The US artistic swimming team proved you don't have to touch terra firma to flawlessly execute the "Moonwalk."
Team USA demonstrated Michael Jackson's signature backslide dance move upside down, with the swimmers half-submerged and legs extended above the water's surface, in a thrilling routine set to the King of Pop's legendary 1988 song, "Smooth Criminal".
The performance of the upbeat aquatic acrobatics went viral and is the latest of many exhilarating highlights coming from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
What is the Moonwalk, you ask? Observe, below.
So, "You need a dance floor to do that," might be your initial takeaway based on Jackson's expert skills seen above, right?
Well, the US artistic swimming team just said, "Hold my beer."
In response, the raucous applause echoed throughout the indoor venue of the Paris Olympics Aquatics Centre. It was the sound of a crescendo, Annie!
Viewers were astounded by this fresh twist on the gliding dance phenomenon.
They were doubly impressed by the athletes' agility and breath control.
MJ must be beaming from beyond.
It was definitely not for amateurs.
Formerly known as synchronized swimming, the sport was first introduced at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games.
Water acrobatics set to music has historically been performed by female swimmers.
Although men were officially allowed to compete in the water sport governed by World Aquatics for the first time at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, no male swimmer names were registered to a team roster.
Team USA features Anita Alvarez, Jaime Czarkowski, Megumi Field, Keana Hunter, Audrey Kwon, Luu Jacklyn, Daniella Ramirez, and Ruby Remati,
The octet scored 282.7567 during Monday's round, earning 47.250 points for the degree of difficulty, 184.5067 for elements of the routine, and 98.2500 for artistic impression.
You can watch the full routine here.
The public was first treated to watching Jackson doing the Moonwalk in 1983 during a concert at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California.
The backslide move was popularized a couple of months later when Jackson performed the hit song, "Billie Jean" in the televised special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.
Here's the moment much of the world first witnessed the legendary Moonwalk.
Legend.
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