I really have a natural instinct when it comes to how to get people on their feet and dancing. Right now, it's just something I do with my iPod at friends' parties, but I'd love to try doing this professionally. How do I break into the D.J. circuit?

ANSWER:

Bob Sinclar, Daft Punk, David Guetta … today’s best French DJs all began somewhere. The most important quality for a DJ is to be able to feel his audience. He’s got to know how to get a good atmosphere going by playing the right disc at the right moment. If you’ve proven you can do that at your friends’ parties, you’re off to a good start.

To become a professional DJ, you must have equipment worthy of the title: earphones, two turntables, and a mix table. After learning the basic technique , I strongly advise you to mix as often as possible in any “live” situation -- small bars and private soirées included. It’s the best way to perfect your skills.

At the same time, you must create a musical style . Find inspiration by checking out new releases on sites geared toward DJs like beatport.com and traxsource.com. To put the finishing touches on your artistic identity, I recommend being very curious about old music: Disco, funk, and early house music will help you hone your musical knowledge, and it will be an important foundation of your career.

Once you complete these first steps, it’s time to knock on the doors of clubs and propose your services . Without a doubt, they’ll initially ask you to do the warm-up (the beginning of the party) or soirées in the middle of the week. Take your missions seriously, give them all you’ve got and invite all your friends (who will be your biggest supporters). If you’re good . . . the rest will be history!

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