Online Workshop: How to DJ for Swing Dancers

ABOUT

Whether you're just starting to collect your favorite swing tunes, curious about DJing, or already have experience behind the decks, this workshop will give you the tools to craft dance floors that swing! As a follow-up to our Swing Music Workshop, this session will help start you on a path to becoming a confident Swing DJ, to shape the energy and flow of a night of swing dancing.

• Date & Time: Monday 24 March, 7-8:30 pm
• Location: Online (link provided upon registration)
• Cost: Free / Donation-based

Who Is This Workshop For?

• Newbies – If you love swing music and want to start sharing it with others, this is for you!
• DJ-Curious – If you’ve thought about DJing but aren’t sure where to start, we’ll break it down step by step.
• Experienced DJs – If you're already DJing and want to refine your skills, get fresh ideas, and deepen your connection to the dancers, this workshop will offer new insights.

Prerequisites:

While not required, we recommend attending the preceding Swing Music Workshop (17 March 2025) or having a solid understanding of swing music history, styles, and key big band artists from the Swing Era.

What You’ll Learn:

• Setting Up Your DJ Rig
• Choosing the right DJ software and configuring it for seamless sets.
• Essential gear: laptop, headphones, sound cards, and cables.
• Troubleshooting tips to keep your set running smoothly.
• Building & Organising Your Music Library
• Where to find high-quality swing recordings.
• Managing your collection with tags, BPMs, and smart playlists.
• Exploring Cape Town Swing’s Spotify playlists and other key resources.
• Crafting the Perfect DJ Set
• Creating flow: balancing tempos, energy, and variety.
• Matching the dancers' mood and experience level.
• Finding the sweet spot between familiar classics and fresh discoveries.
• Reading the Dance Floor & Adapting in Real Time
• Watching the dancers and responding to their energy.
• Adjusting volume and EQ to fit the venue and sound system.
• When to push dancers outside their comfort zones—and when to keep it familiar.
• Best Practices & Common Pitfalls
• Ground rules for DJing at swing dance events.
• Basics of sound engineering: mixers, connections, and troubleshooting.
• Avoiding common mistakes (like overcomplicating your set or playing “samey” songs).
• Growing as a DJ
• Keeping track of your sets and learning from experience.
• Getting feedback and engaging with the community.
• Continuing to develop your unique DJ style.

Workshop Highlights:

• Hands-on practice with DJ software and setup.
• Listening challenges to sharpen your ear for tempo, feel, and musicality.
• "Next song" exercises to develop seamless transitions.
• Live practice—get real-time experience DJing for dancers!

Why This Workshop Matters:

• Empower Yourself: Gain the confidence to DJ at Cape Town Swing events.
• Shape the Scene: Your music selection influences the dance floor energy and keeps the scene vibrant.
• Elevate the Music: Play swing music with juicy fire that truly inspires Lindy Hop!

Sign up now and start your journey to becoming a swing dance DJ!