Should I let my PA’s techno DJ boyfriend spin discs at our Christmas party?

Dear Aunty B,

Our office Christmas party is coming up and we’re holding it in one of the hire rooms down at the local pub. It’s not a bad place and they’ve given us a pretty good deal.

There’s only one problem. My PA, who’s doing most of the legwork organising the party, has asked if her boyfriend can DJ on the night, which he’d do at mates’ rates.

I really like my PA, and her boyfriend seems nice enough, but I had a listen to some of his mixes on SoundCloud and it was all very doof doof sounding, if you know what I mean. Our staff is a bit more ABBA than techno, so I’m not sure his DJ skills would really ring our bells.

How do I tell my PA that we’d rather plug in an iPod with some daggy disco classics than have her boyfriend put on a Christmas rave party for us?

Benny,

Stockholm City Limits

Dear Benny,

As a “dancing queen” from way back, I understand where you’re coming from. The work Christmas party should be about letting your hair down a little and indulging in some questionable dance moves, all while waving a strawberry daiquiri in the air like you just don’t care.

However, it sounds like you’ve gone and judged your PA’s DJ boyfriend on the basis of one mix. He might be a little more versatile than what you’ve heard.

Having a real, live DJ may be just the thing to get the party jumping. Have a word to your PA and ask her to get her boyfriend to make a 20 minute mixtape more in keeping with getting an office party up on the dance floor. Explain to her that while you’re sure her boyfriend is a great DJ, he has to keep the crowd entertained with appropriate music on the night.

If he’s serious about spinning discs on the night, he’ll make up a mix for you and you can judge him on that. If it’s not right, politely tell your PA her boyfriend is probably a little too groovy for this particular gig and go with the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s disco mixes you can find on Spotify. 

Be Smart

Aunty B

What are you waiting for? Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now.

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