The new Academy.
For years I have been scheming up a way to encourage women, queer and trans folks to DJ. I always used to complain that DJing was mostly men and I sat around wallowing in gender differences and feeling all alone. Seriously, I had some real grumpy days.
Well, I finally became proactive… with my new DJ Academy for Women and Trans Folks in Winnipeg. The inaugural class of students begins this Thursday and I couldn’t be happier. I’ll be sure to update everyone on how things go, and yes, we’re doing more classes in the future. If you want to be added to the waiting list (we’re full up, this time around), you can contact me at sarah@mamacutsworth.com.
This first round of classes is a bit of an experiment for me, to see how much interest there is in this city. So far, the reaction has been overwhelming and thrilling. The class registration filled up after 30 hours. In a two-week intensive class, students are going to learn:
- DJ equipment and technical terminology so they can “hang”
- Some basic elements of music
- Skills like beat matching, juggling and scratching
- Concepts around artfully building a great DJ set
- Gender politics in the club and how to changes things, one gig at a time
One thing I’m pumped about is the final class “recital” I’ve organized for the students. They’ll be playing their first gig at “The XX Factor,” a fundraising dance party at the Lo Pub on Saturday, March 3rd. All proceeds are going to the West Central Women’s Resource Centre. It’s going to be awesome. I highly recommend you come down to the party to check out Winnipeg’s newest batch of DJs.
- March 3rd
- Lo Pub, 330 Kennedy St
- Doors 9 pm
- $10 at the door
Click here for link to Facebook event.
