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Thu April 4th

Princess Lockerooo’s The Fabulous Waack Dancers

The Big Show

Thu April 4th

Princess Lockerooo’s The Fabulous Waack Dancers

The Big Show

Date
Thursday April 4th, 2024
Time
7:30PM – 8:30PM

Presented by

ArtPower at UC San Diego

Pricing

Free, RSVP Required

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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.

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.

The Epstein Family Amphitheater is located in the Pepper Canyon Neighborhood on the UC San Diego campus.

Take the Trolley: The amphitheater is located next to the Blue Line Trolley, UCSD Central Campus Station. For more information about the trolley, visit the MTS website >

From the North: Take I-5 south and exit La Jolla Village Drive. Use the right lanes to turn right onto La Jolla Village Drive and take the first right onto Villa La Jolla Drive.

From the South: Take I-5 north and exit La Jolla Village Drive. Use the left lanes to turn left onto La Jolla Village Drive and take the first right onto Villa La Jolla Drive.

The closest parking structure is Gilman Parking Structure. UC San Diego requires parking permits 7 days a week. Permits can be purchased at permit machines or through the Parkmobile App. Visit UC San Diego Transportation for information on where to buy your permit, and costs.

Accessible Seating

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in all seating areas for patrons in wheelchairs and their companions. 

If you need additional information and/or assistance, please contact amphitheater@ucsd.edu.

You may bring in empty refillable water bottles, small personal bags (16” x 16 “ x 8”). All bags are subject to search by security officers. We encourage that you dress in layers and for those who have tickets to the General Lawn Section to wear shoes without heels.  

Additional prohibited items include: strollers, large backpacks, flags, tobacco products, alcohol, cans, bottles, ice chests, picnic baskets, lawn furniture, weapons of any kind, umbrellas, pets, hula hoops, musical instruments, laser pointers, bicycles, and skateboards.  Cameras with a detachable lens of any kind and professional recording devices are not allowed, including GoPros. Scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and other recreational wheeled equipment are not permitted at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. UC San Diego is a smoke-free campus. 

If you have questions, please contact amphitheater@ucsd.edu.

For the safety and comfort of all, you may not bring lawn chairs or furniture. The lawn is quite steep and not safe for lawn chairs. You can bring in personal seat cushions, blankets, or seating, as long as they fit your personal space and lie flat on the ground (no legs, no hard structure). We encourage the same for the stone bench seating areas on both General Admission and reserved seating shows.

Food and drink will be available for purchase in the venue. Please note: Food vendors are cashless. Must have valid ID to order alcohol.

Vendors at this event:

Red Sambusas

Snake Oil Cocktail

The event will take place on the Epstein Family Amphitheater Stage. Standing and seating available. All ages are welcome.

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