When Did You First “Lose It” On A Dancefloor?

In one of the modules of our free Learn To DJ course, we talk about some core skills you need to be a good DJ, and I identify one of those as understanding what a “dancefloor moment” is. You know what I’m talking about – that gorgeous second where music, lights and atmosphere all come together and just sweep over you. I’m betting you can remember the first time it happened to you – and to start the ball rolling, I’m going tell you mine.

I was 11 years old. All dressed up in my corduroy trousers, screen-printed vintage car button-down shirt and NHS specs (you need to British and of a certain age to understand that last one), I was driven down to the under-12s disco at our local community centre by my mum, along with Stu, my 9-year-old brother. An hour later, high on sugar from the spacedust-flecked candy bars they sold at the “bar”, I found myself in the darkened main room, in my favourite position in front of the right-hand loudspeaker, when the DJ (no older than 17 himself) put on “Kings of the Wild Frontier” by post-punk pop band Adam and The Ants.

As soon as the African tribal drums that start the record – played by two drummers, no less – kicked in, I felt the bass in my stomach, the rhythm take over my head and senses, and became completely lost in pounding rhythms for the first time in my young life.

And I can honestly say that I’ve held that memory in my heart ever since as one of my pivotal life moments.

It was 30 years ago now, and I’ve had half a lifetime of wonderful dancefloor moments ever since, but hey, you never forget your first time. I’m a DJ because of moments like that – and I’m betting for the same reason, you can remember your first time, too.

So – what was your first dancefloor moment? What song was playing? How old were you? How did it change your life? I’d love you to share your experiences in the comments.