Scientists Just Figured Out How Michael Jackson Did That 'Smooth Criminal' Tilt
team of neurological surgeons have figured out how Michael Jackon achieved the gravity-defying, 45-degree forward tilt he performed live in front of thousands of screaming fans. It turns out this "mind-boggling" dance move, first seen in the 1987 "Smooth Criminal" video, was actually a clever illusion that entailed a great deal of core strength, alongside secret hooks and heels. Michael Jackson on the "Smooth Criminal" set in 1987 (Photo: Unknown via Reddit ) Fans were amazed and perplexed after seeing Jackson repeat the feat live on-stage, and completely fooled, although spinal experts can now describe, in detail, how it was biomechanically possible. Writing in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine , the three neurosurgeons said: "Several fans, including the authors, have tried to copy this move and failed, often injuring themselves in their endeavours." "You can bend a maximum of 25 or 30 degrees forward before you fall on your face,...