Whacking Scotland Exhibition
Dorine Mugisha

Tickets

Wed 15 April | T1
8pm - 9pm
Duration: 60 mins
Access Key: BSL, AP

A Whacking Exhibition Contest (working title) is an interactive, club-style celebration of Punking, Posing and Whacking — dance forms that emerged in the underground clubs by gay Black and Latino people in the 1970s Los Angeles. Born as a form of resistance and self-definition, these styles offered dancers a way to express freedom from oppression, reclaim space, and unapologetically embody their authentic selves. This interactive work honours that lineage while bringing its vibrant spirit into a contemporary performance setting.

The event recreates an immersive club atmosphere: a DJ spins – with tracks from the 70s to current day – contextualising and creating an unpredictable soundscape for dancers to freestyle to. A charismatic host guides the experience, offering playful commentary, contextualising the history, and encouraging audience engagement. Their role is central — bridging the gap between performers and spectators, ensuring that everyone feels part of a shared cultural moment.

Eight invited performers will then take to the floor one by one, each showcasing for a 1 to 2 minute song of their choice. The intention is not competition but expression: a celebration of contrasting energies, personal stories, poses, character. The audience will not be passive. Their participation is woven into the fabric of the event — cheering, responding, and using small materials that help build atmosphere. A “wheel of fortune” will invite a member of the audience to spin for different music genres, determining what sound a dancer will improvise to. These moments heighten spontaneity and highlight the core principle of Whacking, responding instantly and boldly to whatever is thrown your way. 

This alongside Cyphers, DJ breaks and shared dancing will dissolve the performer–audience boundary, creating a shared space and moment. Throughout the performance there will be short, accessible reflections on the history and culture of these styles. Ensuring the event is not only entertaining but also educational, celebratory and rooted in its rich, queer, Black and Latinx origins.

Credits:

Whacking Scotland & Friends

Content Notes:
Loud Music, flashing lights, haze and optional participation.

 
“A dancer with purple braids stands alone in a spotlight on a dark stage, wearing a patterned cloth wrapped around their waist. Her face is expressive her hair up in the air

Dorine Mugisha is a multidisciplinary artist, organiser, teacher, choreographer, director and project manager interested in exploring themes around identity, belonging, culture and body image. Born in France, of Tanzanian heritage, based in Scotland and having travelled over 30 countries, her multicultural background deeply informs her work. Founder of Whacking Scotland, she builds intergenerational community through classes, events and movement. Her solo Akanana; Sweet Banana has been touring internationally, including Poland, Mozambique, Scotland then London and Edinburgh in 2026. Her dance background is in street dance styles, she also researches African traditional dances and has fallen in love with Whacking/Punking which has become her primary style, with its signature elements being strong poses, storytelling, and sharp arm movements.