Ana Selina
“Whacking Foundation & Improvisation“
August 4 – 8, 2026
14.30 – 16.30 H
Tanztendenz e.V.
Lindwurmstraße 88
Studio A
Advanced
In German
“For me, Whacking means community, authenticity, and radical self-expression. It teaches us life: to embrace our emotions and to show up – for ourselves and others.” – Ana Selina
Whacking evolved in the 1970s from Punking in queer clubs such as the Paradise Ballroom and Gino II in Los Angeles. Originally danced to funk and disco music, the style is often characterized by fast arm movements, expressiveness, and precision. Whacking is an energetic, dynamic dance style that often evokes the theatricality of silent films or cartoons like “Batman” and “Bugs Bunny”, clearly distinguishing itself from the style of New York City’s Voguing.
The workshop is for advanced dancers not knowing the dance style yet or with first experiences. Ana Selina combines technique, musicality, and improvisation with cultural background knowledge, placing special emphasis on the roots in queer BIPOC club culture and fostering both individual expression and connection within the group rather than a fixation on the mirror.
Ana Selina is a passionate Whacking dancer and has been actively shaping the development of the German Whacking scene since 2017. In Berlin, she is committed to building and strengthening the scene through regular classes, jams, intensives, as well as community and event work. She is a co-founder of the non-profit association to the floor e. V., co-organizer of the 4 to the floor festival, and co-initiator of Jack & Pose. With 18 years of stage experience and over 1,000 hours of teaching, she works internationally as a judge and instructor.