'Elvis had a center of gravity that was low, but also set back and deep; his sexiest moves - legs lolling back and forth, smooth like jelly, hips rolling and tossing everywhere - were performed as if there were a paperweight on a string tied around his waist, and hung from his lower back; with his own weight adjusted to the back, he could free one leg to twist, pop, and jerk while maintaining perfect balance; Elvis' glory was in the shifting of his weight; when he gets going fast, the force of the shifts make his shoulders jerk so hard he looks like he is being electrocuted'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Elvis’s low center of gravity and weight distribution gave him fluid, dynamic movement on stage, making his performance visually striking.
- In plain terms
- His balance and weight allowed smooth, dramatic stage moves.
- What can you take from it?
- Physical control enhances stage charisma.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What role does physicality play in a performer’s appeal?
- Can movement compensate for vocal limitations?
Another view
Physical showmanship can overshadow musical substance.
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