It's been three years since a new wave of musical revolution has been sweeping through the dance culture, challenging traditional norms and redefining how people experience music and movement. At the forefront of this movement is Warehouse Mix, a platform that has become a metonym for the Anti-Club Movement, promoting inclusivity, freedom of expression, and a sense of community through dance and music.
But what exactly is the Anti-Club movement? Visualize some of the most popular clubs in your city — a jam-packed claustrophobic space with no place to dance that caters to stereotypical gender ratios, conventional dress codes, and overall a place that caters to the status quo. As this prevailing culture became increasingly controlling, a radical shift was needed to restore the essence of harmony and inclusivity. That’s when the Anti-Club Movement emerged as a much-needed response to this rampant commercialization and cultural appropriation that had permeated traditional club scenes. This movement seeks to provide an open space for people to express themselves freely, breaking away from conventional norms and embracing diversity in all its forms. It’s best encapsulated in the tagline “Come as you are” (can’t help having Nirvana’s song playing around in my head as I write this sentence).
Warehouse Mix, initially conceived as an annual dance event, quickly evolved into a thriving community that transcended boundaries and welcomed artists from all walks of life. What began as a platform for house dancers in various cities across India has now blossomed tenfold into a phenomenon, uniting subcultures and providing a haven for anyone who seeks to immerse themselves in the world of emotions, stories, sounds, and movements that define house music culture.
The evolution of Warehouse Mix reflects its commitment to creating a temple of expression, where individuals are not judged based on their gender, sex, status, or race. Through jam sessions and live music curated by in-house DJs, Warehouse Mix has become a medium for uniting people and capturing their imagination through the universal language of movement.The roots of house music, particularly in the streets of the East Coast of the United States, laid the foundation for the dance style that is heavily influenced by various cultural dances, including African, Latin, Tap, Jazz, and Hip-hop. This rich tapestry of influences has contributed to the vibrant and diverse foot movements that define house dance culture.
Inspired by the counterculture in America during the ‘60s and ‘70s, Warehouse Mix aims to revolutionize the dance and club culture in India, striving to ensure that no artist feels like a misfit. Through social media interactions, the #WMXSchools series, and a commitment to sharing the latest news and trends within the industry, Warehouse Mix continues to uphold its mission of community and collectivity. It has become a space where individuals can witness the unique connection that only music can create, meet new people, and experience the unexpected. It is a brand for the people, by the people, and a testament to the enduring power of music and dance to unite and inspire.
This weekend, the community brings us the fourth edition of WMXperience, their annual festival packed with workshops, a dance battle and their flagship event, the Anti-Club party with a special guest from New York. Each year, they bring an important figurehead from the underground dance music scene of NYC who can share their experiences and educate the community here about the real essence of clubbing & dancing. This year it's the remarkably talented Brian ‘Footwork’ Green, an Afro-American dance historian, dance technician, versatile dance teacher and choreographer, who is all set up to liven up Delhi. Bringing in someone like Brian is an apt rendition of global cultural exchange while staying true to the counterculture movement.
The WMXperience begins with a screening of an invigorating documentary that captures the pulse of the underground dance culture in NYC during the 1990s. It feature some remarkable New York dancers, including Brian. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the master dancer himself.
Venue: Casa de Capoeira, New Delhi
Date: 5 January, 2024
Like every year, an integral part of the event is the Schooling session. There will be two enriching workshops conducted by Brian. The classes, focusing on house and waacking, will be of three hours each, followed by the Anti-Club party. Be sure to attend it as it is bound to lend new perspectives and learnings to help hone your craft, all the while having fun with your dancing shoes on.
Events: Waacking Intensive Workshop (11:30- AM -2:30- PM)
House Intensive Workshop (4 PM - 7 PM)
Anti-Club Party ( 9 PM onwards)
Venue: Casa de Capoeira, New Delhi
Date: 6 January, 2024
It’s time to Get Down! That is the competitive part of the WMXperience, with none other than Brian Green as the judge. This gives the community a chance to soak up all the wisdom and skills passed down in the Schooling session, blend it with their own unique style, and connect with other members through the language of dance. Whether you are a ballet dancer or a locker, dancers from all disciplines are welcome for the Get Down. Come one, come all and let’s groove to some good old house music along with a chance to win a substantial prize money.
Date: 7 January, 2024
Venue: TBA
This year’s edition is from the 5th to the 7th of January, 2023.
Click here to register for the workshops, battle and the Anti-Club event.
Follow Warehouse Mix here.
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