Jeffrey Daniel, former Shalamar member, said he taught Michael Jackson the backslide, the dance step that later became famous worldwide as the moonwalk.
The move, originally called the “backslide,” was part of the street dance culture in the 1970s, especially popularized by groups like the Electric Boogaloos and performers on Soul Train.
Daniel himself showcased the backslide on Top of the Pops in 1982, where his smooth gliding across the stage drew attention in the United Kingdom.
In his account, Daniel explained that Jackson was fascinated by the move and sought to learn it. He described how he demonstrated the technique and helped the pop star perfect the illusion of walking forward while sliding backward.
Jackson later debuted his version of the moonwalk in March 1983 during the Motown 25 television special, performing Billie Jean.
That performance left audiences in awe and marked the start of the moonwalk’s global fame. While many dancers had used the backslide before, Jackson’s execution transformed it into one of the most iconic moves in music history.
Michael Jackson, born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, rose to fame as a child star with his brothers in the Jackson 5.
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He later became a solo performer whose career redefined the music industry. Nicknamed the “King of Pop,” Jackson was not only a singer and songwriter but also an innovator in performance, music videos, and choreography.
Albums like Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad broke sales records worldwide, with Thriller remaining the best-selling album of all time.
Jackson’s stagecraft was as revolutionary as his sound. His blend of pop, funk, soul, and dance, coupled with elaborate music videos like Thriller, Beat It, and Smooth Criminal, set a new standard for artistry in the 1980s and beyond.
The moonwalk became his most recognizable dance step, symbolizing his creativity and impact on global pop culture.
Daniel emphasized that Jackson’s genius lay not just in learning the step but in refining it, adding musicality and charisma that made it unforgettable.
Today, the moonwalk remains inseparable from Jackson’s legacy, yet its roots trace back to street dancers, stage performers, and mentors like Daniel who shaped its journey before it entered the global stage.
Sentinielnewsng.com
