs “The march in place”
Charlie Chaplin, Elastic Man
Poor Charlot who has to distract the customers of the café and forgets the words of his song! It’s about not losing your job and living up to your girlfriend’s expectations. So on track… The film “Modern Times” dates back to 1936. At the time, Fred Astaire was the king of musicals and Duke Ellington made all of Harlem dance with “Caravan”.
>> Must see: Charlie Chaplin’s “nonsense” song in “Modern Times”
Thierry Sartoretti/ld
