When talent met technology — and gravity stood no chance.
In 1988, Michael Jackson stunned the world with his Smooth Criminal music video, where he and his dancers executed a gravity-defying forward lean that seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie. Fans were left speechless. How could someone lean at a 45-degree angle without falling flat on their face?
The answer wasn’t just incredible balance — it was brilliant stage innovation.
The Magic in the Shoes
Jackson, along with his team, developed a special shoe system that included a slot in the heel. During the performance, a peg would rise from the stage, locking into the shoe and anchoring the dancer firmly to the floor. This gave them the leverage needed to pull off the impossible move safely.
This ingenious invention was so effective that it was officially patented in 1993 (U.S. Patent No. 5,255,452). It’s a perfect blend of artistry, creativity, and clever engineering — something Michael was known for throughout his career.
.
.
.
A Dance Move That Became Legend
What made this move unforgettable wasn’t just the visual trick — it was how flawlessly Jackson integrated it into his performance. It wasn’t just a gimmick. It was part of the story, the rhythm, and the mystique.
Today, the anti-gravity lean is one of the most iconic dance moments in music history. And now, thanks to behind-the-scenes photos and tech illustrations like the one above, we finally understand how the King of Pop pulled it off.
Image Reference:
Here’s an official source showing a similar diagram and patent info:
🔗 Google Patents – MJ’s Shoe Patent
You can also use the image you uploaded as a visual in your blog to show both the performance and the hidden mechanism beneath the shoe.
