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| A unique performance by LE SSERAFIM |
🚀 LE SSERAFIM and the Moonwalk: A Fearless Tribute to Dance History 🚀
When LE SSERAFIM dropped the teaser for their latest title track “HOT”, one unexpected yet thrilling element captured fans' attention: the moonwalk. This iconic dance move, synonymous with Michael Jackson, is a testament to technical skill, illusion, and showmanship. Seeing it in a K-pop performance—especially in such a cinematic, monochrome setting—adds a layer of storytelling and historical significance.
But what makes the moonwalk such an enduring dance move? How did it originate, and why does its use in HOT feel so powerful? Let’s take a gliding journey through dance history and uncover the hidden meanings behind LE SSERAFIM’s bold tribute.
The Origins of the Moonwalk: A Dance Older Than You Think
Most people associate the moonwalk with Michael Jackson, but the move itself existed long before his legendary 1983 Motown 25 performance. In reality, the moonwalk has roots that stretch back almost a century, and its evolution is a fascinating blend of old-school entertainment, street dance culture, and performance artistry.
1. The 1930s–1950s: The Earliest Versions
The first recorded instance of a moonwalk-like move dates back to the 1930s and 1950s. It was often performed by African-American dancers in vaudeville and jazz clubs.
- One of the first performers to execute a backward gliding motion was Cab Calloway, the charismatic jazz singer and dancer known for his energetic, smooth movements.
- However, the earliest filmed version of the moonwalk can be seen in a 1955 performance by Bill Bailey, a tap dancer. He ended his routine by smoothly gliding backward offstage—a move that looked remarkably like the moonwalk we recognize today.
Despite these early examples, the move remained relatively obscure for the next few decades, mainly appearing in niche dance performances rather than mainstream media.
2. The 1970s: The Influence of Street Dance
The next big step in the moonwalk’s evolution came in the 1970s with the rise of funk, locking, and popping—dance styles born from street culture.
- Dancers from groups like The Electric Boogaloos and pioneers like Jeffrey Daniel (from the group Shalamar) helped popularize the move, referring to it as the “backslide” rather than the moonwalk.
- The move was frequently used in popping, an animation-style dance where performers create robotic or fluid illusions.
Jeffrey Daniel was one of the first to showcase this technique on national television, and it caught the attention of a young Michael Jackson.
3. 1983: Michael Jackson’s Legendary Moonwalk
While the move had been around for years, it was Michael Jackson who immortalized it.
During the Motown 25th Anniversary Special in 1983, Jackson performed Billie Jean live on TV. Mid-performance, he took a few steps backward in an impossibly smooth motion—and the crowd exploded. People were mesmerized. Was he floating? Was it magic?
- The move instantly became his signature, and he refined it with a level of polish and control never seen before.
- Unlike earlier versions, Jackson’s moonwalk was perfected with an effortless weightlessness, making it feel as though he was truly defying gravity.
Thus, the moonwalk became legendary, forever linked to Jackson’s supernatural aura and his dominance over pop culture.
LE SSERAFIM’s Moonwalk: More Than Just a Tribute
Fast forward to 2025, and LE SSERAFIM is bringing the moonwalk back into the spotlight in their new HOT music video. But why does this moment feel so significant?
1. A Statement of Fearlessness
LE SSERAFIM’s group identity is built around the idea of being fearless. Even their name is an anagram for “I’M FEARLESS”, symbolizing their determination and resilience.
- In the teaser, their moonwalk moment is paired with the lyrics "Not running from it", reinforcing their unshakable attitude.
- The moonwalk itself is a technical and precise move, requiring balance, control, and mastery. Just as Michael Jackson made it look effortless, LE SSERAFIM’s execution showcases their high level of performance skill.
It’s not just about copying an iconic move—it’s about embodying the same level of artistry and confidence.
2. The Cinematic, Monochrome Aesthetic
The teaser for HOT is entirely black and white, creating a stark, dramatic contrast. This choice is intentional and adds a timeless quality to the visuals.
- Michael Jackson’s legendary performances often had a noir-inspired aesthetic, relying on shadows, silhouettes, and a sense of mystery.
- The monochrome teaser strips away distractions, forcing viewers to focus on movement, emotion, and performance.
By making the moonwalk stand out in this minimalist, high-contrast world, LE SSERAFIM gives it a sense of weight and history.
3. LE SSERAFIM’s Ongoing Dance Evolution
One of LE SSERAFIM’s defining characteristics is their willingness to experiment with different dance styles.
- In EASY, they incorporated old-school hip-hop elements.
- In CRAZY, they mastered voguing, a dance style rooted in the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene.
- Now, in HOT, they pay tribute to a legendary dance move while making it their own.
Each comeback, they reinvent their movement vocabulary, proving that they are not just K-pop idols—they are artists pushing boundaries.
The Moonwalk’s Timeless Power in K-pop
The moonwalk is more than just a cool move. It represents:
✅ Mastery & Skill – Only the best dancers can execute it flawlessly.
✅ Timelessness – It remains iconic decades after its debut.
✅ Illusion & Magic – It creates a surreal, gravity-defying effect.
✅ Cultural Legacy – It carries history and meaning beyond just entertainment.
By integrating it into their HOT teaser, LE SSERAFIM is making a powerful artistic statement. They aren’t just borrowing a move—they are aligning themselves with some of the greatest performers in history.
As fans eagerly await the full HOT music video, one thing is certain:
➡️ LE SSERAFIM isn’t just walking toward greatness. They’re moonwalking into it. 🚀
