Back in 2023, Glasgow-based Alice Bowman had never been to a dance class in her life.  

Now, just three years later,  the 37-year-old lawyer spends her weekends “whacking” –  the dance style that originated in Black and Latino gay communities in 1970s Los Angeles – on dancefloors across the UK.   

And this summer she’ll be encouraging Glaswegians to embrace the hobby she says has helped her “embrace her identity and find a community” after coming out as queer.  

Whacking Scotland's Weekender, taking place from 19–21 June across The Social Hub, The Marlborough and The Board Walk, is part of the Glasgow 2026 Festival, a ten-week celebration of the city's culture, creativity and communities, featuring hundreds of events, performances, artworks and opportunities to get involved inspired by the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

Alice, who lives in Dennistoun, said: "I'd never taken a dance class before in my life, but it was amazing. For the first time in my life, I wasn't self-conscious about any aspect of myself. 

"I'd only recently come out as queer and was still figuring out who I was. Learning about the history of whacking and the communities that created it really resonated with me. 

"It felt like a celebration of people finding freedom, joy and self-expression in a world that didn't always accept them." 

"Whacking has given me confidence, freedom and a way to explore parts of myself I didn't know how to before." 

Created in the gay club scenes of 1970s Los Angeles by Black and Latino gay men, the style is all about attitude and self expression – known as “punking”– with stylistic arm movements, posing and striking with force. Whacking Scotland was founded in 2023, and now has more than 150 active members taking part in classes and events.  

She said: "The community is one of the most supportive I've ever experienced. It doesn't matter whether you've been dancing for years or you've just walked through the door for the first time. 

"People genuinely want to see each other succeed, I've made incredible friends and it's opened the door to experiences I never thought I'd have, such as participating in dance battles and performing at festivals." 

"You don't need experience. You don't need confidence. You don't need to know what you're doing. 

"If you're curious, just come along. You'll be welcomed, supported and celebrated exactly as you are." 

Whacking Scotland’s founder Dorine Mugisha added: “I could have never imagined Whacking Scotland would grow to what it is now! What a privilege to be able to create spaces I wish existed.[Text Wrapping Break] 

“It might not be perfect, I'm definitely learning a lot on the go, but I am doing something, and to the very best of my ability and of what I know. I try to open the door for others and bring as many people as I can along the journey; first class, first performance, first battle, many firsts for many people, and hopefully not lasts.[Text Wrapping Break] 

“So it equally feels special to be part of the Glasgow 2026 Festival, in the city that re-ignited my love for dance and performance. I’m truly grateful for the humans who make Whacking Scotland what it is.”  

The Whacking Weekender features three days of community, parties, panel discussions, workshops, nature walks and more, starting with a Screening of ‘Behind the Scenes, The UK Whacking Documentary’, and Panel Talk at The Social Hub on Friday at 6pm, before a Club Night at Stereo from 11pm.  

Then there’s a Whacking Battle at The Marlborough from 6pm on Saturday, and an afternoon of workshops on Sunday at The Boardwalk, Tickets are available here.  

To find out more about the Glasgow 2026 Festival and discover events taking place across Glasgow this summer, visit the festival programme here.