This year's artists are a group of six: 3ARSA, Kalix, seohbin, snowpig, syra and westRyd3r who will make their debut at Club 77 on Friday 31 July. With sets from 10pm til 5am, the night will showcase a swinging pendulum of genre and feel from the ultra-experimental to vibrant, eclectic and global sounds. 

With previous grad nights sending lines around the block, it’s a community anticipation, and of course, a celebration of over six months of practice, training and on-air mentorship that audiences have come to love. 

Among FBi Radio Dance Class alumni is DJ and producer Tangela, now spearheading Dance Class in between a rigorous touring schedule. Ahead of the show, we caught up with our favourite DJ mum to learn more about the program and class of '26.

‍

‍‍

Returning as Dance Class co-ordinator after a year, I imagine, must’ve created some space to reflect and develop the program. What do you feel is different about this cohort now, approaching finale? 

It’s so important to create space for new faces in the scene to inject this sparkle that they all bring. 

This bunch is the most diverse group that we’ve had yet in terms of sound and I think this is reflective of where music has been headed this past few years, genre boundaries blurring more than ever and a willingness from the younger generations to incorporate influences from all over, their cultural backgrounds and local micro-communities. 

There’s less fear of needing to fit into a particular marketable stereotype and a strong desire to just be themselves and carve out their own niches. 

I see a future of greater equality and care within our scene and this generation will be the ones contributing to these community spaces.

‍

‍

Can you tell us a bit more about the program, and what you prioritise as coordinator?

There’s the hard skills of course, rekordbox, cdjs, vinyl. As much exposure as we can give them to these programs and techniques, the better, but I think the real value comes from learning with each other and supporting each other through this process. 

The radio program is an integral part of this, giving them the confidence to present on air and mix live really bumps their skills up quite quickly. 

A big part of this program is also creating a safe space to talk about important topics of performing, mental health, imposter syndrome, being a minority in the music industry and how to stay grounded and connected through this. We also discuss safer spaces and accessibility and how to champion these values in the industry.

In terms of developing the program, I’m trying to connect more people across the scene and bring back prior participants. 

I don’t want this to be a program that just kickstarts careers, but rather a FLINTA community that continues to support each other wherever their musical journeys take them, mentees turning into mentors.

‍

‍

The dance class graduation always feels like a mixed bag of artists and influences, but somehow it all comes together… Can you speak more to the essence of grad night, and the role a great venue (and community) can play in its success?

Totally, it’s a very diverse sound and somehow it always works perfectly! I think this is because they’ve spent the better part of this year learning and practicing and although they are all so different they really respect and understand each other. That energy is infectious. 

Having the opportunity to do their first gig at Club 77 adds to this excitement, having a world class club back at the beginning is a real confidence booster. That feeling of being looked after always makes for a better performance.

‍

‍

‍

More to this, what excites you about the next generation of talent?

I’m always so inspired by the next generation. 

Not just this group of six but the interview stage when I get to speak with literally a hundred aspiring FLINTA djs, it really moves me, all of them pursuing this creative outlet for the right reasons. 

Wanting to be part of a community and create goodness in this world, safer, more inclusive spaces and the freedom to express themselves. To me that is so inspiring, that sometimes this is all it takes to set someone on their path. 

I hope to see a future where more people like this are making decisions at the top, making dance music a more caring and inclusive place with a hell of a lot less gatekeeping.

‍

‍

Any advice for emerging artists looking to apply next year?

Be authentic, what can you bring that is unique to you? Not just trendy as music trends come and go. 

Be inspired, it’s so easy to tell who’s totally obsessed with music; spending days lost down music wormholes or turning up to every community event. 

I’m not looking for anything in particular in someone’s musical style but more the drive that keeps them hooked on this music and the passion to see their project through.