Michael Jackson Dance Moves On Kinect

Ubisoft has announced it will release a Michael Jackson videogame that challenges Xbox 360 players to dance like the King of Pop, due for release on April 12. Michael Jackson: The Experience taps into camera and gesture-tracking capabilities of Kinect controllers for Xbox 360 consoles to track how well players are imitating the late music legend's moves.

The game features Ubisoft technology that projects players into on-screen scenes inspired by Jackson's music videos and live performances. Ubisoft released a version of the game for Nintendo's Wii consoles with motion-sensing wand controllers in November.

Ubisoft has been a long-time believer in motion controls for videogames and the potential for 3-D cameras to immerse players in the on-screen action. The firm seized the opportunity to work with Nintendo on titles tailored for the Wii and had action videogame Red Steel ready when the innovative motion-controlled consoles launched in late 2006. (Sourced from AFP)

A Legend Passes Away But Lives On In Our Hearts - Tribute To Michael Jackson

Grief-stricken fans of Michael Jackson around the world are still mourning his death one week after the pop idol passed away of cardiac arrest last Thursday. Michael Jackson was truly a brilliant singer entertainer and dancer extraordinaire. During his 'reign', the King of Pop influenced global trends in music, dance and fashion. His 1982 album Thriller which contained the blockbuster hits Billie Jean, Beat It and Thriller is the best selling album of all time with sales totalling some 100 million copies. Michael had 13 number 1 hits in the US and this puts him behind only The Beatles, Mariah Carey and Elvis Presley. Michael's dancing skills are legendary. He could do fast multiple swivels, dance 'en pointe', and he helped popularize the moonwalk.

The moonwalk or backslide is a dance routine that gives the illusion that the dancer is stepping forward while actually moving backwards. It gives the appearance of a person walking against the direction of movement on a walkalator. The dance move gained widespread popularity after it was performed by Michael Jackson in his song Billie Jean on the television special "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" on March 25 1983. Michael did not create the moonwalk, he just made it famous and it became his signature dance move. Many artistes have been credited with creating the moonwalk but the honour is usually given to the French mime, Marcel Marceau. Michael Jackson can however lay claim to being the greatest moonwalker on earth!

Michael was in Malaysia as part of his HIStory World Tour in 1996 and performed two shows at the Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur - on October 27 & 29. The event received plenty of press coverage and generated a lot of buzz. The paparazzi and fans gathered at the Concorde Hotel where he was staying, hoping to shoot photos or just catch a glimpse of the King of Pop. Traffic around the hotel came to a standstill as motorists slowed down to have a look. Michael took time off during his stay here to do some shopping. When he arrived at the shopping complex there was near pandemonium as the multitude of shoppers crowded around him and wanted to get his autograph, shake his hand or simply to touch him. Michael was like a demi-god to his fans!

The concerts in Kuala Lumpur were held at the iconic Merdeka (Independence) Stadium where the then Malaya's first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman had proclaimed the nation's independence from Britain on August 31 1957. Among the audience at the performances were their majesties the King and Queen of Malaysia, several cabinet ministers, and dignitaries. Because of the hot and humid weather in Malaysia, Michael chose to wear his specially designed thermal suit to help keep him cool. And he really was cool on stage, putting on a magnificent display of showmanship which won the adoration of his fans. Rest in peace, MJ. You will always be in our hearts and remembered for bringing so much joy and happiness to the world!


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