2011 Theses Bachelor's

Owning the Dance: Michael Jackson's Movement Signature

Rhodes, Gillian Georgine

The development of Michael Jackson's movement signature can be traced through evolution of his style, from his inspirations to his professional and personal career paths, as well as the impact of his psychological makeup on the way he approached dance. His movement signature was the manifestation of his neurotic perfectionism and self-perceived isolation, in conjunction with the unequaled clarity of his movement and the brilliant spark that was his stage presence. The commercial distribution of Jackson as a complete entertainment package, the continuity of his style throughout his career, the accessibility of his art, and his unique talent as a dancer and as a performer inextricably linked the movement signature to the man.