•Michael Jackson did the moonwalk for the first time at Motown 25 in 1983
•Dance lasted less than two seconds but captivated audiences around the world
•Jackson wore a fedora, white socks with black shoes and single white glove
•Black loafers he wore during a rehearsal of the dance are now up for auction
By Chris Pleasance for MailOnline
Published: 15:25, 27 April 2018
It was the moment that defined a career, captured the attention of millions and spawned countless imitations - Michael Jackson's first moonwalk.
The moment itself, which came during a performance of Billie Jean at the Motown 25th anniversary gig in California in 1983, lasted less than two seconds but its impact was felt for decades afterward.
Now a pair of black loafers worn by the King of Pop during a rehearsal for that performance are going up for auction, and have already attracted bids of $10,000.
The shoes are marked 'Motown 25' and signed 'Michael Jackson' on the soles in blue marker. One of the shoes is also numbered 'Michael #2'.
Michael referred to the shoes as his 'magic shoes' and they've never been offered at auction before.
They're set to go under the hammer with GWS Auctions on May 26 alongside a red Dior cardigan embellished by Bill Whitten for the pop star and a riding helmet encrusted with Swarovski Lochrosen crystals.
The auction celebrates the legendary King of Pop's upcoming 60th birthday.
While Jackson's career was littered with iconic outfits and moments, perhaps none sticks in the memory as much as that night in California.
Jackson first appeared on stage alongside the Jackson 5 to perform a medley of their hits, which had been released on Motown Records.
But a condition of him performing was that, after the medley had finished, he would be able to perform Billie Jean, the latest single off his album Thriller, which was riding high at number 1 on the Billboard chart.
Jackson walked back out on stage wearing a black fedora which he would fling off the stage moments later, and a sequinned black suit jacket and trousers.
Underneath, he wore a glittering shirt and socks, and on his hand a the single rhinestone glove that would become one of his trademarks.
With hips thrusting and ankles twisting, he worked the crowd into a frenzy before unleashing his most famous dance move during the breakdown.
The moment became an instant sensation and was the most memorable moment of the night, despite the fact that Thriller had not even be released by Motown.