Michael Jackson Moonwalk 2001 webchat
by Zimmermann 054: Michael Jackson
The mechanics of the Moonwalk are apparently harder to put into words than they look. Back in 2001, on a webchat that happened before Zoom existed, before TikTok tutorials, and definitely before anyone owned a ring light, Michael gave it a shot anyway. His comparison was a magic trick he couldn't quite articulate out loud, and over the phone he said it's like moving forward and backward at the same time, as if you're on a conveyor belt. That's the quote: "Gee, it's hard to explain over the phone, it's like moving forward backward at the same time, as if you're on a conveyor belt." So even the person who made the whole thing look easy couldn't get the full picture across without just doing it in front of you. Some physical skills just resist language, no matter who's explaining.
Transcript (en)
How do you do the moonwalk? It's the coolest move I've ever seen. Gee, it's hard to explain on the phone. I can't imagine how you do it. I love blues and dancing. It's like walking forward and backwards at the same time. Not just walking, but as if you're on a conveyor belt. And it's hard to explain. If he was in front of me, I could show him how to do it with my fingers or with my feet. but maybe he could see at the end of the jam video where I'm trying to show Michael Jordan how to do it step by step. That's the only time I think I showed it.
