After the triumph of its first edition, the waacking battle imagined by Princesse Madoki is back under the glass roof of the Grand Palais, opening the Festival Paris l'été.
Extravagant, inclusive and festive, waacking, a dance inspired by the poses of Hollywood stars, emerged as a space for expression and freedom in the Afro and Latino American gay communities of the US West Coast in the 1970s. From the 2000s onwards, waacking took on a new global dimension, bringing together an increasingly diverse circle of artists and audiences in international battles celebrating diversity. Through the body liberation and self-assertion, this dance enables people to assume their differences and personalities.
Following the success of the 2025 edition, Josépha Madoki, also known as Princesse Madoki, returns to the Grand Palais to open the Festival Paris l’été for a second season of her fiery waacking battle. Over a hundred participants from around the world gather once again, under the expert gazes of four judges, global icons of the discipline: Lip J (Korea), Ebony (Canada), and last year’s battle winners, Akuma Diva and Bogie (Taïwan).
At every stage of the competition, from pre-selection to the grand final, you cheer on the dancers striving to become the brightest duo of the moment. To keep the event festive and communal, DJ Naajet and MC Matyouz electrify the room, with jams and showcases punctuating the battle!
A coproduction of GrandPalaisRmn and Festival Paris l’été.
Other information
About Josépha Madoki, Matyouz and DJ Naajet
Josépha Madoki
An iconic figure of Waacking in France and Europe, Josépha Madoki co-founded the Ma Dame Paris collective in 2016 and has created several shows highlighting this aesthetic. In 2019, she launched the All Europe Waacking Festival in Paris. Collaborating with Thomas Jolly, she choreographed Romeo and Juliet at the Opéra Bastille in 2023, becoming the first Waacking choreographer ever programmed there. Invited to choreograph a segment for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, she continues to advocate for the recognition and transmission of Waacking, both in France and internationally. In 2026, at the invitation of Maud Le Pladec, Josépha Madoki will create a Waacking piece for 24 dancers of the Ballet de Lorraine.
Matyouz
A legendary MC on the hip-hop and waacking scene, Matyouz is known for his energy, punchy flow, and magnetic presence on the mic. Performing on the biggest battle stages (Juste Debout, All Europe Waacking Festival, Summer Dance Forever…), he embodies the dancers’ voice with charisma and precision. A passionate and unifying host, he helps bring street dance events to life in France and internationally.
DJ Naajet
Resident of Sacré in Paris, Naajet ignites clubs and festivals in France and Europe (Sisyphos, Rex Club, Le Sucre, Plages Électroniques...). Her vibrant energy and sharp sets leave a lasting impression. An engaged producer, she signs on labels such as Monki & Friends, Nowadays Records, and Shall Not Fade. As a member of the Madoki company for the D.I.S.C.O project, she fuses music and dance with unique intensity.
Saturday, July 11, from 5pm to 10pm
Doors open 1h before the start of the performance
Show free seating: bleachers (within the limits of available seats) or tatami
To take part in the battle as a dancer, register on the Paris l'été Festival website from April 1
Nave (center)
On July 11, following the event: After Nef night, single ticket - information to come
More information
Access: 7 Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris
Nef - Entrance Gabrielle Chanel
Accessibility
This event is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
