Empowering Women in Dance Music: A Day at MMBASSY’s “See Her Be Her”
Appropriately positioned at the onset of International Women’s Month, MMBASSY’s second iteration of its “See Her Be Her” event delivered a day filled with insightful discussions focusing on women’s roles in dance music. Hosted at the vibrant W Hotel in downtown Seattle, the event brought together some of the region’s most influential figures, offering a platform for women aspiring to break into the scene. The overarching message was clear: there is a vibrant space for women not just to exist, but to thrive in the industry.
Workshops and Empowering Panels
The day kicked off with an engaging panel led by DJ Mia Tai, spotlighting organizations like the Overdose Prevention Collective and DanceSafe. This session delved into critical safety measures for nightlife, emphasizing the DJ’s role in creating a safe environment. Emily Dalgo from OPC highlighted the importance of carrying Naloxone, while Richard Hartnell from DanceSafe urged attendees to prioritize safety with the mantra, “test before you ingest.” These discussions set the tone for the day’s events: a blend of education and practical insight to empower attendees.
Across the hall, local DJ Miss Min.D led a Production 101 workshop. The session covered not just the technical ‘how-to’ aspects of producing but also the ‘why,’ shedding light on the striking statistics that reveal women held merely 19% of songwriting credits and just 6% of production credits in 2024. This clear disparity underscored a collective urgency to increase representation in the industry.
Building Genuine Connections
The panel featuring Christine Nguyen from Circa, Inc., and Christina Greenberg from ViViD Presents discussed “Representation in Today’s Music Industry.” They encouraged participants to forge genuine connections in a highly competitive field. Their advice? Be open to various roles, network actively, and remain persistent. Authentic engagements can lead to meaningful mentorship opportunities, which are crucial for newcomers navigating the complex landscape of the music industry.
Diving into practical skills, DJing 101 with LowkeyDintheHouse offered insights into the basics of DJing. As an accomplished artist, she emphasized that everyone has the potential to DJ: “I figured it out, and I know you can too.” This enthusiastic encouragement resonated deeply, reflecting a broader truth—that foundational skills are just the beginning.
Collaboration and Movement
Completing the DJing experience, a B2B workshop with BexfromChicago and SKA focused on collaboration techniques for artists. Their key takeaway: communication is vital. They stressed planning before a performance, maintaining open dialogue during, and conducting a debrief afterward to foster enduring partnerships.
In addition to these workshops, Caitlin Sciscoe from You Can Shuffle With Us led a dynamic shuffle dance tutorial. Participants learned the T-Step, Happy Feet, and Crossover, ensuring everyone stayed physically engaged and energized. The infectious energy of the session highlighted the importance of movement in dance culture, making it an unforgettable experience.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Attendees also gained valuable insights into event management, featuring Seattle’s Girl @ the Show alongside key players from Dilly Disco, Seattle Paddle Rave, and Codex Collective. This panel wrestled with the challenges of making events more inclusive and accessible, focusing on women’s representation in leadership and on lineups. Their discussions fueled a dialogue about transforming a night out into a sustainable community, showcasing that impactful connections can be made beyond just large production companies.
Following that, a branding-focused panel featuring DJ Megatron stressed the significance of establishing a recognizable brand in today’s competitive market. The discussion highlighted everything from aesthetically pleasing event flyers to the vital role of personal branding in standing out as a DJ or production company. A significant portion of this branding conversation addressed overcoming personal hesitations about self-promotion.
Fashion as Expression
Leah York from Coffeeton and Tel0sity conducted a unique workshop titled “What Are We Wearing Tonight?” This session demonstrated how outfit choices can influence not only personal brand identity but also comfort and safety in environments like concerts and festivals. The playful discussion about the “suffer/slay matrix” pushed participants to consider how their fashion choices can embody their uniqueness.
Mentorship and Support
The night culminated in an enlightening session hosted by C89.5’s Harmony Soleil featuring headlining DJ Bexxie. As a veteran of the dance scene, Bexxie shared her inspiring journey, which included stepping away from DJing only to return with renewed vigor. Now an instructor at Cosmic Academy, she emphasized that while making music is vital, a comprehensive skill set—spanning social media management to basic graphic design—is essential for success in today’s music industry.
Bexxie’s insights provided attendees with a roadmap for navigating the evolving landscape of the dance music scene. She advocated for focusing on what feels right to you while recognizing the importance of mentorship in fostering growth and resilience.
A Night of Celebration
The day’s empowering sessions seamlessly transitioned into an electrifying night of music. MMBASSY transformed the hotel’s lobby into a club space, featuring a robust sound system and talented female DJs. The night commenced with Mai Tai, who set the tone with engaging techno beats, followed by Harmony Soleil’s melodic journey through music. Bexxie capped off the evening with her signature old-school house mix, leaving a lasting impression.
Overall, the “See Her Be Her” event was not just about celebrating women in dance music; it was a powerful call to action for all attendees to forge ahead with confidence, creativity, and community. The connections, knowledge, and experiences shared throughout the day promise to ripple through Seattle’s dance music scene and beyond, echoing the message that women truly belong in this vibrant industry.
