During National DJ Month in June, music lovers around the country celebrate disc jockeys. DJs are musical magicians who cast the perfect tunes to keep music festivals reverberating and nightclubs pumping. MVS (Musician Veteran Senior) is a non-profit organization founded in 2018. It started the National DJ Month initiative to spread awareness and honor DJs for their role in our modern-day culture. The National Day Calendar Registrar declared National DJ Month to be observed in June.
History of National DJ Month
In 1909, 16-year-old Ray Newby was the first person to play records over the airwaves. He was a student under Charles Herrold at the Herrold College of Engineering and Wireless. This was years before the word ‘disc jockey’ even existed.
After the experiment, other radio broadcasters across America began replicating it. It was in 1935 that American radio commentator Walter Winchell coined the term ‘disc jockey.’ Little did he know that the word was going to be the next big thing in the music world.
During the 1950s, radio DJs began playing live at ‘platter parties’ and sock hops and turned themselves into human jukeboxes. It was in 1969 that American DJ Francis Grasso made beat-matching popular at the Sanctuary Club in New York. Beat-matching involved creating smooth transitions between two or more records with matching tempos or beats.
In the 1970s, turntablism, i.e. the art of using turntables to manipulate sound and create new music, began to develop. It was the ‘father of hip hop culture’ DJ Kool Herc who first made use of turntablism when he performed at parties in his neighborhood, the Bronx.
The ’80s was a turning point for DJing as equipment like sequencers, samplers, synthesizers, and drums became more accessible and cheaper. This led to the emergence of bedroom producers. New York, Chicago, and Detroit had DJs as well as music producers delving deeper into music production.
The late ’90s saw the release of the first MP3 digital audio player (in 1998), which led to the new Digital DJ revolution. And the introduction of audio and video mixers like the SVM-1000 and other high-tech mixers led to the formation of a whole new disco DJ culture. DJing today is an intrinsic part of the music culture as a whole.
National DJ Month timeline
The world's first DJ dance party is organized by Jimmy Savile in the function room of the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds in Otley, England.
‘Soc hop’ DJ Bob Casey brings the two-turntable system to the U.S.
Scratching is invented by accident by hip-hop DJ Grand Wizard Theodore.
The Winter Music Conference comes into being at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which is a Mecca for DJs.
Ballet Day FAQs
What day is World Ballet Day?
World Ballet Day brings together leading ballet companies globally for celebrations across time zones. Viewers can watch a live stream of ballet performances in different countries.
Is there a National Ballerina Day?
Professional ballerinas showcase their skills on World Ballet Day. They also teach budding ballerinas about the intricacies of this dance form.
Who created World Ballet Day?
World Ballet Day started in 2014 when some of the most acclaimed dance companies worldwide came together to celebrate the love of ballet. They included the Australian Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet, the National Ballet of Canada, and the Royal Ballet.
How To Celebrate National DJ Month
Watch a ballet performance
Prepare to be enchanted. New York City Ballet performances are ideal, however, with 757 ballet companies across the United States, it’s easy to find a ballet performance near you.
Sign up for ballet lessons
Although grown-ups are a lot less flexible, adult classes are available for those who are inspired to start. Alternatively, sign your children up for classes where an early start in ballet will ensure the suppleness they need to develop in this dance form.
Watch a ballet-themed film
Experience the beauty of ballet vicariously through the silver screen. “Black Swan” is a popular choice or, if you like your film niche, we recommend “Ballerina” from 2006, “Ballet Russes” from 2005, or “The Children of Theatre Street” from 1977.
5 Facts About Swan Lake That Will Blow Your Mind
Written on demand
It was commissioned to cater to the needs of the Russian aristocracy who loved ballet.
The premiere was a disaster
Critics dismissed Tchaikovsky’s music that accompanied the dance as “too loud.”
The ‘Water Nymph’ phenomenon
“Swan Lake” was born out of the 1800s mania for fairy tales based on water nymphs.
Odile was originally an enchantress
She wasn't meant to be a black swan or Odette’s alter ego.
A production extravaganza
The “Swan Lake” wardrobe comprises the most ornate costumes and accessories in ballet history.
Why We Love National DJ Month
The grace and elegance
Ballet gives us an appreciation for beauty. Its delicate, lithe movements and other-worldliness seem almost at odds with our lives today.
The theatre and decadence
The setting for ballet is pure magic. From the costumes and music to the stage and the choreography, the sheer theatre in ballet takes our breath away.
The music
The music in ballet complements the dance but also does so much more. It is integral to a show’s story, dancers’ movements, and transporting viewers to magical realms. Even on its own, the music is soothing and soulful.
Ballet Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | February 7 | Wednesday |
2025 | February 7 | Friday |
2026 | February 7 | Saturday |
2027 | February 7 | Sunday |
2028 | February 7 | Monday |