Michael Jackson: The Blueprint of Dance or J-Hope’s Rival?

Love for J-Hope is genuine, but it's time to put an end to comparing K-pop artists alongside Michael Jackson. He is the blueprint, unparalleled in his artistry.

Michael Jackson: A Dancer Beyond Compare

No artist, not even the legendary Fred Astaire, who considered Jackson the best dancer the world has ever seen, can match Michael Jackson's prowess. While there were many great dancers of their era, including Fred Astaire, Elvis, Prince, and heavy metal artists known for their energy and moves, none can contest the unmatched talent of Michael Jackson.

Natural Talent vs. Skill and Training

When it comes to natural dance ability, it is hard to find someone more gifted than Michael Jackson. His musicality and facility were evident even during his youth, a fact even Fred Astaire acknowledged. While Jackson did train in ballet, technique alone was not his forte. Instead, his unique ability to make every move his own, to dance like no one else, set him apart. He was simply the best at dancing like Michael Jackson, and that was enough.

Michael Jackson: More Than Just Technique

Though Michael Jackson was undoubtedly a master of movement, it's important to note that there are countless highly trained dancers who surpass him in certain aspects. In fact, in some of his videos, such as Beat It, some of the backup dancers are able to outdance him. This does not diminish Jackson's talent, but rather highlights the high standards of the performers he worked with. Michael was a singer first and foremost, and while he could and did dance brilliantly, it is not the primary criterion for comparing him to other dancers.

Copying and Innovation

Michael Jackson, like many other dancers, was known for his ability to copy and innovate. He drew inspiration from older RB singers like Jackie Wilson, one of the earliest influences in his dance routine. However, this is not unique to Jackson. Many top line singers are also excellent dancers, such as K-pop stars like BTS, Drake, and Cardi B, as well as Jennifer Lopez and other performing artists. The art of dance involves both copying and creating unique styles, and Michael Jackson was a master of both.

Conclusion

Michael Jackson was a heavenly dancer who set a new standard for the art of dance. While J-Hope and other K-pop artists are certainly talented, they each have their own unique styles and genres. The comparison between them and Michael Jackson, while well-intentioned, does not fully appreciate the legacy of the King of Pop. Michael Jackson was indeed the blueprint for dance, but he was also a member of a rich and diverse dance community.