A Cologne-based DJ academy is offering a 2.5-hour introductory course designed to provide aspiring DJs with a first experience behind the decks, focusing on electronic music and the increasingly popular practice of ecstatic dance.
The course, advertised as suitable for individuals with no prior experience, will familiarize participants with both beginner and professional-level DJ controllers, allowing them to experiment with transitions and creative mixing techniques. The organizer emphasizes a hands-on approach, with participants having ample opportunity to practice and ask questions.
The academyâs approach to DJing extends beyond technical skill, framing it as a means of emotional expression and storytelling through sound. According to promotional materials, the course aims to help participants âopen up spaces and create sound journeys,â fostering a connection between music, movement and personal experience.
Ecstatic dance, a form of dance that prioritizes freedom of movement and self-expression, is a key focus of the course. Experts describe ecstatic dance as often incorporating a diverse range of musical styles, including world music and electronic music, with DJs playing a crucial role in shaping the energy and flow of the experience. A resource for DJs specializing in ecstatic dance highlights the importance of understanding how different musical elements affect energy levels and emotions.
The taster course is limited to small groups of two to four participants and will be held in Cologneâs Ehrenfeld district. The academy offers further DJ training and resources, details of which can be found on their YouTube and SoundCloud channels, as well as on Instagram.
Beatport, a major online electronic music store, offers a wide selection of tracks suitable for ecstatic dance events, while platforms like SoundCloud host DJ sets recorded at live ecstatic dance gatherings around the world.
