Without a doubt, Jody Watley was and still is a trendsetter. She taught many how to move on Soul Train, how to groove as a member of Shalamar and she showed fans how hard it is to find a friend or love as a solo artist. She has spent her years being fabulous and showing us how to be fabulous one step at a time. Jody Watley quickly talked to us about her favorite spot in L.A. and the dance movement.
“Giorgios Modern Discotheque at the Standard Hotel is in L.A. Its probably the hottest club in the country. People come to dance and sweat their glamour off … it is not pretentious in any type of way,” she told Singersroom.
On her current favorite moves Ms. Watley said, “My favorite dance now is waacking, which precedes vogueing. It is all about hitting the beat. Everyone is waacking … black, white, Asian and Latino. I featured it in my “Still A Thrill” video. There was a time when everyone had to learn all the new dances… everyone was dancing. Today, younger people and the young at heart are starting to get back to moving and dancing again.”
People are still doing the dance and are taking waacking to the next level.
Princess Lockeroo "Nightlife"
Hong King Friday Waacking – "Nightlife"
Maya Hong Kong -"Nightlife"
Are you ready to learn about the latest dance craze? Look no further than Jody Watley, who is back and talking about waacking.
This dance style has been around for decades but is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to Watley’s influence.
In this article, you’ll discover the origins and evolution of waacking as a dance style. You’ll also hear from Jody Watley herself about her experience with waacking and why she believes it’s important to keep this art form alive.
So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to learn some new moves!
The Origins and Evolution of Waacking as a Dance Style
You’re gonna love learning about waacking, with its sharp arm movements and fierce poses that originated in the underground clubs of 1970s Los Angeles. Waacking, also known as punking or whacking, was born out of the disco era and quickly became a popular dance style among LGBTQ+ communities.
It is characterized by quick arm movements and fluid footwork, often performed to funk or disco music. The origins of waacking can be traced back to African-American and Latinx dancers who would gather in underground clubs like The Odyssey in LA to showcase their moves.
They drew inspiration from classic Hollywood films featuring stars like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as well as from traditional West African dances. Over time, waacking evolved into what we know today – a highly stylized dance form that emphasizes individual expression through movement.
In recent years, waacking has experienced a resurgence thanks to pop culture icons like Jody Watley bringing attention to the style. With its roots firmly planted in marginalized communities and a focus on celebrating the individuality of each dancer, waacking continues to inspire new generations of performers around the world.
So why not give it a try yourself? You might just discover your new favorite dance move!
Jody Watley’s Experience with Waacking and Its Popularity in the Dance Scene Today
Experiencing the electrifying rhythm and fluidity of waacking firsthand, it’s clear why this dance style has remained a beloved staple in the contemporary dance scene.
Jody Watley, a renowned singer-songwriter and choreographer, is one of many who have fallen in love with waacking. She says that its unique blend of femininity and strength makes it both empowering and liberating for dancers.
Watley believes that waacking’s popularity is due to its ability to evolve with the times while still staying true to its roots. As she puts it, “Waacking isn’t just about following steps; it’s about feeling the music and expressing yourself through movement.”
This is why she encourages young dancers to embrace their individuality when practicing waacking.
Today, waacking continues to captivate audiences around the world. Its influence can be seen in popular culture, from music videos to TV shows like Pose.
With Jody Watley as one of its biggest advocates, there’s no doubt that this dynamic dance style will continue to inspire generations of dancers well into the future.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! You’ve learned all about the origins and evolution of waacking as a dance style, and how Jody Watley has experienced its popularity in the dance scene today.
With its roots in the LGBTQ+ community and disco era, waacking has continued to thrive with dancers incorporating their own personal styles and flair.
Thanks to artists like Jody Watley continuing to promote the style, waacking is now recognized globally as a unique and powerful dance form.
So why not try it out for yourself? Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting out, give waacking a try and see where it takes you on your dance journey. Who knows – maybe you’ll even become the next big thing in the world of waacking!
