How to learn to do the moonwalk? Five steps to mastering

Before you learn how to learn how to make a lunar walk, let's find out what she is like. Moon gait (sliding backwards) is one of the most popular dance techniques of the twentieth century, in which the illusion of moving forward is created, although the dancer moves backward. Thorough mastering of the technology allows you to move sideways, forward and even in a circle.

Moon gait: before and after Jackson

For the first time, something like a lunar walk was demonstrated by jazz musician Cab Calloway in the distant year 1932. Well, in a performance close to modern, it could be seen in 1945 in the painting "Children of Paradise". There two mimes masterfully walked there with a lunar walk. After that, it was adopted by many actors, dancers and singers. Each of them tried to bring something new into the technique of the movement. For example, rock singer David Bowie performed this dance technique for the first time, remaining on the spot. Then through the dance the whole power of art was manifested. In 1974 Michael Jackson visited the rocker concert, and nine years later he walked with a lunar walk on the TV show. A little later, during the performance of the song "Billie Jean", the trick was repeated, than Michael made him popular all over the world and turned into his business card.

How to learn to do the moonwalk?

1. Stand sideways in front of the mirror. Hands relaxed, legs together. The body weight is evenly distributed on both legs.

2. Put the left foot back on the toe, and then slowly transfer the weight of the body to it, slightly bending back. Hold in this position to feel the emphasis on the leg.

3. With a sliding motion, we remove the right foot back, trying not to tear it from the floor. Slip is necessary as far as possible, with the weight of the body remaining on the left foot.

4. At the moment when the heel of the left leg falls to the floor, the heel of the right rises. The body weight is easily transferred to the right leg (this is the key point in the question: "How to learn to do the moonwalk?").

5. Now the left leg is free and can slide freely on the floor back. As soon as the slide back reaches the most distant position, the heels of the legs change (the left one - raise, the right one - lower) and the weight of the body is again transferred to the left leg. It turns out that we are returning to item number 2. These movements must be looped one behind the other and smoothly moved back. The position in point # 1 is the starting position, and you do not need to repeat it. After the legs get used to all positions, work on the tempo and smoothness. It is important to slide only in a straight line and do not deflect. Also, success will depend on shoes and flooring. Remember the performances of Michael Jackson. Personally, I do not remember any where he would slip in sneakers, because the friction force of them is much higher than that of conventional shoes. At first, I advise you to use socks and be sure to track movements in the mirror or using video.

If you have not figured out how to learn to make a lunar walk, then watch a training video from the category "learn to dance together" or contact a multi-disciplinary dance studio where you can master this technique under the guidance of a professional choreographer.