Let's talk dances - 2011 style!
Hey, everyone!
I want to really quickly address folks who are interested in auditioning for Anthrocon 2011's dances, and ask a couple of questions.
It should be fast!
First, DJ auditions will be opening in October. Please don't submit anything before then, as I'll likely forget about it and you'll have a false sense of security. That should give you time to prepare a demo or whatever, or if you haven't thought about it up until this point, it'll give you a few months to practice! Auditions will probably be open until decemberish, at which point they'll close. I hope to have DJs announced by the end of January, so that you guys can plan your con around it.
I have a question - this'll take me a little time to work out the details of, and it's primarily why I'm posting. As a DJ auditioning for the dances, would you be appreciative of having the option to have a couple of veteran DJs look over your demo mix and give you pointers should you not be given an invite this year? I, personally, have ten or so years experience and I know that many of our other veteran and repeat DJs are very experienced as well (some far more than me even,) and I think for folks just starting out a few pointers on how to do better next year might be appreciated. I just don't want to seem to presumptuous - obviously, this would be opt-in. Is anyone interested in that?
Keep your eyes peeled because auditions will open Octoberish!
- p. collie
What music would you use? I don't like current dance or techno. Would '80s synthesizer tunes (like New Order's "Bizzare Love Triangle" or Kraftwerk's work) be alright with you?
In general, the goal is not to shoot for specific kinds of music, but for experienced, talented DJs with a high level of musical and technical proficiency and a quality of performance that's well above 'casual' for the main room. Keep in mind that you're not on stage to play music for yourself, but for a crowd of several hundred who have very high hopes for the dances - we aim very high every year and try and outdo ourselves in the year following, and so far I'd say we're doing pretty well in that arena.
In general we pick DJs who can move the most people, and leave music selection up to them. While lots of folks like 80s, it's not the only thing we're going to play, and in general we have a good stable of 'resident' DJs who've played nearly every year who really kill with the 80s music.
So... enough talking in circles: I don't judge musical style. I judge whether or not you can play the right music to keep the most people excited, and genre be damned.
And as for not liking current dance music... we -are- in an 80s revival at the moment, you know. 
so will you give more info on what you want for demos as the time gets closer? 
yes, but to copy from email copypasta i've been sending in response to questions like this:
Generally we expect people with an understanding of how club DJing works and who are familiar with standard DJing tools - either vinyl and pioneer CDJs/pioneer mixer or something more advanced like Traktor, Torq, Serato, Ableton or other PC-based DJing kit. We expect people who are experienced at beatmatching and seamless mixing and who are comfortable playing for an hour or so. While no professional club experience is required, knowledge of the skill and style required to play a club is a must.
When auditions open we'll be accepting demo mixes of about an hour which should be designed to show off the style of music you play and your skills as a performer, and people who stand out will be selected to receive slots for DJing.
i have my own mix in music and want to play it at the dance!
There is no way in hell I'm gonna pass up this opportunity. I'd love to play some breakcore/jungle/gabber there, but until I get my mix together, I can't really say how well it will fare with the audience.
breakcore is sexy when mixed properly 
is there a age limit to the dance?
nope.
=) thanks for clearing that up
If you are over the age of 85 we do not recommend attending the dances.
I know I'd like to lay down some a little Drumstep for the floor if selected to DJ for 2011. It's a great mix of today's upbeat style with some funky groovin' grime along with it. Keeps people pumped, the perfect party music =3
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