I see Michael Jackson as a dance style, okay? — Ricardo Walker
Ricardo Walker and his Crew’s The Evolution of Dance, 1950 to 2019 will make you regret every minute spent hugging the wall in middle school.
The breakneck, 6-minute romp led by dancer, choreographer, and Michael Jackson impersonator Ricardo Walker, not only showcases the all-male Brazilian crew’s talent, it makes a strong case for throwing yourself into some serious dance floor silliness.
The Crew, formed by a mutual passion for the King of Pop’s moves, is plenty cool, but their willingness to ham their way through “Flashdance…What a Feeling,” the “Macarena,” and Dirty Dancing’s “Time of My Life” suggest that the joys of dance are available to ordinary mortals such as ourselves.
They cavort in sagging early 90s-style Hammer Pants for “U Can’t Touch This” and don Western wear for Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” the most recent number on this musical tour.
Troupe members Gabriel Zaidan and Alexandre “Lelê” Mayrink seem unhampered by vanity, tossing their enviable locks into the 35 costume changes’ goofiest styles.
The Crew took 16 hours to get the video in the can on a day when one of their number felt under the weather, and they had to be out of the studio by 7pm. (Our compliments to the editor!)
While such hits as Chubby Checker’s “Let’s Twist Again,” Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” Madonna’s “Vogue,” Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” and — who could forget? — “Gangnam Style” instantly summon a period, the 90s placement of Tom Jones’ signature tune, “It’s Not Unusual,” is throwing viewers for a loop.
How did that old chestnut wind up between Madonna and Backstreet Boys?
By virtue of its first studio version, released in 1995 as part of the compilation album The Legendary Tom Jones — 30th Anniversary Album, that’s how.
Prior to their virtuoso turn in the Evolution of Dance, 1950 to 2019, the group guided viewers through the Evolution of Michael Jackson’s Dance. (Jackson’s influence is also evident throughout the former, earning him 4 nods.)
For those whose feet have begun to itch, choreographer Walker teaches a Master Class in Michael Jackson’s dance moves for $100.
Songs used in The Evolution of Dance — 1950 to 2019 — by Ricardo Walker’s Crew
00:03 – 00:13 – Singin’in the Rain – Gene Kelly
00:13 – 00:23 – Hound Dog – Elvis Presley
00:23 – 00:30 – Tutti Frutti – Little Richard
00:30 – 00:35 – Let’s Twist Again – Chubby Checker switch to color
00:35 – 00:45 – I feel good – James Brown
00:45 – 00:57 – I Want You Back – The Jackson Five
00:57 – 01:09 – Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
01:09 – 01:16 – Dancing Machine – The Jacksons
01:16 – 01:20 – Shake your Body – The Jacksons
01:20 – 01:24 – You’re the one that I want – John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John
01:24 – 01:31 – Time of My Life – Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes
01:31 – 01:46 – Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
01:46 – 01:55 – Rhythm Nation – Janet Jackson
01:55 – 02:03 – FootLoose – Kenny Loggins
02:03 – 02:13 – Thriller – Michael Jackson
02:13 – 02:18 – What a feeling – Irene Cara
02:18 – 02:22 – U can’t touch this – MC Hammer
02:22 – 02:31 – Black or White – Michael Jackson
02:31 – 02:42 – Vogue – Madonna
02:42 – 02:51 – It’s not unusual – Tom Jones
02:51 – 03:02 – Everybody – Backstreet Boys
03:02 – 03:13 – Macarena – Los Del Río
03:13 – 03:26 – Crank That – Soulja Boy
03:26 – 03:33 – Single Ladies – Beyonce
03:33 – 03:46 – Bye Bye Bye – NSYNC
03:46 – 03:54 – Ragatanga – Rouge
03:54 – 04:04 – Gangnam Style – PSY
04:04 – 04:15 – Despacito – Luis Fonsi
04:15 – 04:25 – Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson , Bruno Mars
04:25 – 04:34 – Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO
04:34 – 04:43 – Can’t Stop The Feeling – Justin Timberlake
04:43 – 04:51 – Watch Me – Silentó
04:51 – 05:03 – Swish Swish – Katy Perry
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Ayun Halliday is an author, illustrator, theater maker and Chief Primatologist of the East Village Inky zine. Follow her @AyunHalliday.
The Evolution of Dance from 1950 to 2019: A 7-Decade Joy Ride in 6 Minutes is a post from: Open Culture. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus, or get our Daily Email. And don’t miss our big collections of Free Online Courses, Free Online Movies, Free eBooks, Free Audio Books, Free Foreign Language Lessons, and MOOCs.
, I see Michael Jackson as a dance style, okay? — Ricardo Walker Ricardo Walker and his Crew’s The Evolution of Dance, 1950 to 2019 will make you regret every minute spent hugging the wall in middle school. The breakneck, 6-minute romp led by dancer, choreographer, and Michael Jackson impersonator Ricardo Walker, not only showcases the all-male
The Evolution of Dance from 1950 to 2019: A 7-Decade Joy Ride in 6 Minutes is a post from: Open Culture. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus, or get our Daily Email. And don’t miss our big collections of Free Online Courses, Free Online Movies, Free eBooks, Free Audio Books, Free Foreign Language Lessons, and MOOCs.
