Alfonso Ribeiro, the actor who played Carlton Banks on the hit 1990s television show "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," is most recognized for his signature Carlton dance.
1. Influences from Michael Jackson:
Alfonso Ribeiro has mentioned that legendary musician Michael Jackson's dancing served as the primary inspiration for the Carlton dance. The dance's distinct legwork, quick turns, and fluid body movements were all heavily influenced by Jackson's groundbreaking choreography.
2. Homage to Courtney Cox's "Dancing in the Dark" Performance:
In the now-famous season one episode of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" where Carlton initially does his dance at a party, there is also a nod to Courtney Cox's performance in Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" music video. The arm and shoulder movements in the Carlton dance were influenced by Cox's performance.
3. Spontaneous Creativity:
However, it is essential to emphasize that the Carlton dance arose from Alfonso Ribeiro's spontaneous enthusiasm. It was not something that was rehearsed or explicitly scripted; instead, it came about on set during filming. Ribeiro's innate talent and natural rhythm resulted in the dance, which later became a global sensation.
The dance has grown into a well-known popular culture reference and a representation of the 1990s thanks to its blend of Michael Jackson's dance legacy and Alfonso Ribeiro's ingenuity.