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Michael Jackson prepares dancers for London gigs
By Amar Singh, Evening Standard Last updated at 16:55pm on 19.05.09Michael Jackson has selected 12 dancers to perform with him at his forthcoming London gigs.
The performers were picked from thousands of applicants from all over the world to join him for his 50-date residency at the 02 arena.
The 50 year-old singer, is to perform 22 different songs - on 22 different sets for the sold out shows which begin on July 8th.
The 22 songs will feature Jackson's greatest hits including Billie Jean, Thriller, Bad and Don't Stop Till You Get Enough in addition to new singles he will release this year.
Hats off: Michael Jackson meets his dancers
The show's promoter Randy Phillips today denied reports that Jackson had been diagnosed with skin cancer.
Phillips today branded the claim as 'preposterous and unverifiable'.
He added: “He is in great health, working tirelessly on creating the greatest live performance of his career, and does not have skin cancer.”
Phillips said has had no difficulty keeping up with dancers half his age' during rehearsals.
The show will also feature aerial dancing' similar to routines by Cirque du Soleil and choreographers who have worked with artists such as Usher and Chris Brown are devising routines with Jackson and his troupe.
Practice makes perfect: Michael Jackson in rehearsals with his dancers
This will also include a new move' to rival the Moonwalk, said Phillips.
Show director Kenny Ortega and associate director who also worked on Jackson's Dangerous and HIStory tours, said: “The level of dancers that we saw at the auditions was incredible.
“Michael was extremely hands on throughout the process in working with the dancers and selecting the final candidate.”
The final line-up of 12 dancers includes Americans Charles Kapow, Ricardo Reid, Tyne Stecklein, Misha Hamilton, Mekia Cox, Nicholas Bass, Danielle Rueda-Watts and Christopher Grant. As well as, Timor Steffens from Germany, Australian dancer Shannon Holtzapffel, Daniel Celbre and Devin Jamieson from Canada.
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Reader views (8)
R.I.P MJ, and respect to these dancers who without you wouldn't have followed there dreams! xxxx
- Kls, uk
I've been waiting , years for the biggest come back of Michael. To come to the states, am deeply sad to here of his passing THE KING!!!!! I will never be the same...am speechless...........he was a very kind soul & ICON
- Dan Belenski, matawn NJ
IM GOIN THE 22ND TOO!! CANT WAIT
- Michael, Essex, UK
Absolutely amazing!
- Desh, Sri Lanka
Wow, Michael is finally returning!!!!! The return of the KING!!!
- Johan, Santa Fe
yeyy GO MICHAEL!!! cant wait to see you on 22nd ...
- Laura Kayy, england
I think and i believe ur king of pop will surely return and will make this performances the best of all times
- Yasi, Mumbai India
woohoo! great to hear some good mj news! keep it up 
- Rf, UK
