How to Moonwalk Dance

The late Michael Jackson debuted his famous "Moonwalk" in 1983, but though he put his own spin on it, he was not the first person to perform this move. Anybody can pull it off, so what is stopping you from trying? All you need to begin moonwalking, is your own pair of socks and a smooth surface, like your kitchen floor.

1. You can moon walk in anything, even hiking boots, but as a beginner, you want as little traction as possible. You may even want to start with just your socks on, so you can glide across the floor.


2. Get on the “moon.” Once again, smoothness is key, and while you can try it anywhere, it helps to be on a smooth, flat, non-stick surface. Most dance floors will work, of course, but so will most kitchen floors. Stay away from rough or uneven surfaces.


3. Move into the L-position. Lift your right leg and place the toes of your right foot facing the floor, approximately a foot behind your left leg.


4. Find your balance by increasing the width between your legs and feet until you feel stable. A good rule of thumb is to have them about 3 to 6 inches (the width of one of your feet) apart.


5. Slide your left heel back and "into" the floor, as you lean back on your right leg, so that your left foot finishes behind the right leg. During this, the heel of your right foot should still remain in the air, with the toes pointed down on the floor.


6. Snap the heel of your left foot up off the floor as you simultaneously snap the heel of your right foot down. Now you are in the L-position again, but this time with your feet switched.


7. Repeat the previous two steps, switching the roles of your left and right foot.


8. Add a head movement to help create the illusion of "moonwalking." As you slide your leg back, move your head forward as if it is being left behind in the movement. Then pull it back to the body as you switch to the other foot.