News & Mentioning 'The Man Behind The Dance' New MJ Documentary by LaVelle Smith Jr.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themanbehindthedance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themanbehindthedance</a> coming soon. &#127775;&#127775;&#127775;&#127775;&#127775;&#9829;&#65039; <a href="https://t.co/CKleuIFfFu">pic.twitter.com/CKleuIFfFu</a></p>&mdash; LaVelle Smith Jr. (@lavellesmithjr_) <a href="https://twitter.com/lavellesmithjr_/status/1112802081021284352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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https://www.themanbehindthedance.com/

Coming in May.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#9888; STATEMENT REGARDING THE DOCUMENTARY &quot;THE MAN BEHIND THE DANCE&quot;<br><br>Due to the fact we&#39;re still working on the project &quot;The Man Behind The Dance&quot; - adding videos from my personal collection and <a href="https://twitter.com/michaeljackson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@michaeljackson</a>&#39;s fans&#8230; <a href="https://t.co/R9D8vC60q4">https://t.co/R9D8vC60q4</a></p>&mdash; LaVelle Smith Jr. (@lavellesmithjr_) <a href="https://twitter.com/lavellesmithjr_/status/1135644885212487680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">3. Juni 2019</a></blockquote>
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Due to the fact we're still working on the project "The Man Behind The Dance" - adding videos from my personal collection and @michaeljackson's fans contributions, we would like to inform that we're committed to bring our best to honor the King of Pop.

This is a non-profit project and we expect to release it on June 25th, the date of 10th anniversary of Michael Jackson's passing.

Instead of making this a sad date I wonder I could share some of my memories and join you, fans around the world, celebrating the beautiful legacy of the greatest entertainer this world has ever seen.

Please, spread the word and stay tuned on my social media channels and also on: www.themanbehindthedance.com
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LaVelle Smith part of a Tribute Documentary to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MichaelJackson?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MichaelJackson</a> THIS is what WE WANT TO WATCH - <a href="https://t.co/62PBKSU9K1">https://t.co/62PBKSU9K1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HonorMJ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HonorMJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/kE0YUVEfUe">pic.twitter.com/kE0YUVEfUe</a></p>&mdash; MJJJusticeProject (@MJJJusticePrjct) <a href="https://twitter.com/MJJJusticePrjct/status/1140664903729995779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">17. Juni 2019</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MJFam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MJFam</a>: i'm posting a screenshot because the preview isnt working.<a href="https://twitter.com/lavellesmithjr_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lavellesmithjr_</a> 's documentary about Michael, The Man Behind The Dance will be available on <a href="https://t.co/W3BNRJHWXK">https://t.co/W3BNRJHWXK</a> from June 25th and is free to watch! L.O.V.E. <br>Source: <a href="https://t.co/NMLdlYIQsy">https://t.co/NMLdlYIQsy</a><br>Thanks Lavelle &#127803; <a href="https://t.co/KmGBVksAyJ">pic.twitter.com/KmGBVksAyJ</a></p>&mdash; DespicableDrew (@DespicableDrew) <a href="https://twitter.com/DespicableDrew/status/1141067709238697986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">18. Juni 2019</a></blockquote>
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It has been 10 years since my friend Michael Jackson passed away and I&#8217;m sure we all miss him very much.

These last few months, we&#8217;ve been working on this non-profit project called The Man Behind The Dance where I share my experience and memories collaborating with the one and only King of Pop.

Thank you, David Van Hoesen, Thibault Weewauters for the concept and hard work, Timmy Ropero for the heartfelt soundtrack and Richard Mendelsohn for the constant support and ideas.

More: http://www.themanbehindthedance.com

- - - - -
© 2019 &#8220;The Man Behind The Dance&#8221;, Think Video.
Produced by Thibault Weewauters, David Van Hoesen, LaVelle Smith Jr., Timmy Ropero and Richard Mendelsohn
 
Louisville dancer remembers Michael Jackson in documentary 10 years after his death

In 1988, duPont Manual Youth Performing Arts School graduate LaVelle Smith Jr. auditioned and won a spot performing in Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" video. A few months later, the young talented Louisville dancer was asked to join the "King of Pop" on tour.

Jackson's "Bad" tour was scheduled to play Louisville's Freedom Hall and Smith was thrilled to be performing in the place where he had grown up.

"I told Michael Louisville was my hometown and I was excited for my family to see me dance with him but a few days later, Louisville was taken off the schedule," Smith remembers. "I was very disappointed and Michael must have known that because suddenly Louisville was back on the schedule."

Jackson's kindness didn't end there, Smith said. He ordered tickets for 50 members of his family to come to the Louisville show and was ready to fork over the money at the box office when he was told he wouldn't have to pay.

"Michael had taken care of it, that was the kind of person he was," Smith told Courier Journal. "All those tickets were going to be very expensive tor me to pay for but he was so thoughtful. That was one of many amazing things he did for me."

