Global Adventures In DIY Dance Culture

Over the past three decades, electronic dance music has moved out of the underground, transforming into a worldwide culture – but has its spirit been destroyed by its success?

Join author Matthew Collin, journalist Gabriel Szatan and film-maker Helene Dancer to discuss the innovative and resourceful nature of DIY dance culture around the world, from illegal techno parties in Iran to township raves in South Africa and beyond. There will also be screenings of two short films about DIY dance culture – ‘Vogue Beirut’ by Helene Dancer and ‘Politics of Dancing’ from Canal180.

Matthew Collin

Matthew Collin is the author of Altered State, the first book about acid house and the rave scene in Britain, and Rave On, on the global rise of electronic dance music culture. He now resides in Georgia, having previously worked worked as editor of i-D, the Time Out website, and as a foreign correspondent for the BBC and Al Jazeera.

Gabriel Szatan

Gabriel Szatan is a journalist and event programmer with a speciality in fringe music, club culture and social movements. Previously he was a curator and editor-in-chief at Boiler Room from 2014-18, he now writes freelance for Resident Advisor, The Guardian, Dazed, Pitchfork and Red Bull Music Academy. He has presented shows based around electronic music on BBC Radio 1, NTS and Berlin's Cashmere.

Helene Dancer

Helene Dancer is a journalist, writer and film-maker inspired by the power of art to ignite positive social change. Her past work includes a documentary about a dancer bringing the vogue scene to Lebanon, to a story for The Guardian about a Tunisian graffiti artist using art to protect his friends from ISIS. She began her career as a music journalist, writing for publications including Hip Hop Connection and Mixmag.

Drinks provided by Absolut Vodka.