Halloween was on my mind as I was preparing this month’s Eventervention Ammunition post, when all of a sudden my brain train of thought jumped the tracks. I ended up at Michael Jackson junction, where “Thriller”, the Moonwalk, and events intersect. Just work with me here, because it’s really not that much of a detour.
I was thinking about Halloween. What can we always expect to hear (song) and see (video) on Halloween? “Thriller.” I started thinking about how bold Michael Jackson was in putting his creativity out there for all the world to see. At times, like when he did his famous Moonwalk at the Grammys, he personally introduced something new. Other times, like in the “Thriller” video, he shared his vision and got others on board to help bring it to life.
Being creative is risky business. Sometimes you have to go it alone. When your ideas call for others to be involved you must effectively convey your excitement and vision to those adventurous spirits who will support you and help you deliver a spectacular performance. Either way, you have to listen to your instincts and determine if the risk is worth it. If you’re prepared to take the risk, you release your creativity and accept the outcome.
Can you imagine being on the set of the "Thriller" video or in the audience at the Grammys when MJ glided across the stage? I'm sure these were electrifying experiences, but before the energy erupted, he must have wondered how his work would be received. I bet his instincts told him "this is really going to be something", and it was. Decades later, we are still enjoying his music and imitating those famous dances.
Throwing an unexpected event or re-energizing a traditional celebration can also ignite a spark of ingenuity whose reach cannot be predicted. You not only have the opportunity to push your own limits, but you may give others the courage to put their creativity on display. Choreographing and exhibiting bold entertaining moves isn’t always a cakewalk, but the Moonwalk moments make it all worth it.
