How to Moonwalk

When Michael Jackson debuted his famous "moonwalk" in 1983, the world was amazed. Although he was actually not the first person to perform this move, it is forever one of his signature moves.^{[1]
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Research source} With just a little know-how and practice, you can pull this illusion off too! If you want to know how to dance "Billie Jean" like a pro, just follow these steps to become a moonwalk master.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Getting Ready

1
Put on a pair of socks. Though you can moonwalk in anything, even hiking boots, you should have as little traction as possible as a beginner. Wearing socks will make it much easier for you to practice your moves and to glide across the floor.^{[2]
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- When you become a pro, you can even master this move with sneakers! That may seem impossible at first.
2
Find a smooth surface. Once again, smoothness is key, and while you can try it anywhere, it helps to be on a smooth, flat, non-stick surface, such as a hardwood floor or a smooth-tiled floor. Most dance floors will work, of course, but so will most kitchen floors. Stay away from rough or uneven surfaces or carpeted areas.^{[3]
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- If you don't have any smooth surfaces in your home, then you're better off using shoes on a rough surface than socks.
- When you're an expert, you'll even be able to practice on something as rough as a carpet.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Doing the Moonwalk

1
Place one foot directly in front of the other and stand on the toes of your back leg. Then, lift your right leg and place the toes of your right foot facing the floor, approximately a foot behind your left leg. Keep your arms at your sides -- you can worry about them later. Keep your left foot flat on the ground.
2
Keep your balance. You can do this by increasing the width between your legs and feet until you feel stable. A good rule of thumb is to have them about 3–6 inches (8–20 cm) (the width of one of your feet) apart. As you get more comfortable with this move, you can do the moonwalk with your legs closer together. You can lift your arms a bit if that helps you keep your balance as you move backward.
3
Slide your left heel back and "into" the floor. Do this 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. Put all of the weight into your lifted leg, so the leg that is flat on the floor feels weightless.^{[4]
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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 same position you started with, only your feet have changed positions. Your right foot should now be in front of your left leg instead of the other way around. To do the moonwalk correctly, only one of your feet should be in the air at any given time. Always one; never two, and never zero.
5
Repeat the previous two steps, switching the roles of your left and right foot. The moonwalk can really be mastered by perfecting these movements over and over, until it looks like you're really walking on the moon and when your feet are really moving back and back smoothly, without any kinks.
6
Add some frills. Add a head movement to help create the illusion of "moonwalking." As you slide your leg back, move your head forward as if it's being left behind in the movement. Then pull it back to the body as you switch to the other foot.
- You can also swing your arms with every step, or hunch over your shoulders and grab your hat (if you're wearing one) like Michael Jackson did.
- You can use your whole body to show that you're walking on the moon, not just your feet.

Community Q&A

Question

How long will it take me to learn the moonwalk?

Community Answer

It shouldn't take that long if you practice a lot. Just make sure you get every step, but know that you won't be as good as MJ on your first try.
Question

Do I have to be flexible in order to moonwalk?

Community Answer

No, you don't have to be flexible at all.
Question

How can I lean like Michael Jackson?

Community Answer

The move was performed using special shoes with a groove. The purpose of this groove was to catch a nail on the floor, enabling the lean.

Warnings

People inevitably associate moonwalking with Michael Jackson, and sometimes respond with astounding comments when they see it. Just remember, don't give up, keep trying.

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