The Michael Jackson HIStory Show
Image: Photo: Bradley Garner
As the seventh anniversary of Michael Jackson’s tragic passing approaches, the pop icon’s spirit will once again be felt in Sydney when The Michael Jackson HIStory Show arrives at the State Theatre this Friday. Moonwalking his way centre stage as the late King of Pop will be impersonator Dantanio, whose meticulous impression has seen him dubbed as one of the greatest Michael Jackson impersonators in the world.
With such an extensive and polarising global fan-base, stepping into MJ’s dancing shoes would seem a daunting experience for any performer – but none could be more prepared than Dantanio, who has been practicing Jackson’s routines since the age of nine.
“Michael Jackson to me, has really been a life influence,” Dantanio explained. “I saw [my older brother] on a Saturday morning dancing around, [impersonating] Michael and I was really moved by that and I became inquisitive to who that was… and I say by the age of ten, a year later, I could do the moonwalk. I was so into it, you know.”
Having toured the tribute show to rave reviews over the past two years, Dantanio believes both new and old Jackson fans will enjoy the show.
“Michael Jackson was very much sensitive about changing things too much,” said Dantanio. “Michael loved pushing the barrier, but he was very careful that all those things did not take away from the physical performance of who Michael Jackson is. And with The Michael Jackson HIStory Show, we try to encompass all of this, yet stay true to the performer, as Michael did.” (CW)
Jun 24, 8pm. State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney. $79. Tickets & info: statetheatre.com.au
BY CHANTAL WALSH
