Thom Yorke Dance Guide

 

Figure 1: Shower Head
Raise the left arm gently to form a shower over your hat. Imagine the water is flowing on your hat. It’s real, you are not dreaming, the water is indeed flowing on your hat yet you are fully dressed. This is just the beginning, you are now getting into the dance, nothing can stop you. You are free.
Figure 2: Egyptian
This technique is often mistaken for the moonwalk, courtesy of Michael Jackson. The two are indeed similar but notice the position of the right hand in the Egyptian. It’s actually a palm up, a very difficult technique to master without getting injured. However this is one of the key details a lot of people miss. Give it a time, the practice makes perfect.

Figure 3: Jester
This beautiful and ambiguous position symbolizes both domination and terror. Once in the position, rock from side to side like drunken women on a boat.
Figure 4: Rag
Your body is hanging on a clothesline. Move it in reverse from left to right. You are slowly becoming a red scarf used to tantalise wild bulls in Pamplona.

Figure 5: Empty Pockets
This is actually quite easy figure to master but remember – the timing here is crucial. When the part “I will sneak myself into your pocket” comes put your hands in your pockets. There is a lot of meaning behind this gesture but we won’t go into details in this guide. Just put your hands into your pockets on time and you’ll be fine.
Figure 6: Karateka
If you are Thom’s generation you’ll know that one of the most popular games in 1980′s was Karateka. It was indeed one of Thom’s favourite too. This karate gesture symbolizes the tension between Thom and media especially during the OK Computer era.

Figure 7: Lotus Flower
This is the climax of the whole dance and the most important part. Hold your hands together in front of your face and slowly unfold as you raise them up above your head. This symbolizes a new beginning, a new hope – the Lotus Flower unfolding.
Figure 8: Acorn
Even a thousand year old King Of Limbs was once just a small acorn. This is all about humbleness in front of the nature. Respect it or die. It also symbolizes the green way of living which Radiohead promote whenever they get a chance.

Figure 9: Prayer
This one is very personal to Thom so we won’t go into details. Just hold your hands together, close your eyes and gently bend your knees as you were going to knee down.
Figure 10: Fan
Where would Radiohead be without their fans? This last figure is an honour to the fans all around the world. Thom here completely frees his body and mind and finishes the dance by giving thanks to all the Radiohead fans who pre-ordered The King Of Limbs