Video: Ballmer's 'Dirty Dancing' farewell to Microsoft Ballmer announced his decision to retire as chief executive officer (CEO) of Microsoft last month, although he will remain in the role until a successor has been chosen. "There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but now is the right time," Ballmer said. We need a CEO who will be here longer term for this new direction. Addressing a crowd of more than 13,000 Microsoft employees at the Key Arena in Seattle last week, Ballmer reportedly told employees "We will deliver the next big thing ... we will change the world again." He then danced around the stage to Michael Jackson's Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', while shouting "The sound of Microsoft!" After the song ended, an emotional Ballmer paused to "enjoy this for a minute," with tears streaming down his face. "You work for the greatest company in the world, soak it in," he said, according to The Verge. Ballmer later took aim at some of Microsoft's rivals, calling Apple "fashionable" and Amazon "cheap." He said Google was focused on "knowing more," while Microsoft was about "doing more." "I believe in you, I believe in the mission," he told employees. We've been a great company for years. We will be a great company for many more years. He ended his speech with Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes' I've had The Time of My Life - the theme tune from his favourite film, Dirty Dancing - playing in the background before screaming "I've had the time of my life" and contining to dance and run around the stage. Microsoft staff took to social media to share details of Ballmer's speech, describing it as being more like a "rock concert" than a company meeting. Service engineer Bob Ulrich posted this picture on Twitter of the snaking queue outside the building, ahead of the event: