What is now known as the cobra which is rotating around on your heels while moving your upper arm/chest muscles to the beat was the original moonwalk. It can be seen in the first scene of the movie Breakdance, also on
Michael Jackson Victory tour performances
The one
Michael Jackson performed at Motown 25 is known as the backslide and was taught to him by Jeffrey Daniels and Geron Canidate who had performed it on Soul Train. Jeffrey Daniels first (not first ever) execution of the Moonwalk in the UK (82' TotP, introduction of street dancing to the UK) can be seen here
(remove spaces from links)
www. twilightplayers. com/videos/jeffreydaniel.wmv
The earliest video for the backslide is that of Bill Bailey in 1955
www.putfile.com/media.php?n=tp-bailey (file origin from www.offjazz.com)
People think it might date back to the 20's.
Other variations are gliding, which is when you do it to the side, moving forwards and staying static (
on the spot).
