Princess Lockerooo’s The Fabulous Waack Dancers: The Big Show

Princess Lockerooo is a whirling force with a singular focus; spreading the gospel of waacking. (New York Times) Experience the Epstein Family Amphitheater like never before, as the stage is transformed into a post-modern disco saloon hosting the world premiere of The Big Show, performed by The Fabulous Waack Dancers. The audience, welcomed as club goers and seated on-stage will be immersed in the culture, history and scene of waacking as Princess Lockerooo, the “Queen of Waacking,” honors her mentor, pioneering queer Black waack dancer and Soul Train legend, Tyrone Proctor, who died in 2020, and carries on his legacy through the dance he championed.

Renowned composer Harold O’Neal contributes an energizing and nostalgic soundtrack that takes audiences on a musical journey through various eras of American black music culture. From jazz and disco to soul, RnB, pop, and blues, the diverse soundtrack enhances the emotional impact of each performance, creating a truly immersive experience that will linger in the hearts of club goers.

Join us at 6:30 pm for Waacking Dance Lessons and stay after the show for a dance party.

What is waacking?
In the 1970s, a dance form called waacking was born in the underground gay clubs of Los Angeles. Members of the gay community risked their lives to perform such an effeminate, expressive style of dance at a time when being openly gay often resulted in violence and imprisonment. The dance was popularized on Soul Train by Tyrone Proctor and brought to the spotlight on the Diana Ross Tour thanks to Billy Goodson. With the AIDS crisis, waacking became nearly extinct. Today the art form has been re-born as a booming social media sensation and global queer rights movement.

Pre-Performance lesson WITH PRINCESS LOCKEROOO
Do you want to learn the art of Waacking by the “Queen of Waacking” at a pre-dance party before The Big Show? Arrive onstage at the Epstein Family Amphitheater at 6:30 pm in your favorite party outfit that makes you feel like your best, most freeing self. It could be from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s or now, we just want you to be you.

Post-performance WOW BALL WITH PRINCESS LOCKEROOO
Stay after the performance to dance with The Fabulous Waack Dancers and be the Bell of the Ball. With DJ’s spinning house music, disco balls overhead and libations on stage, you get to showcase your Waacking enthusiasm with others at a free form dance party.

WOW Festival proudly presents this “First Look” project that gives you the opportunity to be part of the very first audiences. Read more here.

Artist

Featuring Princess Lockerooo
Performed by The Fabulous Waack Dancers
Presented by ArtPower, UC San Diego

Princess Lockerooo (Samara Cohen) is a visionary in the dance industry, known for her exceptional work as a producer, public speaker, event curator, director, and choreographer. With a reputation for excellence and numerous accolades, including a Bessie award for Breakout Choreographer and a nomination for Sustained Achievement as a fellow of the RSA, Princess is a highly regarded artist and leader in the dance world.

Performances

Thu, Apr 4: 7:30pm

RSVP Optional

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Audiences can join this event on the stage! Stage access is first come first served, and after the stage is full audiences will be seated in the Amphitheater.

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Supported by

The Fabulous Waack Dancers’s The Big Show by Princess Lockerooo received lead commissioning and development support with Works & Process LaunchPAD residencies at Bridge Street Theatre (2022), Watermill Center (2023), and The Pocantico Center (2023), for premiere at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. The work is a National Performance Network (NPN) Creation & Development Fund Project co-commissioned by Works & Process in partnership with ArtPower at UC San Diego, and REDCAT. The Creation & Development Fund is supported by the Doris Duke Foundation and Mellon Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts (a federal agency).