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Moonwalked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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moonwalked

[หˆmuหnหŒwษ”หkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

dance movement

Moonwalked refers to a specific dance move popularized by Michael Jackson, in which a dancer appears to glide backward while walking forward. This illusion is created by sliding the feet and shifting weight from one foot to the other. It became widely known and is often associated with his iconic performance during 'Billie Jean.'

Synonyms

glide, retreat, slide.

Examples of usage

  • He moonwalked across the stage during his performance.
  • The dancer practiced the moonwalk until it looked effortless.
  • Michael Jackson famously moonwalked during the Motown 25 special.
  • She surprised everyone when she moonwalked at the party.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Dance History

  • The moonwalk became famous in the 1980s, especially when Michael Jackson performed it during 'Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever'.
  • The dance move has roots in older styles, such as the 'back slide' popular in disco and funk music before Jackson popularized it.

Pop Culture

  • Michael Jackson's performance of the moonwalk during 'Billie Jean' is considered one of the defining moments of music history.
  • Many artists and dancers have imitated the moonwalk in their performances, including Justin Timberlake and Usher.

Sports

  • Some athletes use similar sliding techniques in sports like basketball and skateboarding to maintain fluid movement.
  • The moonwalk is sometimes incorporated into half-time shows, linking sports entertainment with dance.

Physics

  • The moonwalk takes advantage of friction and gravity, both of which help create the illusion of gliding effortlessly.
  • When performed correctly, it minimizes the impact of movement, which can be compared to the way astronauts move in low gravity.

Educational Impact

  • Dance education often includes the moonwalk to demonstrate contrasting movements of sliding vs. stepping, enhancing kinesthetic learning.
  • The move is used in various dance classes to encourage creativity and expression through movement.

Origin of 'moonwalked'

The term 'moonwalk' was first used by the American dancer Jeffrey Daniel in the late 1970s. It was popularized by Michael Jackson when he performed it on live television during the Motown 25 special in 1983. The move creates the illusion of walking forward while actually moving backward, showcasing both skill and creativity in dance. The name 'moonwalk' refers to the idea of moving in a way that appears to defy gravity, much like the imagery associated with the moon. Since then, the moonwalk has become a symbol of Jacksonโ€™s legacy and is used in various dance performances worldwide.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,592, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.