Mastering the rhythmic precision of Michael Jackson's iconic Smooth Criminal choreography
In short: The Smooth Criminal dance is more than just a series of moves; it is a highly structured sequence of counts and precise footwork. To replicate the magic, you must master the interplay between turns, leg swipes, and the essential preparation for his signature kicks.
The choreography for Smooth Criminal relies on a strict adherence to an eight-count musical structure. The sequence begins with a foundational movement where the dancer enters on the first beat, often accompanied by the iconic action of placing a hat on the head. As the dancer moves into the first count, the left foot moves in tandem with the hat placement, followed by the right foot crossing behind the left. This pattern continues through a fourth turn where the right foot crosses the left, followed by a specific gesture of hiking up the pants on the sixth count.
As the routine progresses, the complexity of the footwork increases through a series of swipes and steps. After the initial turns, the dancer performs a right leg swipe, followed by a sequence of steps and a quick tap of the hat. The movement then transitions into a left leg swipe, leading into a series of steps and counts that culminate in a final pose. The choreography also incorporates a 'mini ronde-jon' motion involving the right leg, which requires precise control to execute the rhythmic hits and points on the subsequent counts.
A critical component of the performance is the preparation for the high-energy kicks. This 'mini-inside tutorial' reveals that the kick is not an isolated movement but the result of a specific preparatory sequence: a right-left step followed by the kick itself. This is often paired with a rhythmic tapping motion. The routine concludes with a repetitive, high-intensity series of right and left steps that maintain the momentum of the dance, demanding both stamina and rhythmic accuracy to finish the sequence effectively.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Do "Smooth Criminal" Dance Pt. 1 | MJ Dancing
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/society-how-to-do-smooth-criminal-dance-pt-1-mj-dancing.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Society · Latest · A–Z · All topics
