Dance Dance Evolution: Reflections from a College DJ

By Lucy Poteshman

DJs aren't born, they are (self) made. So how did I get myself on stages in front of two-hundred person crowds and in venues around Chicago, paid to do what I love? It all started with a hankering for reinvention as I transitioned from high school to college, eager to shed my past as a dedicated violinist. But joining college radio and signing up to learn how to DJ was just the beginning. Through publicly-broadcasted pitfalls and self doubt, technological mishaps and a global pandemic, I learned what it means to navigate personal values in a college setting, as well as the significance of surrounding myself with supportive friends who ignite my own enthusiasm for giving back to the community. As I reflect on my journey from radio station apprentice to full-fledged DJ and look towards my post-grad goals, I demonstrate how aligning personal values with passion can help you find dreams you might have never imagined, and exceed your wildest expectations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781387658954

Book preview

Dance Dance Evolution

Dance Dance Evolution

1st Edition

Copyright © 2022 by Lucy Poteshman

Illustrated by Shu Wang

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-387-65895-4

Table of Contents

New Musical Beginnings

DJ Downfalls

Finding my Muse

Gigs, Glory, and Growth

The Next Dance

New Musical Beginnings

The night before I was set to move out of the apartment I had been subletting for the fall semester of my junior year, I found myself surrounded by boxes, bare walls and my two roommates. We were strangers upon moving in, but sharing a living space is a sure way to expedite friendship, and the three of us became close instantly. In the corner of my empty closet, a violin case caught my roommate’s eye. Lu, we’ve never heard you play violin before… will you play us something?

Her request made me hesitate. I hadn’t played violin in almost two years and couldn’t remember how to play anything off the top of my head. Suddenly, all the memories of dancing to our favorite songs in the kitchen came to mind, and I knew exactly what to do.

Here’s an idea – how about you pick your favorite songs and I’ll play them?

You can do that? Without looking up the sheet music or anything?

Sure thing, I responded,