Jackson and designers invented a special shoe that connects the performer's feet to the stage, doing so in a way that allows the body to lean forward.
Mike performed the 45-degree forward body lean in the Smooth Criminal video and the 45-degree forward body lean stunt in concert. Both inventions were patented by Mike back in 1993, the Amazing 45 Degrees Forward Lean Patent (US5255452). The name of the patent is "The Illusion of Freedom from Gravity".
When Mike needed to perform a stunt, MJ would approach a "special area" of the stage with his backup dancers, which was usually lit very dimly. The staff played "thugs" will immediately come on stage, holding explosives to perform a few seconds. Distracting the audience and giving MJ time to get ready. When MJ is ready, the "special area" will be lit. Mike leans forward to 45 degrees in one fluid motion.
The key detail is that MJ's pair of special shoes, the heel of the shoes in the stage has a mechanical connection, can be the body support point firmly fixed. Technical details: The concert method overcomes the shortcomings of the rope system and allows the concert to be performed consistently. The visual effect is that the center of gravity of the body goes beyond the point of support.
At the same time, the stage's "grabbing hook" system can be accurately controlled by precision instruments to stretch at the right time, so as to achieve the purpose of not being detected. Special reminder: even so, can not be separated from the Mike and the actors hard exercise, and carefully rehearsed and honed. Can not be separated from the strong back muscles body balance control!
Expanded:
The Birth of Jackson's Patented Shoes
Jackson often devised anti-geodesic tilts forward in order to enhance his own and his dancers' visualization while dancing. At first Michael Jackson used a safety belt tied around his waist to accomplish these types of moves, so the classic lean forward 45 degrees + spin move can often be seen in his music videos, to the point where this method became impractical in concerts. Because it was impossible to attach and remove the rope around his waist during live performances, and because it would restrict his body movements, he decided to invent the "anti-gravity shoe".
Jackson worked with two costume designers to create a hook-and-loop fastener on the heel of the special shoe. When he needed to tilt forward, the stage would raise a row of hooks. The stage then creates other visual effects to attract the audience's attention, and Jackson and his dancers take the opportunity to slide the heels onto the hooks and snap them into place before performing the forward tilt. Of course, even then, Jackson and the other dancers could not have done it without hard work, and careful rehearsal and bonding, and strong back muscles and body balance control.
Michael Jackson and his two partners patented this invention in 1993. Aaron Kwok, who also performed it in concert, traveled to the United States to learn from Jackson.