Permission to Dance is a Leeds based event series, that aim to promote equality in the indsutry. Founded by Dan Crosby in 2021, the company pledged to have at least 50% of acts be female DJs.
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This allows many female DJs to establish connections and have a platform, whilst creating equal opportunities.
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The company is constantly putting on amazing events across Leeds, at an affordable rate for all students!
A Discussion about Male Dominated Industries
Why did you establish the company?
After lockdown was lifted in 2021, I wanted to make something abit different for the scene so I started researching female DJs.
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Why do you think it's important to have female DJs?
I read an article by DJ Mag, said only 12% of club and festival sets were played by women, which was really quite staggering to me. I knew a few female DJs myself, and they were by no means worse, they were sometimes better. I thought it would be a perfect chance to estbalish a platform for female DJs and allow them to play at clubs when they might've not had that chance before.
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How do you create a safe environment at events?
Unfortunately, there isn't a complete guarantee that people will be safe at events. We make sure people are aware of what to if something goes wrong or they feel unsafe. Before events, we designate welfare officers for people to go to if they've been spiked or feel unsafe. Bar staff are also trained to deal with these issues and to notify security. It's not much, but a little can go along way in some cases.
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What is the team planning?
Keep looking out for us! We’re a part of the Chapter 2 event for Better Days Festival on May 28th at Beaver Works Complex which we’re super excited about. We’re also a brand partner for MiNT Festival in September, and I’ll be representing the team. Of course, we’ll be all over Leeds, hosting events in Wire and other venues all summer long.