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I think most of us who grew up listening to Michael Jackson’s music would know how he made you feel. The most likely responses are “I just wanna dance and disco to this” or even “I don’t know what he’s singing about, but this is worth grooving to”.  Remember the time when Michael Jackson consciously made an effort to imitate (done in respect) the dance moves of an Odissi dancer in his music video for “Black or White” in 1991?

Fast forward to 2026, some 30+ years later, and with the help of Shweta Warrier, who choreographed the dance, fusing elements of Bharatanatyam and Michael Jackson’s neat moves, she and her troupe of dancers, starred in the video. What’s even more worth highlighting is the fact that the video started off with one member placing a cassette tape into the stereo, which really gives you a sense of nostalgia – because honestly, the younger generations won’t know what it would feel like to put in a cassette tape, especially because streaming is much easier and is most likely to have taken over your listening habits…. Unless of course, you’re one of the rare ones who would rather still play the cassette tape or even the vinyl.

I always believe what comes around goes around. In Michael Jackson’s case, this is a fitting tribute. It is in fact reciprocity at its finest for the King of Pop’s work and effort in forging communities and breaking cultural barriers with his ideas and lyrics. Of course, choosing the right producers and engineers also helped him in some way. But there’s no way anyone else could dethrone him because most artists of today would have to thank him for influencing their music, art forms, and outlook in life.

Foot-tapping or adavus is evident in the video, which has been posted and viral on Instagram and Facebook, since early May 2026. There are also hand gestures or mudras.  It’s a way of keeping tradition alive, while also experimenting popular dance moves, as shown and immortalized by the King of Pop. If you look at it, you can think of it as a dialogue, even when the two cultures and dances are different and unique in its own way.

It surely brings Michael Jackson back to life – even though fans would have known he unfortunately passed away about 17 years ago. On that note, however, you can only expect more tributes and viewing of old videos, or even an official music video (Human Nature), as agreed by his estate, in conjunction with the release of “Michael” (2026), the biopic.

On the Malaysian front, tributes have included sing and dance sessions for huge MJ fans in the cinemas and even the re-release of the biopic in certain cinema halls, to really make you feel the boom and the impact of the movie’s music.

With his death anniversary coming on the 25th of June 2026/ (26th of June in the MYT timezone), will you be around then to dance to “The Way You Make me Feel?” Perhaps, even have a Bharatanatyam dance cover with our own Malaysian dancers, regardless of ethnicity or background? After all, like Michael Jackson had written and sung in “Black or White”, “I’m not going to spend my life being a colour”.