Jaafar Jackson has detailed the specific methods he used to master the dance style and choreography of his uncle, Michael Jackson [1].
This process offers a rare glimpse into the technical discipline required to replicate one of the most influential performance styles in music history. By breaking down the intersection of movement and attire, Jackson said the iconic aesthetic was a calculated combination of physical skill and visual design.
Training took place at Hayvenhurst, the Jackson family estate in Los Angeles [1]. During these sessions, Jaafar Jackson focused on the precise mechanics of the choreography. He studied the specific movements that defined the pop star's stage presence, treating the dance as a technical discipline to be decoded and practiced [1].
Beyond the physical steps, Jaafar Jackson said clothing played a critical role in the performance. He studied how Michael Jackson utilized costumes to enhance the visual impact of his moves [1]. This approach suggests that the clothing was not merely a fashion choice, but a functional tool used to accentuate specific motions and create the desired silhouette on stage [1].
By combining the study of attire with rigorous practice of the dance moves, Jaafar Jackson sought to achieve proficiency in the style [1]. The training at the family estate allowed him to immerse himself in the environment and legacy of his uncle while refining the technical aspects of the performance [1].
“Jaafar Jackson studied the specific movements that defined the pop star's stage presence.”
The emphasis on costume as a functional element of dance highlights the holistic nature of Michael Jackson's performance art. By treating attire as an extension of the choreography, Jaafar Jackson acknowledges that the 'MJ style' is a synergy of visual and physical elements rather than just a set of dance steps.
