Elvis’ Stage Contortions and Moves

In the 70s, Elvis was no longer shaking his hips and legs the way he did in the 50s.  But the man once known as Elvis the Pelvis still had an active stage presence and a variety of moves to keep his jumpsuited performances interesting. Many of these on-stage contortions were captured on camera, so let’s take a look at some.

Right Knee Down

Elvis liked to use the down-on-one-knee move throughout his entire career. Remember how he had to stop wearing the pants from the Gold Lamé Suit because he wore the gold off the knees? Above is an example of Elvis with his right knee down and his elbow resting on the other. Below is just the reverse.

Left Knee Down, Elbow resting on Right Knee

Next we have two variations of the one-knee-down, other leg extended.

Right Knee Down, Left Leg Extended

The next pose probably put less stress on the knee because some of Elvis’ weight was transferred to his heal which he was resting on.

Knee Down, Sitting on Right Foot

This shot cuts off most of the extended leg, but you lady readers might appreciate it anyway.

This is a strange knee-down shot. It almost looks like Elvis is doing his version of Chuck Berry’s famous duck walk. Do you remember that?

Here are a couple of photos probably showing Elvis going down into the knee-on-the-stage position. He had to be in motion, because nobody could hold still in those positions for long.

Let’s look at some obvious in-motion photos. How about jumping Elvis?

What’s that yellow thing on his shoulder?

 Don’t you like the white fringe on this one?

Elvis would often break into Karate moves on stage.

It is well known that Elvis split his pants a time or two, so it’s good the same thing didn’t happen with these Karate kicks.

Let’s finish with my favorite Elvis performance pictures – flat on his back on the stage.

Here is a unique view of Elvis singing while on his back. You can tell from position of the two female backup singers that the shot was taken from a stage location behind him.

For a little variety, here is Elvis performing (?) while lying on his belly.

It’s hard to tell if this was a planned move or an accident, but, either way, it looks like Elvis was having fun.

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