Waacking

Waacking, also known as Waackin’ or Punking, is a style of dance that emerged in the LGBT clubs of Los Angeles in the 1970s. The dance form was heavily influenced by the music and fashion of the disco era and was popularized by dancers such as Shabba-Doo, Toni Basil, and Jeffrey Daniel. Waacking is characterized by fast, fluid arm movements, intricate hand gestures, and poses.

The dance style emphasizes musicality and individual expression, with dancers often freestyling to disco, funk, or soul music. In addition to arm movements, waacking also incorporates footwork and spins. The name “waacking” is said to have originated from the whacking sound made by dancers’ arms as they moved through the air. The dance form was also influenced by other styles such as voguing, martial arts, and jazz dance. In the 1980s, waacking gained widespread attention when it was featured in music videos by artists such as Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Michael Jackson. The dance form also influenced the development of other styles such as house dance and hip-hop.

Today, waacking is practiced and performed around the world, with annual competitions and events such as the International Waacking Festival in Tokyo, Japan. The dance form continues to evolve and inspire new generations of dancers.