Learning ideas for June 15-19: Learn MJ's famous moves

Hi Dancers!

I miss seeing your smiling faces and interacting with you everyday. I hope you are staying healthy and active. Have a wonderful week!💝

Michael Jackson's most famous moves

The Moonwalk

Wear socks or soft-soled shoes on a smooth, uncarpeted floor to perform the following steps:

1. Stand so that you're on the ball of the left foot with the heel raised, and your right foot is flat on the floor. Your left foot should be several inches behind the right, and your weight should be on the left foot.
2. Slide your right foot back, keeping it flat on the floor.
3. Lower the heel of your left foot and raise the heel of your right foot so that you're standing on the ball of that foot. With your weight on the right foot, slide the left foot back, keeping it flat on the floor.
4. Keep repeating the moves as you glide backward across the floor. With enough practice, you should be able to pull off a pretty impressive Moonwalk.

The Circle Slide

This dance move combines a Moonwalk slide with heel and toe pivots. Like the moonwalk, the circle slide should be performed in socks or soft-soled shoes on a smooth surface.

1. Stand on the ball of the right foot with the heel raised and your left foot flat on the floor. Your weight should be on the right foot, which should be slightly behind the left.
2. Slide your left foot back, keeping it flat on the floor.
3. Shift your weight to your heels and lift your toes off the floor while pivoting to the left. Lower your toes so that your feet are flat on the floor.
4. Lift the heel of your right foot and pivot to the left on the ball of your right foot.
5. Repeat steps 1 - 4.

The Spin

Many dancers have performed spins in their routines, but Jackson added his own flavor to the move.

1. Hop to the right and spread your arms out to the sides, parallel to the floor.
2. Cross your right foot over your left and bring your arms in so that you're hugging your chest.
3. Turn quickly to the left (counterclockwise) 360 degrees so that you end up facing the same direction in which you started.

* All information about Michael Jackson was taken from https://dance.lovetoknow.com/Michael_Jackson_Dance_Moves

My favorite dance video this week: Misty Copeland

Here are some free workouts:

1. Here is a great dance workout with instructor Nicole Steen.  Join in this Latin workout and feel the burn (length 30:31). 

2. Come have fun with this Bollywood workout. Here is a fun 10 minute energetic cardio blast (length 11:11). 

Free online classes:

1. Here is a modern dance warm up and percussive combination that was featured in "The Hunt". Enjoy this different class with Kanji Segawa (length 31:48). 

2. Here is a different free online class! Ballet Bootcamp! Join Sweaty Betty with a cardio ballet workout (length 41:40). 

3. Come enjoy a Contemporary warm-up, progressions across the floor and combination with Gasper's school of dance (length 49:42). 

4.  Learn this Hip Hop combination with Captain Hook from Lyrik London Choreography. Give this choreography a try (length 49:05).