Deonna's "Michael Jackson Tribute" gets thundering applause at the US OPEN

As the MVP dance team led by Deonna Ball was announced at the 2009 US Open, anticipation filled the room. Down the staircase came 11 dancers clad in black sparkling jackets, black hats, white socks, and white sequined gloves - reminiscent of the late Michael Jackson during his "Beat It" era.  What happened next was simply FABULOUS.

Deonna and four of the guys lined up and broke into 4-minute medley of the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 that was sentimental, colorful and exhilarating. 

It began with the familiar Jackson Five "lean" formation as they danced to "Stop! The Love You Save May Be Your Own". The audience went crazy.

The next three songs only added more fuel to the fire...

"Stop!"

"Dancing Machine"

"Billy Jean"

Her team mimicked every movement, every subtlety, every styling element of the Jackson 5 in their heyday.

They continued with more chart toppers...

"Don't Stop Till You Get Enough"

"Beat It"

"Thriller"

 "Ya Wanna Be Startin' Something". 

The choreography was bold and bedazzling. Individual clusters of guys and girls moved separately, weaving back and forth and intersecting like a marching band in a Rose Bowl halftime show.  First, they battled one another. Then, they mirrored each others' movements. The crowd loved it.

Finally, they segued into "Workin' Day and Night" to close the show. 

The climax of four solid, unrelenting minutes of slick, complicated, intricate dance movements came to a quick close and ended on Michael's famous "Ooh-Aaah".  When it did, the audience instantly and simultaneously jumped to their feet and applauded for two continuous minutes. It was one of the greatest moments ever at the US Open, perhaps second only to Benji & Heidi's routine-ending donut-drop in 2002.

The MVP dance team did themselves proud with this well-crafted Jacksons dance medley. Deonna's choreography was intense, elaborate, complex, and difficult. She challenged her group to dance up to a level that would properly salute Michael Jackson and make him proud had he been able to be there to see it himself. 

Mission accomplished, coach. You and your team rock. 

If you want to see this remarkable video, click the YouTube link below.  If you're like everyone else, you'll probably watch it three times in a row.  Yes, folks, it's THAT good.  And so is Deonna. 

On behalf of all dancers and devotees of Michael Jackson, thank you, Deonna, for sharing this wonderful tribute to Michael Jackson through your unique dance art. You have created a CHOREOGRAPHIC MASTERPIECE.  Bravo, Maestro.