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Moonwalk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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moonwalk

[muหn.wษ”หk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

dance move

The moonwalk is a dance move that creates the illusion of the dancer walking forward while actually moving backward. It became famous after Michael Jackson performed it during his televised performance of 'Billie Jean' in 1983. The move involves gliding the foot along the ground while pulling the other foot back, effectively allowing the dancer to appear as though they are walking in reverse. It is often associated with funk dance styles and is considered a classic move in pop culture.

Synonyms

backslide, glide.

Examples of usage

  • She learned to moonwalk at the dance class.
  • Michael Jackson's moonwalk stunned the audience.
  • He's practicing his moonwalk for the competition.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Michael Jackson's performance of the moonwalk during the broadcast of 'Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever' in 1983 became iconic and reinforced his status as the King of Pop.
  • The move was originally called the 'backslide' before Jackson rebranded it to moonwalk, inspired by his love for space and dance.

Dance History

  • The moonwalk has roots in various dance styles, including breaking and popping, showcasing the African American dance heritage.
  • Before Michael Jackson's fame, performers like Cab Calloway and James Brown used similar sliding steps, demonstrating the move's longstanding appeal.

Science and Physics

  • The illusion of gliding in the moonwalk can be explained by friction; it relies on controlled foot movement to look effortless.
  • When performed correctly, this dance move mimics the concept of gravity and weightlessness, much like actual movements on the moon.

Psychology

  • The moonwalk creates a sense of astonishment, making audiences feel as if they're witnessing magic, often evoking strong emotional responses.
  • Dancers who master the moonwalk often experience increased confidence, as perfecting difficult moves can enhance self-esteem.

Origin of 'moonwalk'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'moonwalk' was popularized by Michael Jackson in the 1980s, although it existed earlier in street dance.
  • The word 'moonwalk' hints at the dance's floating, dream-like quality, reminiscent of moving on the moon's surface.

The term 'moonwalk' comes from the combination of the word 'moon' and 'walk', referring to both the celestial body and the act of walking. The origins of this dance move can be traced back to earlier performers like Cab Calloway and James Brown, who employed similar sliding steps in their routines, but it was Michael Jackson who popularized the term and the move itself. The moonwalk made its debut in the mainstream consciousness during the broadcast of 'Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever' on March 25, 1983. Michaelโ€™s performance captivated audiences, leading to a wave of interest in breakdancing and similar styles. Since then, the moonwalk has become synonymous with his legacy, often imitated by dancers of all ages.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,912, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.