Michael Jackson 1958-2009

I would like to write a blog post in honor of the music and dancing of Michael Jackson, 1958-2009. I grew up dancing to Michael's music in my basement. When "Thriller" first came out when I was six years old, I learned every zombie dance step by watching the video and performed the steps for my family to much applause and laughter. Michael's unique style of movement made me first think about creating original steps and putting them to the music I loved.
UpBring performed many dances to the amazing music of Michael Jackson. His music and incredible style of movement has inspired the choreography of our teachers since the beginning of the company in 2001. His music was exciting and well suited in both language and tempo; we always wanted to fit in a Michael song no matter what the year's theme - from Fairytale Fusion to the Future. Songs by Michael Jackson in UpBring dance pieces have included: Smooth Criminal, Wanna Be Startin Something, Bad, Beat It, and more. Most recently in 2009, Touring Company and TnT performed full length dance pieces to Michael Jackson music mixes for our "Dance Through the Decades" theme. As we continue to teach these dance pieces as part of Touring Company's repertoire, we will forever remember the gift Michael Jackson gave to the dance community.
By: Shari Polis, Director of UpBring Dance Company