You may like: Your guide to free outdoor movies and shows this summer in Louisville

On the 10-year anniversary of Jackson's death, Smith is looking back at his relationship with the King of Pop, who he performed with for more than 20 years. During that time, the Louisville dancer also worked with artists like The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, Diana Ross and George Michael.

His creative and inspired choreography earned the dancer numerous awards, as well. Smith won five MTV video awards for co-choreographing the music videos from En Vogue&#8217;s "My Lovin," "Free Your Mind," and Salt N' Pepa's &#8216;Whatta Man." In 1995, he won the award for the video "Scream," a duet between Michael and Janet Jackson. He won his fifth award with the music video for Beyoncé&#8217;s "Crazy In Love."

But his most memorable times were touring with the "Gloved One." Smith went out on three world tours with Jackson &#8212; "Bad," "Dangerous" and "History."

The duo was working on Jackson's comeback tour when the music icon died suddenly of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication on June 25, 2009.

"I knew him for over half my life," Smith said. "So I got to know him quite well and I think it's important for people who did know him to speak up and not be afraid. Some times the truth is not popular but I think it's important that those of us who did know him continue to talk about his character and his kindness."

Since his death, the documentary "Leaving Neverland" has presented a disturbing depiction of Jackson as an alleged child molester, accusations Smith addresses in the new film, "The Man Behind the Dance" by David Van Hoesen and Thibault Weewauters. The documentary, which is divided into two parts, features Smith and is now available online.

https://eu.courier-journal.com/stor...ouisville-dancer-remembers-singer/1498103001/
 
Paris78;4261095 said:
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It has been 10 years since my friend Michael Jackson passed away and I’m sure we all miss him very much.

These last few months, we’ve been working on this non-profit project called The Man Behind The Dance where I share my experience and memories collaborating with the one and only King of Pop.

Thank you, David Van Hoesen, Thibault Weewauters for the concept and hard work, Timmy Ropero for the heartfelt soundtrack and Richard Mendelsohn for the constant support and ideas.

More: http://www.themanbehindthedance.com

- - - - -
© 2019 “The Man Behind The Dance”, Think Video.
Produced by Thibault Weewauters, David Van Hoesen, LaVelle Smith Jr., Timmy Ropero and Richard Mendelsohn

WOW! This documentary is powerful! I love it. It comes from a different perspective of anything I’ve seen. It is raw emotion and you can feel it when LaVelle talks about Michael.I have watched Part 1 and can’t wait to watch the other parts. At the end of Part 1, there is incredible never before seen footage of Michael rehearsing. If you haven’t watched this documentary, please do so, it is done with so much love from Lavellle and the producers.:clapping:
 
I just finished the documentary.

Gotta appreciate Lavelle for sharing that short clip of them rehearsing for the 1995 VMAs.

I am intrigued with the cliffhanger statement though about his role on TII. ?
 
This Documentary is a great tribute. Love that he found the courage to stand up
for his friend!
I enjoyed watching the first part but I was expecting something different under this title!
I hope he will not also focus on the alllegations in the next parts.
 
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myosotis;4261218 said:
Louisville dancer remembers Michael Jackson in documentary 10 years after his death

In 1988, duPont Manual Youth Performing Arts School graduate LaVelle Smith Jr. auditioned and won a spot performing in Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" video. A few months later, the young talented Louisville dancer was asked to join the "King of Pop" on tour.

Jackson's "Bad" tour was scheduled to play Louisville's Freedom Hall and Smith was thrilled to be performing in the place where he had grown up.

"I told Michael Louisville was my hometown and I was excited for my family to see me dance with him but a few days later, Louisville was taken off the schedule," Smith remembers. "I was very disappointed and Michael must have known that because suddenly Louisville was back on the schedule."

Jackson's kindness didn't end there, Smith said. He ordered tickets for 50 members of his family to come to the Louisville show and was ready to fork over the money at the box office when he was told he wouldn't have to pay.

"Michael had taken care of it, that was the kind of person he was," Smith told Courier Journal. "All those tickets were going to be very expensive tor me to pay for but he was so thoughtful. That was one of many amazing things he did for me."

You may like: Your guide to free outdoor movies and shows this summer in Louisville

On the 10-year anniversary of Jackson's death, Smith is looking back at his relationship with the King of Pop, who he performed with for more than 20 years. During that time, the Louisville dancer also worked with artists like The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, Diana Ross and George Michael.

His creative and inspired choreography earned the dancer numerous awards, as well. Smith won five MTV video awards for co-choreographing the music videos from En Vogue’s "My Lovin," "Free Your Mind," and Salt N' Pepa's ‘Whatta Man." In 1995, he won the award for the video "Scream," a duet between Michael and Janet Jackson. He won his fifth award with the music video for Beyoncé’s "Crazy In Love."

But his most memorable times were touring with the "Gloved One." Smith went out on three world tours with Jackson — "Bad," "Dangerous" and "History."

