What are the 3 biggest key learnings from PhDJ?

When you DJ, you are the ceremony leader playing to nervous systems - your dancers are the hero, not you. You are the crafter of worlds, creator of the temporary autonomous zone. You are responsible for guiding people back towards themselves and back into their body in a world that is stuck in our heads. Presence > Preparation. A great DJ set is like a great story that teaches you something new about yourself.

What has your experience in PhDJ been like?

Exhilarating! Overwhelming at times, but 100% worth the time investment. I feel like I have enough material to read for the next 3 years and I'll be integrating the lessons for about as long. Grateful for the community I now get to collaborate with and support as we begin our DJ journeys. Community = wealth.

How would you describe PhDJ to someone who doesn't know about it?

PhDJ is like Ms. Frizzle's Magic School Bus except you're going on a journey through the cosmos, eastern and western philosophy, music theory, storytelling, power dynamics, facilitation and history while learning how to integrate all of that into world-class DJ sets alongside a cohort of like-minded souls who become family. Once in a lifetime, life-changing sh*t.

What shifts in your life have you observed from the work we did in PhDJ?

I am more confident in my talents, my facilitation, my ability to guide people, my technical skills and feel like I found a deeper sense of purpose that brings together all my passions together. There's a new, brighter future ahead of me than I ever anticipated.

What are you most excited about for what's next for you?

I'm starting my own parties in NYC. I'm DJing at events, and I'm ready to commit to this being a pillar of my next life chapter.

What would you tell someone who is interested in PhDJ?

If you feel it in your body, jump in. Your mind will thank you later.

Where can we learn more about you?

Instagram: @katyastepanov

Website: www.katyastepanov.com