Unless the floor is very frictionless, it may be best to open your stance in 2 parts as follows.
Pictured is MJ doing the V-Variation from the Crip Walk dance, which involves the same moves as the opening of a neutral stance (Yi Ji Kim Yeung Ma) in Wing Chun Kung Fu
The 2-part opening of the neutral stance is ideal for beginners to practice. From standing up straight with feet together, pivot on your heels to turn your toes out at 45 degree angles. Then pivot on your toes to turn your heels out, until the distance between your heels is greater than the distance between your big toes. Feet should now be about shoulder-width apart.
If you feel top-heavy when your feet are about shoulder width apart, it’s probably not because your stance is too narrow but because your knees aren’t bent enough. Much wider, and you won’t be able to block a fast rising kick between the legs, or step quickly in any direction without first leaning onto one leg.
By practicing the opening of the neutral stance, including the bending of the knees (causing angle changes in the ankles) and then sliding of the feet, one can become familiar with the basic elements of the moonwalk.
