The Shocking Truth Behind Michael Jackson's Anti-Gravity Illusion
Michael Jackson was (and still is) one of the most iconic artists to ever entertain the public. Having become a worldwide sensation after his break from The Jackson 5 in the latter half of the 1970s, this amazing man went on to redefine the music industry as we know it. From his unique voice and one-of-a-kind stage presence to moves including the moonwalk and an uncanny ability to coordinate with other dancers, he was a natural talent.The Shocking Truth Behind Michael Jackson’s Anti-Gravity Illusion.
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In fact, some of his moves seemed to defy the laws of physics. We were suddenly all children once again as we watched him dance the evening away. An anti-gravity illusion was one of his best (and most awe-inspiring) tricks. Just how was this accomplished? Let us take the mystery out of this interesting question.
From Dream to Reality with the Help of a Shoe
The 1987 video “Smooth Criminal” featured a segment when he and other dancers leaned forward at a 45-degree angle; seemingly defying the laws of nature. While this initial trick was performed with the help of wires, Mr. Jackson wanted to recreate the stunt during live performances around the world. The end result was a mixture of illusion and engineering. It would not be long before a so-called “anti-gravity” shoe was developed. From Dream to Reality with the Help of a Shoe
In 1992, Dennis Tompkins and Michael L. Bush patented a very unique type of shoe. There were two aspects which allowed this footwear to “stand” apart from the rest. One of the most critical pieces was what was known as a magic heel. There was a slot located within its base that would fit into a peg on the stage. When the two were engaged, he would be provided with the support to lean forward at such an amazing angle. Of course, this only took place after hours of practice before a live concert.
The second design feature which set these shoes apart was that the neck and the upper portion were extremely flexible while still providing an ample amount of ankle support during his dance routine. It should nonetheless be noted that not only would balance be an issue, but the dancers themselves required a great deal of strength in their hamstrings, quadriceps and calf muscles. Clearly these anti-gravity devices were not made for the average entertainer.
Michael Jackson is well aware that inevitably, there will be instances when not everything goes as planned during a live performance. He learned a painful lesson in September 1996. During a concert in Moscow, one of the floor pegs became unattached from the heel of his shoe. As a result, he fell down and a rather embarrassing situation ensued. The singer was nonetheless undaunted and quickly reworked the original design for future shows. This “offending” anti-gravity shoe was displayed at the Moscow branch of the Hard Rock Cafe until it was auctioned off to a private investor for the tidy sum of $600,000 dollars.
Photo from the web
More Than Meets the Eye
As with all magic tricks, there is generally a plausible explanation behind their illusion. These innovative anti-gravity shoes are perfect examples of how easily our eyes can be fooled when watching a performer who had always appeared to defy logic.
Michael Jackson himself seemed to hint at this very same magic when he was quoted as saying:
“Dancers come and go in the twinkling of an eye but the dance lives on. I keep dancing and then, it is the eternal dance of creation. The Creator and the creation merge into one wholeness of joy. I keep on dancing until there is only…the dance.”
Whether referring to anti-gravity shoes or his ability to captivate a crowd and make us all believe in this magic once again, there is no doubt that Michael Jackson remains an icon in these modern times.
[from hithenews]
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