Michael Jackson: Dancing to Th

            
            
             Before music has even been recorded, the art of dancing has existed. Around the world people have used its art for different purposes, and still do. As the ages pass, new styles and purposes have evolved. Each new generation introduces new music, and many times gives birth to an innovative movement of the body and soul. .
             The year of 1958 gave birth to the thrill of the 1980's. Michael Joe Jackson was a sensation ever since he set foot on stage at the age of 5. His ability to dance and sing helped launch the Jackson 5's career as well as his own. His mother Katherine Jackson said, "You know how babies move uncoordinated? He never moved that way. When he danced, it was like he was an older person." (qtd. in Nicholson) .
             As a natural born dancer, he had to ability to move like anyone and no one, but didn't know it until later in his life. As Jackson grew up, he watched street dancers and mimes perform. He also watched great dancers on television, such as James Brown. He idolized James Brown and got angry every time the cameraman would not show his feet enough during a performance. Observing each move, many times he acquired them and mixed them with his own style, creating similar, but new, moves. Many people have the misconception that Michael Jackson was the originator of many famous moves such as the "Robot" or the "Crotch Grab." .
             Mike Royko, correspondent for the San Francisco Chronicle, wrote, "Nor is Michael Jackson the most renowned crotch-grabber. Madonna is more widely hailed for .
             that art form If you watch MTV, the odds are that someone will be grabbing his crotch. And Michael Jackson isn't the first. Rock performers have been grabbing their crotches for a long time.".
             It was also said that Michael's Robot was taken from both street dancers and mimes. All this is probably true, but although he may not have been the originator, it was his performances that spread the trends worldwide.