Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, and an endurance of Dj-ing in heels with the young patrons of NYCB
Photos Courtesy of Elle
What jams are you bringing to the ballet?
Lots of pop music! Both old & new songs to appeal to different age ranges of people that are there. I usually weave these in with some disco-house to make it dancey and fun (Jamiroquai is a good artist for this). And I have every Chappell Roan song on deck because I’m not kidding all of her songs get the room excited like no other artist.
This isn’t the first time you’ve DJ-ed for the NYCB right? How did you get started playing for them?
This was my 4th time playing for them! The Young Patrons Gala happens twice a year (Fall + Spring), so I have done it for the last 2 years. My friend Jack is one of the main organizers for the event so he books me to bring the music and vibes!
What is unique to playing a set for the ballet vs. a club?
Everything from the preparation to the performance, they couldn’t be more different. For club gigs, people are coming specifically to dance so I’m able to get really deep into what I’ve been listening to lately and showcase the tracks & genres I’ve been digging through.
Playing Lincoln Center, you want to keep it classy & elevated but also fun & recognizable. There is more emphasis on curating a vibe for people to be social & mingle while also allowing space for danceability as the night goes on. As a DJ, one of the most important things is understanding the space that you’re playing in.
I always highly organize & categorize songs for this gig into: “early warmup” songs (recognizable and groovy to warm people up to the space), “get people dancing” songs (which is almost always some Chappell Roan or Beyoncé), and “banger” songs (songs that never miss & I can sprinkle throughout the night & at the peak of the party). So there’s lots of prep and crowd-reading that goes into it!
“This is also the only gig that I put up with wearing heels for.”
What changes about your outfit in this same comparison?
I’m someone that loves both club fashion & “high” fashion, so I love that I get the chance to wear a nicer dress. This is also the only gig that I put up with wearing heels for (I have to stand in them for at least 3-4 hours…). I still usually bring some club elements like a pair of sunglasses or pink headphones because I’m the DJ after all!
“I have every Chappell Roan song on deck because I’m not kidding all of her songs get the room excited like no other artist.”
Are you a ballet lover yourself?
Yes! My mom was a ballet dancer in London and is now a dance teacher in Portland so I grew up seeing all types of dance including ballet. I took some classes in middle school but I was always more of a music girl. I love that this gig allows me to bring my love of music to an iconic dance space.
Interview: Karlye Whitt
Editor-in-Chief: Karlye Whitt
