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The news of Michael Jackson's death is no surprise to anyone at this point. However, as many are no doubt doing, I'd like to take the time and this space on my website to pay homage to the man who inspired millions of not only dancers and choreographers, but everyone around the world. His voice made us move and groove like no other and his distinctive sound defined multiple generations of music, even as it evolved over the years. From the tunes of Motown in the late 60s and 70s with his brothers and Jackson 5, to his unforgettable solo career that spanned the entire decade of the 80s, Michael Jackson epitomized what it meant to be a class act recording artist. His moves were fresh and his music defined a generation. My generation. How many jazz routines have you (or your children) done to the songs found on "Thriller?" I can think of at least five. (Including one from "Off the Wall"!) To this day, people still replicate THRILLER moves in studios and at conventions around the globe.
As I was in mid air traveling back to New York from L.A. when the sad news hit the air, the gravity of his passing did not really hit me until I began writing this blog and started watching old videos and looking at photos. I got chills. I have so many memories to his music that make me so happy. Dance studio days, routines, creating choreography to some of my favorites like "The Way You Make Me Feel" (OH MY GOSH! How great is it when he screams "HEY!", stops the girl in her tracks, snaps, sings acapella "You knock me off of my feet now baby . . . WHOOOOO!!!! and starts dancing around that hot woman?) and "Smooth Criminal" (how many times did you sing out loud "Annie are you OK?") And Molly, I'll never forget our days dancing to "They Don't Really Care About Us".