Michael Jackson’s legacy as a performer transcends generations. From the electric Moonwalk to gravity-defying spins and iconic poses, he revolutionized dance in pop music.

But beyond the dazzling visuals, what truly made Jackson a unique artist was the deep thought, emotion, and philosophy behind every move. In rare interviews and candid moments, the King of Pop opened up about his artistic process, influences, and the spiritual connection he had with music and dance.

“Ever since we were kids, we’ve always wanted to dance or keep the time to the music,” Jackson once said. “It’s part of us. I don’t know what I would do if there wasn’t music.”

That passion, born in childhood, never left him. He was deeply inspired by legends like James Brown, Fred Astaire, and Sammy Davis Jr. “I used to get angry at the cameraman when James Brown danced, because they’d do a close-up and I couldn’t see his feet,” he recalled with amusement. “I would throw things. I wanted to learn!”

Despite his quiet offstage demeanor, Michael came alive under the spotlight. “On stage is the most magic place I can be. It’s escapism. It’s like walking on air. I can’t be hurt on stage.” His performances weren’t choreographed just with the body, but with his soul. “I don’t think when I perform,” he explained. “It’s all spirit and feeling.”

The Moonwalk, arguably his most famous move, wasn’t invented by Jackson — but he took it to another level. “It came from these beautiful kids in the inner city.

They’re brilliant dancers. I just enhanced the dance. I wanted to do the five spins, go on my toes, and freeze there.” Still, even after his historic Motown 25 performance, he was critical of himself. “I was backstage crying because I was unhappy with my performance,” he admitted. “But then a little boy came up to me and said, ‘You’re amazing. Who taught you to dance like that?’ That made it all worth it.”

Another powerful moment in his dance journey was the controversial Black or White ending, where Michael is seen smashing windows and grabbing his crotch in a passionate solo. “I wanted to put out my frustration about injustice, prejudice, and racism,” he said. “Within the dance, I just let go.”

When asked about the infamous crotch-grabbing gesture, Jackson clarified, “It happens subliminally. If you’re a dancer, you’re interpreting the sound. If there’s a bass, you become the bass. You don’t think about it. It just happens.”

Jackson’s deep collaboration with choreographers like Michael Peters shaped videos such as Beat It and Thriller, but his vision always led the way. “I remember saying, ‘How do you make zombies dance without it being comical?’ So I studied monster movement in the mirror. I came to rehearsals in monster makeup to get in the mood.”

Ultimately, Jackson believed dance was a language of emotion. “We’re expressing the way everybody feels. It’s rebellion. It’s what we always wanted to say to the world. Passion, fire, movement — it’s got to come from inside.”

Michael Jackson’s approach to dance wasn’t mechanical; it was mystical. He wasn’t merely executing steps — he was channeling music, emotion, and raw energy. “Every time is different,” he said. “The music has to dictate our emotion, our moves.”