I Thaught Michael Jackson The Moonwalk – Jeffery Daniel

Michaela Jackson did not invent the moonwalk, but he popularized it and made it his signature dance move.

The moonwalk, originally known as the “backslide,” had existed in street dance culture long before Michael performed it.

It was a move used by West Coast street dancers, notably by groups like the Electric Boogaloos and earlier performers on shows like Soul Train in the 1970s.

Jeffrey Daniel, a dancer and member of the R&B group Shalamar, is often credited as one of the pioneers of the backslide. He taught Michael Jackson the dance move, which Michael refined and perfected with his unique style.

Michael first performed the moonwalk publicly during his iconic performance of “Billie Jean” in the 1983 Motown 25 TV special, bringing the move to a global audience and making it legendary.

Michael’s version was smoother and more polished, turning a street dance step into a spectacular performance piece that captivated the world.

The moonwalk is a dance illusion in which the dancer glides backward while appearing to walk forward, creating a captivating visual effect.

Despite not originating the move, Michael Jackson’s impact on popularizing and defining it for mainstream audiences is unmatched.