The iconic music video for Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” has been a subject of fascination for decades, with its unique blend of music, dance, and storytelling. One of the most intriguing aspects of this video is the “anti-gravity lean” performed by Michael Jackson and his dancers. This move has become an enduring symbol of the song’s mystique and a testament to Jackson’s innovative approach to dance and performance. In this article, we will delve into the world of Smooth Criminal and explore the secrets behind this mesmerizing lean.
Introduction to Smooth Criminal
“Smooth Criminal” is a song from Michael Jackson’s seventh studio album, Bad, released in 1987. The song’s music video, directed by Colin Chilvers, tells the story of a woman who is attacked by a gang of thugs, only to be rescued by a mysterious figure known as the “Smooth Criminal.” The video features a range of innovative dance moves, including the now-famous leaning posture that has captivated audiences worldwide.
The Leaning Posture: A Technical Analysis
So, how does Smooth Criminal lean? The answer lies in a combination of balance, core strength, and illusion. When Michael Jackson and his dancers perform the lean, they appear to be defying gravity, with their bodies tilted at an impossible angle. However, this is not just a matter of flexibility or strength; it is also a clever use of optical illusion.
To achieve the lean, the dancers must first establish a strong foundation, with their feet shoulder-width apart and their weight evenly distributed. They then engage their core muscles, including the abs and lower back, to maintain stability and balance. As they lean, they use their arm movements to create a sense of momentum and fluidity, making the move appear more dynamic and effortless.
The Role of Costume and Set Design
The Smooth Criminal lean is not just about the dance move itself; it is also about the costume and set design. The video features a range of cleverly designed sets, including a tilted floor that helps to create the illusion of the lean. The dancers’ costumes, including their single white gloves and black suits, also play a crucial role in creating a sense of unity and cohesion.
The use of lighting is also essential in creating the illusion of the lean. By using a combination of high-contrast lighting and shadows, the filmmakers can create a sense of depth and dimensionality, making the lean appear even more dramatic and impressive.
The Cultural Significance of Smooth Criminal
The Smooth Criminal lean has become an iconic symbol of Michael Jackson’s music and dance style, inspiring countless imitations and parodies. The move has been referenced in everything from music videos and films to advertisements and video games.
The cultural significance of Smooth Criminal extends beyond the lean itself, however. The song and video have been widely praised for their innovative storytelling and social commentary, tackling themes such as violence, crime, and social justice. The video’s use of special effects and choreography also helped to raise the bar for music videos, paving the way for future generations of filmmakers and dancers.
Influence on Dance and Music
The Smooth Criminal lean has had a profound influence on dance and music, inspiring a range of new styles and techniques. The move has been incorporated into everything from hip-hop and pop to contemporary and ballet.
The song itself has also been widely influential, with its funk and rock rhythms and vocal harmonies helping to shape the sound of 80s pop music. The song’s lyrics, which tell the story of a woman’s struggle against violence and oppression, have also been widely praised for their social commentary and emotional depth.
Legacy and Impact
The legacy of Smooth Criminal can be seen in a range of music videos, films, and live performances. The song and video have been widely referenced and parodied, with the lean becoming a cultural touchstone and a symbol of Michael Jackson’s innovative approach to dance and music.
The impact of Smooth Criminal can also be seen in the dancers and choreographers who have been inspired by the video. The move has been incorporated into a range of dance styles, from hip-hop and pop to contemporary and ballet. The song and video have also helped to launch the careers of a range of dancers and choreographers, including Vincent Paterson and Travis Payne.
In conclusion, the Smooth Criminal lean is a testament to Michael Jackson’s innovative approach to dance and music. By combining balance, core strength, and illusion, the dancers are able to create a move that appears to defy gravity and push the boundaries of what is possible. The cultural significance of Smooth Criminal extends beyond the lean itself, however, with the song and video tackling themes such as violence, crime, and social justice. As a cultural icon, the Smooth Criminal lean continues to inspire and influence new generations of dancers, musicians, and filmmakers.
| Year | Song | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Smooth Criminal | Bad |
The Smooth Criminal lean is just one example of Michael Jackson’s innovative approach to dance and music. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible and inspiring new generations of dancers and musicians, Jackson’s legacy continues to be felt today. Whether you are a fan of pop music, dance, or film, the Smooth Criminal lean is a move that is sure to captivate and inspire. With its unique blend of balance, core strength, and illusion, the lean is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the world of dance and music.
What is the Smooth Criminal lean and how did it originate?
The Smooth Criminal lean is a distinctive posture made famous by Michael Jackson in his 1988 music video for the song “Smooth Criminal.” In the video, Jackson and his dancers perform a choreographed routine that features a gravity-defying lean, where they appear to be leaning forward at an impossible angle without falling over. This iconic move has since become a cultural reference point and a testament to Jackson’s innovative and influential style.
The origins of the Smooth Criminal lean can be attributed to Michael Jackson’s collaboration with his choreographer, Vincent Paterson, and his special effects team. The lean was achieved using a combination of clever camera angles, special effects, and a custom-built device that allowed the dancers to lean forward while being supported by a hidden harness. The result was a mesmerizing and seemingly impossible feat that captivated audiences and cemented Jackson’s status as a trailblazer in the world of music and dance.
What are the key elements of the Smooth Criminal lean?
