Underneath the vibrant beats of St. Pete’s growing DJ scene lies the mission of DJ Emmpowerr, the founder of S.P.I.N. classes. These classes aim to introduce the art of DJing to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Emmpowerr transforms the city’s perception of DJing by combining fun, education, and empowerment.
“It’s all about confidence and community,” Emmpowerr shares. “I want to EMPOWER individuals through the art of DJing, whether it’s a kid finding their rhythm or an adult discovering a skill they didn’t think they could learn.”
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A mission born from experience
The origins of S.P.I.N. are driven by two personal motivations: providing children with early access to skills that can shape their futures and challenging stereotypes, especially concerning women in DJing.
“When people find out I’m a DJ, especially men, it’s often, ‘Oh, I didn’t know you could do that.’ Like it’s some rare thing for women,” she explains. “I wanted to create a space for women—and everyone—to learn, grow, and just show off their skills at a party, wedding, or even a friend’s house.”
S.P.I.N. is as much about breaking barriers as it is about building community. “You don’t see a lot of women or women of color in DJing, and if you do, it’s only a select few. I want to change that,” she says.
From basics to big beats
The classes, which started just 7-8 months ago, focus on the fundamentals: understanding turntables, beatmatching, and DJ software. They’re structured so students can begin with the basics and eventually progress to advanced skills.
“It’s not about turning everyone into a professional DJ,” Emmpowerr says. “It’s about learning a fun skill that adds a unique layer to who you are. Imagine being a doctor who can spin tracks at a party—how cool would that be?”
Currently, S.P.I.N. offers two classes a month for kids and adults, with partnerships like Queer Expressions at The Nest and a standing class at Azalea Middle School every other Wednesday. Plans for the new year include collaborations with other schools and expanding the program’s reach.
Dreams of a DJ-powered future
Looking ahead, Emmpowerr has big dreams for S.P.I.N. She hopes to secure a grant to provide kids with their own DJ boards, ensuring they leave the program with tools to keep learning and growing. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us.”
When asked about her ultimate vision, she lights up. “I want there to be a monsoon of DJs!” she laughs. “I want a community of people who love music and thrive from learning something new.”
For those eager to turn up the volume on their skills, S.P.I.N. classes are happening at Queer Expression’s The Nest.
Beginner classes: Jan 25 & Feb 22, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Beyond beginner classes: Jan 11, Feb 8 & March 8, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
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