Posts Tagged ‘Beat It’

Michael Jackson’s voice launched him into stardom; his dance moves sealed his fate as the King of Pop. His work as one of five Jackson brothers will always harbor a place in my heart.  Really gettin’ down singing, screaming, and hollering, little Michael’s fancy footwork soon transformed him into a legend with an out of this world dancing style, multi-million dollar videos, and a firm grip onto the old Hollywood tradition of showmanship. I asked our writers to share with you their favorite Jackson videos based on choreography.  We are pretty much divided into two camps, Team Black and White (1991) and Team Billie Jean (1983).  Here are our reasons why:

I wish I could say that it was incredibly difficult to narrow down all of Michael Jackson’s videos and dance moves to find my favorite. It wasn’t hard, though, because I’ve always harbored my one favorite. It’s a song with a message I’m very fond of, a video that I would have appreciated dancing in, and it showcases Mr. Jackson’s ability to move in ways that don’t always seem human. That video is “Black and White.” The song along features Slash and Bill Bottrell, not to mention Macauly Culkin in all his Home Alone glory, while the video’s got plenty of great cameos, such as Tyra Banks pre-Top Model. The way MJ moves is exclusive to him. The choreography he performs is supposedly mirroring that of the other dancers from all regions of the world, but it never quite looks the same. He’s pointing out, intentionally and unintentionally I think, that we should all be able to dance together regardless of what it looks like. It’s the kind of message that all his critics should keep in mind now.

– Nicole Campoy-Leffler – Editor in Chief

After Michael Jackson’s infamous series of plastic surgery operations, a lot of people started asking the same question: is he black….or white? I, being a pale, red-headed Jew from outside Baltimore, could relate. Ever since I saw MJ’s patented kick-spin move in elementary school, I’d learned to perfect it and bust it out at every coed dance, bar and bat mitzvah alike. It was a simple trick really — just a loose ankle kick combined with a cross of the legs, followed by a 360 spin. But for some reason, I was the only guy who could actually pull it off. And for this reason, people started asking me if I was white…or black. Seriously. So when the King of Pop died on Thursday, I got to thinking about this odd connection of ours, and also about that song of his: “It don’t matter if you’re black or white.” I think that’s true…as long as you can dance like Mike.

– Josh Morrison – Contributing writer

 In “Billie Jean,” the choreography is simple, but powerful and the narrative super strong. A solitary MJ wanders a dark urban landscape while a private eye tracks his every move.  MJ literally brings light into this dystopian world as everywhere he walks/dances and everything he touches is momentarily illuminated.  It is perfectly integrated with the music and lyrics of the song. And he still looks like a normal human being.

–Peter Lee – Contributing writer

Without a doubt, the Michael Jackson video that resonates with me most is “Billie Jean.”  While almost quaint in comparison to later videos for “Thriller” and “Bad,” the 1982 release was the perfect video for an (arguably) perfect song.  Followed by a gumshoe looking paparazzo, Jackson spends four glorious minutes dancing his way to Billie Jean’s room.  Jackson’s dancing in the video is so awe inspiring that it’s hard to describe.  His moves are angular, bold, and exude attitude, a fitting compliment to the song’s distinctive baseline.  And let’s not forget the illuminated panels that trace Jackson’s steps throughout the video.  The simple but classy effect may be a bit blunt, but who cares when it highlights this kind of dancing. “Billie Jean,” it’s simple, it’s beautiful, and above all else, it’s how I want to remember Jackson.

– Bryan Hood – Guest writer

Hands down (silver glove on) Thriller. I mean, fifteen minutes of dancing zombies, that girl with awesome hair, and Michael turning into a werewolf!? You can’t “Beat It.”

– Eric Zamorez – Guest writer

And last but not least, “Beat It.” It was the classic gang war set up with dozens of ruffians and thugs dressed in all their 80s glory attempting to convince us they are serious. I am loving the tender moments of Michael Jackson sitting in his room hyping himself up wearing a keyboard t-shirt.  When he exits dressed in his red leather jacket…you know it is on.  When the two crews meet, the fine line in between toughness and modern dance class has been erased and you know the real choreographed fighting is going to begin as the guitar rears into an awesome solo.  Jackson cuts in to show those noobs how it is really done.  His moves shown in this video have been carefully carbon copied and will be for the rest of history.  And while it doesn’t have the same grandeur of “Thriller,” the “trying to be mean” stares of all these guys are totally worth it.

Now we turn to you…what is your favorite Michael Jackson music video and why?

The New York Times has an excellent article on Michael Jackson and his moves.  Click here to read: “His Moves Expressed as Much as His Music” by Alastair Macaulay.