Jonathan Platero, Orlando native, made his mark as a sexy and stunt-loving salsa dancer. Listen up as he talks about starting his career later in life, performing “Thriller” in his living room, and expressing words to the legend we lost.

How did you feel when you heard the news last week?
We were waiting to go on the show and to hear that was devastating. It was heart breaking for all of us, especially on a day so hard as Thursday. He’s an idol in everyone’s eyes.

Your three top Michael Jackson Songs are…
"Black or White." He helped inspire change with it. The words mean so much.
"Thriller." It’s a legend in and of itself. I remember sitting in my living room trying to learn it.
 "Remember the Time." The dancing, the breakdown, the theme. Everything is jaw dropping.

What’s your all-time favorite Michael Jackson video?
“Thriller.” Being able to see those dancers and how in sync they were. It was so precise.

Do you remember the first time you saw it?
I was young, so I was scared. I thought it was a movie. Once I found out it was a music video, my brothers and I would watch it for hours every single day, trying to pick up the choreography. I used to try to do it full out and perform for my parents.

Do you know it by heart?
Haha. I know parts of it.

How has MJ affected your life as a dancer?
He evolved music videos and gave dancers a chance. He’s inspired so many artists to have dancers like us in their music videos. He  proved that our art adds a unique flavor to videos.

Can you moonwalk?
Haha. Actually, I can’t. It’s the toughest move. I can fake it. I only know one or two people who can.

How did you think he influenced SYTYCD?
They’ve done routines based on “Smooth Criminal” and many of his other dance elements. He brought so much variety to his routines, and that’s what SYTYCD does. They bring so many styles to the show.

Michael’s style made him an icon. What makes you stand out?
I’m more of a dynamic salsa dancer. I was a gymnast before I was a dancer. I quit gymnastics at age 15 and started dancing at age 16. I was at a competition, and it was a “dance for your life scenario”. We had to do a tie breaker. We separated at one point, and the crowd went nuts. It helped me land the competition. Ever since then, I always said to myself, “I’m going to be different.”

What’s your version of the white glove?
I’m a big fan of those cuff bracelets, especially the ones that look like alligator skin. I wore cuffs in all of my solos. I was always the one asking, “Can I have a cuff?” That’s my trademark.

Where’s your home studio?
I’ll be going back to Orlando, FL but I plan to move to LA to pursue acting and dancing.

If Michael is the King of Pop, what title would you want to own someday?
The King of Salsa… definitely. It’s hard with so many salsa dancers. I’d love to claim that title one day, though.

If you could have danced a solo to one of Michael’s songs, what would it have been?
“Smooth Criminal.” With the beats in that song, I’d be able to dance more salsa steps. The hits would be incredible for throwing some flips too.

What words of wisdom do you have for our gendance readers?
Never give up on your dreams. Even if you get 10,000 rejections, there’s always going to be one that’s life changing. I started dancing professionally at age 19. I never thought I started too late, even though all the other dancers started at age 2 or 3. You have to have the heart, commitment and drive. It’s never too late.

Besides dance, you love…
Acrobatics. Teaching tumbling. I love volleyball. I used to wrestle in high school, and of course hanging out at the beach.

Thank you so much Jonathan, for helping us remember Michael Jackson. Good luck on all your future ventures. Click here to see what Asuka has to say about the King of Pop.