As summer approaches, excitement is building here at Jacob’s Pillow, and what better way to dive into the season than with The Big Show? Led by ballroom legend Princess Lockerooo, this outdoor performance on the Henry J. Leir Stage in Festival 2024 invites audiences to witness the art of Waacking and engage with its story and significance. Now through May 23, audiences can relive the magic of Princess Lockerooo & The Fabulous Waack Dancers with a free Encore Stream on Jacob’s Pillow On Demand.
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The Big Show features several musical genres, including jazz, disco, soul, R&B, pop, and blues, stitching a rich musical tapestry that creates energy and fun for all ages. It’s a captivating exploration of the evolution and origins of Waacking, the street dance style that emerged in the gay clubs of the 1970s disco era. Through innovative theatrical choreography, elements of comedy and drag, and an array of stunning costumes, Princess Lockerooo & The Fabulous Waack Dancers celebrate this influential dance form in ways that are both delightful and enlightening.
About The Big Show, Waacking, and Voguing at Jacob’s Pillow
More than just a showcase of dance; The Big Show is a joyous tribute to the resilience and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community, reminding everyone of the culture and energy that created Waacking. Archie Burnett’s Life Encounters, a Festival 2021 performance featuring Princess Lockerooo, connects the underground scene of Waacking to the vibrant emergence of Voguing. Both of these forms are emblematic of queer culture, serving as powerful outlets for self-identity and liberation within marginalized communities. Burnett’s work highlights how these dance styles share a lineage rooted in resilience, creativity, and the celebration of diversity, cementing their place as vital components of contemporary queer culture and history. This lineage is seen in The Big Show through Princess Lockerooo’s dynamic choreography and performance, celebrating the foundational themes of resilience and expression but also emphasizing the ongoing dialogue and connection among diverse dance forms that continue to inspire and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.
Princess Lockerooo and Her Mission
From her early days as a protégée of “Soul Train” legend Tyrone Proctor, to her current work as a performance artist, content curator, educator, and activist, Princess Lockerooo has risen to be a global ambassador of the Waacking community. As founder of Princess Lockerooo & The Fabulous Waack Dancers and the international Waacking dance festival, Waak To The Future, her focus is to be a guiding voice in the representation and education of Waacking. Her dedication to this legacy is on full display at Festival 2023’s Season Opening Gala, where her interactive pop-up performance enchanted the audience with an eccentric balance of show-stopping fashion and stunning choreography.
Princess Lockerooo & The Fabulous Waack Dancers set the stage for Festival 2025. Her work reminds us that dance goes beyond movement to become an expression of identity, a source of empowerment, and an experience that builds community. The Big Show’s emphasis on inclusivity and representation ensures that diverse voices are celebrated and uplifted, making everyone feel welcomed and valued in the dance space.
This Pillow Pick was written by Alyse Harris and published on May 9, 2025
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