Inspired creativity transcends time, space and the artist himself. The innovative spirit of Michael Jackson is something to marvel at. It existed before he did, and continues to exist in the realm of pure creativity. “People ask me how I make music. I tell them I just step into it. It’s like stepping into a river and joining the flow. Every moment in the river has its song.”~MJ 1992 Dancing the Dream. This river is a continuum that draws from the wellspring of creativity which is God. In the 1987 Ebony/Jet interview Michael said, “No one can quite say what the creative process is. I have nothing to do with it, almost, because it’s created in space. It’s God’s work, not mine.”
Many aspects of Michael’s music videos, Beat It and Bad remind me of West Side Story, the Broadway play that was also an award-winning movie with music by Leonard Bernstein and choreography by Jerome Robbins. When you watch the ballet, Rite of Spring, you might also recognize that Bernstein and Robbins were inspired by the work of their predecessors, Igor Stravinsky (music) and Nijinsky (choreography).
It seems likely that Michael had an affinity for West Side Story. Someone once said, “The greatest tragedy about the Sharks and the Jets is that they didn’t have Michael Jackson around.” Now they do, thanks to a creative fan on You Tube!
ORIGINAL West Side Story dancing to Michael Jackson’s Beat It and Bad
The choreographed Beat It seems to portray elements that pay homage to the West Side Story dance fight between the Sharks & the Jets. Unlike that of these New York City gangs, and not surprisingly from the psyche of perpetual peace-making MJ, there is redeeming value in the inherent message of Beat It.
If you haven’t seen MJ’s ORIGINAL Beat It video, enjoy it now!
On another note, this is a hilarious, yet respectful PARODY on Michael’s music video, “Beat It.” The story line fight is between the iPhones & the iPads.
Cirque du Soleil is a Quebec company recognized all over the world for very high-quality artistic entertainment. Over 5,000 employees and artists from over forty countries work together to produce stellar stage performances of music, dance and acrobatics. For years I have heard about the fantastic performances of Cirque du Soleil, although I have never gone to one. I could have, because they passed through the cities where I lived, but I had not been so moved…until NOW!
Now I am moved with a purpose and a passion. The thought of experiencing the magic of Michael Jackson’s legendary music, signature dance moves and spectacular showmanship, through the talent of inspired and extremely skilled artists, thrills me. From my perspective, it will be like going to one of Michael’s own concerts. The sure-to-be electrifying production promises to reflect MJ’s unique creative process. It will be easy to imagine Michael being with us one more time. For all those of us who either have or have not experienced Michael Jackson LIVE in concert, this is very welcome opportunity!
A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down, Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.
THE IMMORTAL World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where we discover Michael’s inspirational Giving Tree—the wellspring of his creativity. The secrets of Michael’s inner world are unlocked—his love of music and dance, fairy tale and magic, and the fragile beauty of nature.
The underpinnings of THE IMMORTAL World Tour are Michael Jackson’s powerful, inspirational music and lyrics—the driving force behind the show—brought to life with extraordinary power and breathless intensity. Through unforgettable performances Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour underscores Michael’s global messages of love, peace and unity.
Michael greatly loved Cirque du Soleil. He had been envisioning a production of this kind for a long while. In fact, when the agreement with his estate was announced last April, Cirque’s president said that he first talked to MJ six years ago about the possibility of a Jackson-themed show. This highly anticipated stage show has been approved by the Estate of Michael Jackson. Michael’s mother, Katherine, released a statement saying, “Our family is thrilled that Cirque du Soleil will pay tribute to my son in such an important way.” The estate and Cirque du Soleil are equal partners. The show will open in Montreal on October 2, 2011. The 27-city U.S. and Canada tour will run through 2012 before going to other continents, and then taking up residence at the MGM Mirage in Las Vegas.
Jamie King, the writer and director of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour said, “It makes so much sense for these two worlds to come together, because Michael was so into magic and fairy tale and everything that really Cirque is all about. He loved that innocence and childlike kind of creativity which Cirque provides.”
Jamie King is an accomplished dancer/choreographer who has directed some of the highest grossing concert tours of all time. In 2006, he earned significant acclaim from Variety. The publication selected Jamie King as one of the world’s ten most influential people in the music industry, branding him the “Jerry Bruckheimer of tent-pole music tours.”
Beyond his work with the world’s premier entertainers, Jamie King serves as Nike’s official creative consultant and global spokesperson for the Nike Dance Fitness line, and creator of the internationally successful Nike Rockstar Workout.
Jamie worked, early in his career, with Michael on his 1992 “Dangerous” tour. Jamie has choreographed and directed numerous worldwide tours by popular musicians such as Madonna, Celine Dion, Brittany Spears, Rihanna, Avril Lavigne, Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Kayne West and Spice Girls. Jamie has intensely coached an array of other superstars including Prince, Mariah Carey, Shakira, George Michael, Elton John, Diana Ross, Jennifer Lopez and also Ellen DeGeneres. This is his first show with Cirque du Soleil.
Jamie King is passionate about bringing Michael alive in this, most special tribute.
