← Soul Train Decoded: Don Cornelius Created the Hippest Brand in America

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By Anslem Samuel | Published February 15, 2012 | Full size is 620 × 480 pixels

DANCING DIVIDENDS Soul Train was notable for offering a platform for street dancers to showcase their talent and, in the process, many of those moves have become part of hip-hop and American culture. “So many dances came out of there like the robot and the GQ,” notes Gibbs. “The lockers first performed on Soul Train and it was the first time many people on a national level had seen moves associated with popping and locking.” Arguably the most influential and successful dancer has been Shalamar member, Jeffrey Daniel, who is credited with having taught Michael Jackson the moonwalk dance. He also choreographed Jackson’s “Bad,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Ghosts” videos. Cornelius’ support of dance extended beyond the show when in the late 1970’s he established The Soul Train Dance Studio in Los Angeles. The Soul train line is perhaps the most recognizable example of the show’s lasting influence on dance.

DANCING DIVIDENDS

Soul Train was notable for offering a platform for street dancers to showcase their…

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