The Smooth Criminal lean is characterized by a distinctive combination of movements and poses. The key elements of the lean include a forward bend at the waist, a straightening of the legs, and a tilting of the head and torso. The dancers also use their arms to enhance the illusion, often extending them out to the sides or using them to support their bodies as they lean. The overall effect is one of weightlessness and fluidity, as if the dancers are defying gravity and moving in a way that is both impossible and effortless.
To achieve the Smooth Criminal lean, dancers must possess a combination of strength, flexibility, and coordination. They must be able to maintain a strong core and leg position while bending and tilting their upper body, all while keeping their movements smooth and controlled. The lean also requires a great deal of practice and rehearsal to master, as the dancers must develop the necessary strength, flexibility, and technique to perform the move safely and effectively. By breaking down the key elements of the Smooth Criminal lean, dancers can work to incorporate this iconic move into their own routines and performances.
How does the Smooth Criminal lean relate to Michael Jackson’s overall style and legacy?
The Smooth Criminal lean is a quintessential example of Michael Jackson’s innovative and influential style, which continues to inspire and influence new generations of dancers, musicians, and artists. Jackson’s music and dance videos, including “Smooth Criminal,” were known for their high-energy choreography, intricate storytelling, and groundbreaking special effects. The lean has become an iconic symbol of Jackson’s artistry and a testament to his enduring legacy as a performer and entertainer.
The Smooth Criminal lean has also had a lasting impact on popular culture, with references to the move appearing in countless music videos, films, and television shows. The lean has been parodied, homaged, and reinterpreted by countless artists, from Justin Timberlake to BTS, and continues to be a source of inspiration for dancers and choreographers around the world. By examining the Smooth Criminal lean in the context of Jackson’s overall style and legacy, fans and scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which Jackson’s innovative and influential approach to music and dance continues to shape and inspire the entertainment industry.
What are some common misconceptions about the Smooth Criminal lean?
One common misconception about the Smooth Criminal lean is that it is a simple or easy move to perform. In reality, the lean requires a great deal of strength, flexibility, and coordination, as well as a strong understanding of dance technique and choreography. Another misconception is that the lean is achieved solely through the use of special effects or camera tricks, when in fact it is a combination of clever choreography, camera angles, and dance technique that creates the illusion.
Despite these misconceptions, the Smooth Criminal lean remains a beloved and enduring symbol of Michael Jackson’s innovative and influential style. By separating fact from fiction and examining the actual techniques and methods used to achieve the lean, fans and dancers can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating this iconic move. By understanding the true nature of the Smooth Criminal lean, dancers and choreographers can work to incorporate the move into their own routines and performances, while also developing a greater respect for the innovative and influential style of Michael Jackson.
How has the Smooth Criminal lean influenced contemporary dance and music?
The Smooth Criminal lean has had a profound influence on contemporary dance and music, with references to the move appearing in countless music videos, films, and television shows. The lean has been parodied, homaged, and reinterpreted by countless artists, from Justin Timberlake to BTS, and continues to be a source of inspiration for dancers and choreographers around the world. The lean’s influence can also be seen in the work of contemporary dancers and choreographers, who often incorporate elements of the move into their own routines and performances.
The Smooth Criminal lean’s influence extends beyond the world of dance and music, with the move becoming a cultural reference point and a symbol of coolness and sophistication. The lean has been referenced and parodied in countless forms of media, from comedy sketches to advertisements, and continues to be a beloved and enduring symbol of Michael Jackson’s innovative and influential style. By examining the ways in which the Smooth Criminal lean has influenced contemporary dance and music, fans and scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which Jackson’s artistry and legacy continue to shape and inspire the entertainment industry.
Can anyone learn to do the Smooth Criminal lean?
While the Smooth Criminal lean may appear to be a difficult or impossible move to master, it is indeed possible for anyone to learn the basics of the lean with practice and dedication. Dancers of all levels and backgrounds can work to develop the necessary strength, flexibility, and coordination to perform the move, and there are many online tutorials and dance classes available that can provide instruction and guidance. However, it’s worth noting that the full extent of the lean, as seen in the “Smooth Criminal” music video, is a highly advanced and complex move that requires a great deal of experience and expertise.
To learn the Smooth Criminal lean, dancers should start by developing a strong foundation in dance technique and choreography. They should practice the individual elements of the move, such as the forward bend and the straightening of the legs, and work to build up their strength and flexibility over time. Dancers can also work with a qualified instructor or choreographer to learn the move and develop their own unique style and interpretation. By breaking down the move into its component parts and practicing regularly, anyone can learn to do the Smooth Criminal lean and incorporate this iconic move into their own dance routines and performances.
What is the cultural significance of the Smooth Criminal lean?
The Smooth Criminal lean is a cultural touchstone and a symbol of Michael Jackson’s innovative and influential style, which continues to inspire and influence new generations of dancers, musicians, and artists. The lean has become an iconic symbol of coolness and sophistication, and its influence can be seen in countless forms of media, from music videos to films to television shows. The lean has also been referenced and parodied in countless contexts, from comedy sketches to advertisements, and continues to be a beloved and enduring symbol of Jackson’s artistry and legacy.
The cultural significance of the Smooth Criminal lean extends beyond the world of dance and music, with the move becoming a cultural reference point and a symbol of the power and influence of popular culture. The lean has been the subject of countless articles, essays, and academic studies, and continues to be a topic of fascination and debate among fans and scholars. By examining the cultural significance of the Smooth Criminal lean, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which popular culture shapes and reflects our values, attitudes, and beliefs, and the ways in which iconic symbols and images can continue to inspire and influence us over time.