fbi radio's Dance Class returns for 2026, applications now open
The FLINTA-focused program is designed to uncover, train and mentor a brand new crop of electronic music talent on Gadigal Land.
Gadigal Land/Sydney-based independent broadcaster fbi radio is known across Australia as a dedicated home for local music of all kinds, with a focus on 50% of its music being Australian, & 25% being produced on Gadigal Land.
That dedication to its surroundings and the people that make them up has manifested itself in many ways over the years, but perhaps most noticeably to Australia’s club-conscious is its fbi radio Dance Class program.
Dance Class is a comprehensive program designed to uncover, train, and mentor a brand-new crop of talent in the electronic music industry, matching emerging DJs with established mentors and figureheads on Gadigal Land.
While other DJ mentoring organisations exist, what sets Dance Class apart is its commitment to an intake that is entirely FLINTA. FLINTA is a German acronym meaning Frauen (women), Lesben (lesbians), Intersex, Nicht-binäre (non-binary), Trans, and Agender individuals, and is increasingly utilised across industries where the platforming of non-cis men is of growing importance.
Dance Class has an impressive list of alumni in its half a decade running, including the likes of Lauren Hansom, Ebony Baodu, Crescendoll and AK Sports, with many more acting as consistent contributors to their local scene.
One of those alumni is Tangela, founder of such collectives as dstreet, club less and Minutiae festival, and now a yearly internationally touring artist. Since graduating from dance class in 2020, she’s not only been heavily active in contributing to the broader Australian dance and electronic culture, but has since become the coordinator of Dance Class itself.
“fbi radio’s Dance Class is a program incredibly close to my heart,” she shared.
“Taking part in this program in 2020 was the first step in starting my DJ career, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. I am forever grateful for the nurturing community and the incredible women, trans, and non-binary people I learned alongside.
The success of this program speaks volumes to how important it is to provide this space and mentorship to young FLINTA people at the beginning of their music careers.”
On the relaunch of the program, fbi radio’s Managing Director Tyson Koh emphasised the importance of placing FLINTA voices on air, stages and behind the scenes. “The electronic music landscape has been shaped by more diverse talent in recent years, and the scene is much better for it,” he shared. “From a greater sense of safety at events to a richer sonic palette, the impact of having more FLINTA DJs and producers is undeniably positive. fbi radio is excited to run Dance Class again in 2026 as it’s a proven pathway into the industry, not just through upskilling but by creating a community that supports the participants’ journey through a traditionally challenging scene.”
This year, six trainees will be selected to participate in a series of classes run by the likes of Andy Garvey, d-grade, Au4r33y, Tangela herself and many more, alongside being paired with an fbi radio mentor who they’ll join on-air over the course of a month.
No prior experience is required to apply, with fbi radio noting that applicants will be assessed “purely on their passion, enthusiasm and knowledge of electronic music.”
Applications close at 11:59pm on Monday, February 2 via fbi.radio/danceclass.
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