History
In 2010 a few aspiring DJs answered a Craigslist ad for a free class that was happening in Orange County, CA. When they arrived they were greeted by generous instructors, an impressive spread of DJ equipment, and a friendly community looking to learn. Throughout years of classroom venue changes and different instructors, the main goal has always been the same: Teach the fundamentals of DJing for free, celebrate dance music as a community building art form, and bring people together in person through events and teaching. After six years of informally gathering every week to teach anyone who attended class, leaders of the local dance music community decided to make it official by forming a nonprofit 501(c)(3) called Dance Music Initiative in 2016. Since then Dance Music Initiative has expanded its offerings to include:
- An after-school program which teaches DJ lessons to school children
- Classes taught at various local businesses, transitional housing & youth shelters, and cultural organizations
- Local underground events that act as recitals for curriculum graduates
- Community building jam sessions and remix contests
- Online educational resources for dance music enthusiasts abroad
- Dance Music Initiative’s ultimate goal is to provide a framework for leaders around the world to set up chapters in their local communities.
Values
- Community: People first. Take care of and support each member’s creative pursuits and well-being.
- Music: This is our art. It should be respected and performed/written with integrity.
- Education: Proliferate dance music culture/history/knowledge to those who are supportive of the values and initiatives of the collective. Sharing can take place through instruction, mentoring, shadowing, online resources, hands-on demos, etc.
- Collective: Leverage the network of experience, skills, talents, resources, contacts, equipment, and anything else that can further the values and initiatives of the collective and the people it influences. Achieve more collectively than one can alone.
- Face-to-face: Bring people together in person versus interacting virtually behind a screen. In-person gatherings such as events put on or sponsored by the collective (big or small, public or underground), outings to experience artists who inspire members, festivals, educational/charity events, etc.
- Performance: Live events in public spaces with an audience, showcasing music from members or those who inspire members.
- Dance: Encourage people to express themselves through dance without judgment. The collective will host events in a safe, supportive environment where participants can express themselves as long as their actions are positive, safe, and respectful.
Initiatives
- Promote dance music culture: Champion positive, helpful, and creative aspects of dance music. Overcome the stigma of being associated with the irresponsible consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs. The collective can help reverse this negative perception through hosting and advocating responsible, safe, positive events and activities.
- Free DJ lessons: Teach DJ fundamentals, history, and culture to new or experienced DJs.
- Free music production courses: Teach digital music composition techniques through software and hardware.
- After-school program: Provide creative outlets for children in a structured and safe environment.
- Incite thoughtful discussion: Encourage healthy, open-minded discussion about the state of the dance music scene and current affairs.
- Contests: Motivate people to create work through friendly, positive, supportive events. E.G. Remix/Production contests, dance competitions, art auction fundraisers, etc.
- Local chapters: Set up a framework that can be reproduced in multiple communities around the world.
Dance Music Initiative 