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Moonwalking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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moonwalking

[ˈmuːnˌwɔːkɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

dance move

Moonwalking is a dance move that creates the illusion of the dancer gliding backwards while walking forward. This technique was made famous by the late pop icon Michael Jackson, who showcased it during live performances and music videos. It requires a combination of balance, rhythm, and precise footwork to execute correctly. Moonwalking is often associated with various music genres, particularly pop and hip-hop.

Synonyms

backward walk, glide, slide.

Examples of usage

  • Michael Jackson's moonwalk in 'Billie Jean'.
  • She practiced moonwalking at the dance studio.
  • The performers wowed the audience with their moonwalking routine.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Michael Jackson's televised performance of 'Billie Jean' where he moonwalked is considered one of the most iconic moments in music history.
  • The maneuver appeared in various forms in music videos and live performances long before Jackson, showing its deep roots in dance culture.

Dance Styles

  • Moonwalking is related to several dance styles, including popping and locking, which originated in hip-hop culture.
  • The move creates an illusion of moving forward while actually going backward, which requires practice for precise execution.

Science

  • The motion involved in moonwalking utilizes principles of physics, particularly friction and momentum, to create the gliding illusion.
  • Dancers often focus on weight distribution and foot placement to maintain balance and control while performing.

Technology

  • In the era of technology, moonwalking has inspired computer graphics and animations that simulate the gliding effect.
  • Programs that choreograph dance routines often analyze moonwalking as a versatile move due to its impact and style.

Origin of 'moonwalking'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'moonwalk' was popularized by rapper Michael Jackson during a performance in 1983, but it dates back to at least the 1930s.
  • Before it became known as moonwalking, similar sliding dance styles were referred to in jazz and tap dancing.

The term 'moonwalk' was first coined in the 1930s and was used to describe a dance move in which the dancer appears to be walking backwards. However, it did not gain widespread recognition until the 1980s when Michael Jackson popularized it during his performance of 'Billie Jean' on the televised Motown 25 special in 1983. Jackson's performance captivated audiences worldwide and set a new standard for dance in popular music. Prior to Jackson, similar sliding steps were seen in performances by other artists, but it was Jackson's unique style and charisma that brought the moonwalk into the mainstream. The move itself is a combination of sliding foot techniques and precise body movement, requiring significant practice to master.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,291, 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.