The Dance Community Remembers Michael Jackson
“I, as well as many generals around the world who have served on the front lines to shape the hip hop culture over the decades, owe a profound debt of gratitude to our Commander in Chief, Michael Jackson, the undisputed King of Pop... All hail the king!” – Shabba Doo
“I don't think people always realize the level of dedication and faith it takes from one single man to reach such a level of perfection and maintain it throughout a lifetime… I am still as fascinated today watching him dance on the screen… Michael Jackson truly was an emperor of the stage.” - Roxane Butterfly
“He had a great sense of humor, he was educated and talented beyond words. He ate vegetarian pizza, wore prescription glasses for reading, and like most students, thanked their instructor—me—at the end of every session.... Imagine that. Michael, it was an honor and a pleasure working with you. Thank you for everything. You will always be ‘bad’ and I will cherish the time we spent dancing and talking together for the rest of my life.” - Dormeshia Sumbry Edwards, Harlem Tap Studio
“I will miss my dance brother dearly, and I urge everyone to pray for his soul and for his family and especially his children. The world is not the same place without our dear Michael's smile. I thank him from my broken heart for allowing me the opportunity to dance with him and be his friend. His legacy lives on. Long live the King of Pop!” - Jeffrey Daniel
“Working with Michael Jackson was an honor and something I will always have in my heart and memory… I feel blessed to have not only worked with him as a dancer in ‘Smooth Criminal,’ but as a choreographer in ‘Scream.’ Knowing him and working with him has helped me to reach deeper within myself to strive for perfection… What he did for music and dance in our lifetime is such a blessing for so many of us, I don't know where we'd be without him.” – Tina Landon
“For us Michael was a major influence. That’s why we started dancing. And we’re extra lucky at the age that we are because we really got to experience him in his hey day… He did a performance on the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards—groundbreaking, amazing, it laid the foundation for a lot of the hip hop crew stuff you see now with the sound effects and combining different songs together. Together, we wore that one out!” - Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo
“I can tell you for sure, this man was truly dedicated to helping children all over the world. And I feel honored to have known him, and also to have worked with him. He will be remembered forever, as his music will live on and on. Michael, my dear sweet friend, rest, and I hope you are finally at peace. You were the greatest!” – David Winters