<P> The moonwalk is a dance move in which the dancer moves backwards while seemingly walking forwards . A popping move, it became popular around the world after Michael Jackson performed the dance move during a performance of "Billie Jean" on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever on March 25, 1983 . This special was broadcast May 16, 1983 . It subsequently became his signature move . </P> <P> An illusion is involved in creating the appearance of the dancer gliding backwards . Initially, the front foot is held flat on the ground, while the back foot is in a tiptoe position . The flat front foot remains on the ground but is slid lightly and smoothly backward past the tip - toe back foot . What is now the front foot is lowered flat, while the back foot is raised into the tiptoe position . These steps are repeated over and over creating the illusion that the dancer is being pulled backwards by an unseen force while trying to walk forward . Variations of this move allow moonwalking to appear to glide forward, sideways, or even in a circle . </P>

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