The duo was working on Jackson's comeback tour when the music icon died suddenly of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication on June 25, 2009.

"I knew him for over half my life," Smith said. "So I got to know him quite well and I think it's important for people who did know him to speak up and not be afraid. Some times the truth is not popular but I think it's important that those of us who did know him continue to talk about his character and his kindness."

Since his death, the documentary "Leaving Neverland" has presented a disturbing depiction of Jackson as an alleged child molester, accusations Smith addresses in the new film, "The Man Behind the Dance" by David Van Hoesen and Thibault Weewauters. The documentary, which is divided into two parts, features Smith and is now available online.

https://eu.courier-journal.com/stor...ouisville-dancer-remembers-singer/1498103001/

I agree 100% with the bold.
Terrible is those so called friends don't want to talk.
Mj isolated himself from the world so the aren't many (living) who knew him incredibly well to be able to defend him in any case
 
I agree 100% with the bold.
Terrible is those so called friends don't want to talk.
Mj isolated himself from the world so the aren't many (living) who knew him incredibly well to be able to defend him in any case

Michael was a very shy man. he also trusted too much. see? he was too much for this world.
 
I agree 100% with the bold.
Terrible is those so called friends don't want to talk.
Mj isolated himself from the world so the aren't many (living) who knew him incredibly well to be able to defend him in any case

Yeah sadly there are not many important people who were close to Michael for example during the Bad-era and -tour still living and could shine a light on James S. Allegations like his bodyguard Bill Bray from I have read that he used to sleeep in Michaels room during the Bad Tour!
It would help a lot when some people could confirm this in Tajs documentery cause then James lied that he was alone with MJ in the room and no molestations could have happened!
 
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Lavell&#8217;s video can now also be accessed on You Tube. We all need to support this video. It is beautifully done. I can&#8217;t wait for Part 2.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you all for your kind words about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheManBehindTheDance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheManBehindTheDance</a>. I really appreciate your love. &#10084;&#65039;<br><br>For those who are asking if I’m going deep into the allegations next parts, the answer is NO! We need to show people what really matters: the HUMANITARIAN. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/love?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#love</a></p>&mdash; LaVelle Smith Jr. (@lavellesmithjr_) <a href="https://twitter.com/lavellesmithjr_/status/1144051746647527424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">27. Juni 2019</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="de"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bravo, beautifully done and honest &#128079;&#127995;&#128079;&#127995;&#128079;&#127995;&#10084;&#65039;&#128148; <a href="https://twitter.com/lavellesmithjr_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lavellesmithjr_</a></p>&mdash; Karen Faye (@wingheart) <a href="https://twitter.com/wingheart/status/1143925643056300033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">26. Juni 2019</a></blockquote>
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So he says he called Michael an idiot to his face (in a friendship sort of way)... And I thought Michael only surrounded himself with YES-MEN... Hmm...
 
So he says he called Michael an idiot to his face (in a friendship sort of way)... And I thought Michael only surrounded himself with YES-MEN... Hmm...

It has been said mj shut out people who criticised him so I was quite surprised when he said that he was honest with him.
 
I had not really the impression that MJ surounded himself mostly with "Yes Sir"- people.
This was somthing what was just said from a few ones.
When I think on the people which were close to Michael I remember only people with strong personalitys who were not afraid to tell him their opinion.
I think in a few cases it was important what people would say to him.
Things like " stop to surround yourself with children", he would be very upset and angry becuse this was impossible for him when they were his bigest inspriation and joy!

He searched his whole life people who were just like him or much simular and couldn't find any cause he was too unique and too special in too many ways!
 
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SmoothGangsta;4261414 said:
It has been said mj shut out people who criticised him so I was quite surprised when he said that he was honest with him.

Where did you hear that? Tabloids? Gossip? I have never heard anyone who was ACTUALLY around Michael say that. Chris Tucker is certainly not a Yes man and neither is Steve Harvey. Jesse Jackson was is not a yes man and neither is Rev. Al Sharpton. So I believe that what Lavelle said was also true with these men who were friends and advisors.

There is no way in hell that these men were yes men. They told Michael like it was, and didn’t hold back.
 
He searched his whole life people who were just like him or much simular and couldn't find any cause he was too unique and too special in too many ways!

Exactly. he even said he was the most loneliness person in the world because he was so different. when Michael tried to date anyone or make friends with anyone. they always use him. Michael tried to date black women but everyone he tried to date just use him or didn't want to date him. when Michael wanted to date he wanted to married. he was very serious man when it came to relationships. when Michael tried to make friends it was hard because once again they use him. so it was best for him to have himself around kids because like he said. they don't see him as the way adults sees him. i honestly don't see the problem with him being around kids. if he never hurt them or anything. what's the problem?
 
Also Michael was very shy man. he was type who got shy around some people. also he didn't have an childhood so another reason why he was so into kids.
 
I cried the whole way through.

Thank you, LaVelle. You are a beautiful man.
 
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