These workshops are curated by Sara Jordan and are part of their festival Detour which takes place 2-7th of December in Dansehallerne. The Detour workshops are not part of Dansehallernes training program; however they are open to all. You’re welcome to book your tickets here, and please note that a small fee applies.

Carla Parcianello (they/them) invites participants into an inclusive, exploratory space where street and club dance meet contemporary practices. Drawing on Whacking, UK Jazz Fusion, and improvisation, the workshop deconstructs movement into abstract, expressive forms guided by imagery and instinct.

About 

Whacking is a dynamic dance style that emerged in the Los Angeles club scene during the 1970s. It originated within communities of Black queer and gay dancers who were seeking a way to express themselves freely in a world that often marginalized and oppressed them. Through dramatic, sharp, and fluid movements of the arms, hands, and body, these dancers created a physical language that allowed them to communicate emotion, storytelling, and personal identity.

Originally known as “punking,” whacking was described by dancer Viktor Manoel as an “expression from oppression,”highlighting how the style was both a creative outlet and a form of resistance. The movements were bold, theatrical, and often improvised, incorporating elements of drama, attitude, and theatricality—turning dance into a powerful tool for self-expression and liberation.

Whacking’s influence spread beyond the clubs when it appeared on “Soul Train,” the iconic 1970s music and dance TV show that primarily featured Black dancers. Through this platform, the style reached a wider audience, inspiring dancers around the world and contributing to the development of modern street dance culture. Today, whacking continues to evolve, maintaining its roots in storytelling, individuality, and the celebration of identity.