Maybe a lot of fans know some of this, or some don't know it at all, and there are all kinds of
speculations and claims many, many times. Let's tell you the secret today. (It's the definitive source
:)
Keywords: stage lighting, distraction, special shoes, patents
Mike's body-body-forward 45-degree lean performed in the Smooth Criminal video, and the body-body-forward 45-degree stunt performed in
concert. Both inventions were patented by Mike back in 1993 under patent number (US5255452). The name of the patent is "The Illusion of Freedom from Gravity".
In the original "MOONWALK" movie, the body leaning forward was performed with a rope tied around the actor's
waist. Of course, the rope was processed later in the video so that the audience couldn't see it. The angle of the actor's body leaning forward was mechanically controlled from the ceiling.
Then in the music video can even be seen leaning forward 45 degrees + rotation. In later years this method, in concerts
was not realistic. Because the ropes tied around the waist were simply impossible to install and remove
during a live performance. Second, the pre-installed ropes restrict the actor's arm and body dance movements, and Mike
thinks of another way 。。。。。
Performances in concerts require all parts of the show to work in tandem with each other in order to be accomplished. First it takes
stage blinding lights, smoke generators , lasers==.
When Mike needs to do a special performance, MJ will approach the "special
area" of the stage with his back-up dancers, which is usually very poorly lit. A crew member playing the role of an "outlaw" would immediately come on stage and perform for a few seconds with explosives in hand. This distracts the audience and gives MJ time to prepare for his win
.
When MJ was ready, the "special zone" would be lit. Mike leans forward to 45 degrees in one
gasp! The key detail is MJ's special shoes, as you can see from the picture, the back
heel of the shoe has a mechanical connection to the stage, which can hold the body support point firmly in place.
Technical details: The concert method overcomes the shortcomings of the rope system, allowing the concert to be
coherent. This results in the visual effect of the body's center of gravity going beyond the point of support. At the same time, the stage's
"grab hook" system can be accurately controlled by precision instruments and can be retracted at the right time to achieve the purpose of not being
detected. Special note: Even so, it is not without Mike and the actor's hard work
refining, and careful rehearsal and bonding. Strong back muscles are essential for balance and control!