The Evolution of Dance from 1950 to 2019: A 7-Decade Joy Ride in 6 Minutes

I see Michael Jackson as a dance style, okay? — Ricardo Walker

Ricardo Walker and his Crew’s The Evolution of Dance , 1950 to 2019 will make you regret every minute spent hugging the wall in middle school.

The breakneck, 6-minute romp led by dancer, choreographer, and Michael Jackson impersonator Ricardo Walker, not only showcases the all-male Brazilian crew’s talent, it makes a strong case for throwing yourself into some serious dance floor silliness.

The Crew, formed by a mutual passion for the King of Pop’s moves, is plenty cool, but their willingness to ham their way through “Flashdance…What a Feeling,” the “Macarena,” and Dirty Dancing’s “Time of My Life” suggest that the joys of dance are available to ordinary mortals such as ourselves.

They cavort in sagging early 90s-style Hammer Pants for “U Can’t Touch This” and don Western wear for Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” the most recent number on this musical tour.

Troupe members Gabriel Zaidan and Alexandre “Lelê” Mayrink seem unhampered by vanity, tossing their enviable locks into the 35 costume changes’ goofiest styles.

The Crew took 16 hours to get the video in the can on a day when one of their number felt under the weather, and they had to be out of the studio by 7pm. (Our compliments to the editor!)

While such hits as Chubby Checker’s “Let’s Twist Again,” Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” Madonna’s “Vogue,” Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” and — who could forget? — “Gangnam Style” instantly summon a period, the 90s placement of Tom Jones’ signature tune, “It’s Not Unusual,” is throwing viewers for a loop.

How did that old chestnut wind up between Madonna and Backstreet Boys?

By virtue of its first studio version, released in 1995 as part of the compilation album The Legendary Tom Jones — 30th Anniversary Album, that’s how.

Prior to their virtuoso turn in the Evolution of Dance, 1950 to 2019, the group guided viewers through the Evolution of Michael Jackson’s Dance. (Jackson’s influence is also evident throughout the former, earning him 4 nods.)

For those whose feet have begun to itch, choreographer Walker teaches a Master Class in Michael Jackson’s dance moves for $100.

Songs used in The Evolution of Dance — 1950 to 2019 — by Ricardo Walker’s Crew

00:03 – 00:13 – Singin’in the Rain – Gene Kelly

00:13 – 00:23 – Hound Dog – Elvis Presley

00:23 – 00:30 – Tutti Frutti – Little Richard

00:30 – 00:35 – Let’s Twist Again – Chubby Checker switch to color

00:35 – 00:45 – I feel good – James Brown

00:45 – 00:57 – I Want You Back – The Jackson Five

00:57 – 01:09 – Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees

01:09 – 01:16 – Dancing Machine – The Jacksons

01:16 – 01:20 – Shake your Body – The Jacksons

01:20 – 01:24 – You’re the one that I want – John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John

01:24 – 01:31 – Time of My Life – Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes

01:31 – 01:46 – Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

01:46 – 01:55 – Rhythm Nation – Janet Jackson

01:55 – 02:03 – FootLoose – Kenny Loggins

02:03 – 02:13 – Thriller – Michael Jackson

02:13 – 02:18 – What a feeling – Irene Cara

02:18 – 02:22 – U can’t touch this – MC Hammer

02:22 – 02:31 – Black or White – Michael Jackson

02:31 – 02:42 – Vogue – Madonna

02:42 – 02:51 – It’s not unusual – Tom Jones

02:51 – 03:02 – Everybody – Backstreet Boys

03:02 – 03:13 – Macarena – Los Del Río

03:13 – 03:26 – Crank That – Soulja Boy

03:26 – 03:33 – Single Ladies – Beyonce

03:33 – 03:46 – Bye Bye Bye – NSYNC

03:46 – 03:54 – Ragatanga – Rouge

03:54 – 04:04 – Gangnam Style – PSY

04:04 – 04:15 – Despacito – Luis Fonsi

04:15 – 04:25 – Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson , Bruno Mars

04:25 – 04:34 – Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO

04:34 – 04:43 – Can’t Stop The Feeling – Justin Timberlake

04:43 – 04:51 – Watch Me – Silentó

04:51 – 05:03 – Swish Swish – Katy Perry

05:03 – 05:17 – In My Feeling – Drake

05:17 – 05:35 – Old Town Road – Lil Nas X