The dance move associated with Michael Jackson’s 1974 live television performances was the Robot Dance. Jackson performed it with the Jackson 5 during performances of “Dancing Machine,” helping turn the stiff, mechanical movement into a nationally recognizable pop-culture sensation.
The move is often linked specifically with the group’s appearances on programs such as “Soul Train,” “The Mike Douglas Show,” and “The Carol Burnett Show.” Jackson’s performance on “Soul Train” was filmed in 1973 and broadcast later that year, while several prominent performances followed in 1974. The “Dancing Machine” single itself was released in 1974.
Strictly speaking, Jackson did not originate every element of the Robot. Robotic movement had earlier roots in mime, theatrical performance, and street dance, and dancers such as Charles Washington are credited with developing versions of the technique. Jackson’s importance was popularizing and refining the move for a huge television audience. The Robot should also not be confused with the Moonwalk, which became his signature move a decade later.