The Influence of Iconic Dance Moves: Michael Jackson vs. Elvis Presley

The claim that Michael Jackson stole his toe stand move from Elvis Presley is a common yet inaccurate one. Both artists are renowned for their exceptional contributions to dance, but the toe stand is more closely associated with Jackson's unique style and performance.

Elvis Presley's Influence

Elvis Presley did have a distinctive stage presence and incorporated various dance moves, including the toe stand, into his performances. However, it is more accurate to note that Jackson was influenced by a wide array of artists, including Elvis, but he developed his own distinct style that combined elements from various musical genres, such as Motown, funk, and street dance. This unique fusion set him apart as one of the most influential performers of the 20th century.

Photos and Documentation

Interestingly, there is a photo of a young Elvis Presley performing a similar toe stand move on his Wikipedia page, which adds credibility to the notion that both artists may have shared this move. Additionally, it is worth noting that the toe stand was also a move often seen in ballet, suggesting its earlier origins in classical dance.

Michael Jackson's Mastery

While both artists were skilled in this move, it is evident that Michael Jackson executed the toe stand with greater skill and poise. The posture of Elvis in the toe stand might have led to some criticism, but Jackson's version became legendary and defined him as both a performer and an icon.

The Legacy of Influence

A deeper dive into the history of dance and music reveals that neither artist can be said to have stolen a move but rather paid homage to it. For instance, Michael Jackson admired Fred Astaire, one of the greatest icons in the history of entertainment. Like Jackson, none of Astaire's moves are considered 'stolen' rather, they are seen as a form of appreciation.

Gene Kelly, another great dancer and choreographer, once famously said, 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.' This holds true for Jackson, who, like Kelly, paid tribute to those who inspired him. In the early days of his career, Jackson was influenced by the knee slide performed by Calvin Newhouse, a young black RB performer. Jackson studied and borrowed from the moves seen in the racially segregated context of 1950s America.

Elvis Presley, too, was known to borrow from those he admired. He copied his famous knee slide, which wowed audiences, from Calvin Newhouse. Furthermore, Presley once attended performances by Jackie Wilson and Tom Jones to learn their moves, which later became part of his repertoire. These instances highlight the mutual respect and admiration for each other's talents.

The Evolution of Dance in Popular Music

The evolution of dance moves in popular music can be traced back to Elvis Presley, a pioneer whose influence has been felt in the dance routines of countless male rock and pop singers since him. As details about his dance moves, including the toe stand, have been compiled through Spotify's 'Presley Algorithm,' it is clear that Michael Jackson's moves are rooted in the broader dance culture of the 20th century.

Both Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley are celebrated for their unique contributions to the world of dance and music, and it is this legacy of mutual influence and admiration that should be highlighted rather than any notion of stealing moves.

Conclusion

While both Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley are influential figures in the history of dance, it is more accurate to view their moves as a result of mutual inspiration. Just as Jackson was influenced by Elvis, Presley was inspired by those around him, such as Newhouse and others. The true testament to their greatness lies in how they adapted and evolved the moves to create something uniquely their own.

Both artists are winners in their own right, paving the way for future generations of performers. This article serves not only to shed light on this commonly discussed topic but also to celebrate the rich history and interconnections within the world of dance and music.

References

Wikiquote - Elvis Presley

Spotify Algorithm - Billboarding Elvis Presley

Goodreads - Bluff City