Unknown Dance Takes Root in Oslo: 'Whacking' Gains Traction

A distinctive dance form known as 'whacking' is emerging in Oslo, Norway, captivating practitioners with its unique style and historical roots. While unfamiliar to most Norwegians, the dance is beginning to establish a foothold in the country.

Nathalie Adriana Hast, a dancer involved in a workshop at Dansens Hus in Oslo, described the dance's arrival in her life as serendipitous. She is currently immersed in learning the intense choreography, which involves powerful yet elegant movements.

'Whacking,' also spelled 'waacking,' originated in the underground LGBTQ+ clubs of Los Angeles in the 1970s. It is characterized by expressive arm movements, often performed to disco music. The dance form has a significant cultural and political history, often associated with self-expression and resistance within marginalized communities.

Its growing presence in Oslo suggests a burgeoning interest in diverse global dance cultures within Norway. Workshops like the one attended by Hast aim to introduce and cultivate this expressive art form among a wider audience, bridging the gap between its underground origins and mainstream recognition.

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It found me.