[darreldo]

Does anybody know of any good free download software for making dance music? free samples, beats etc?

[Boydie]

Probably worth checking out REAPER and AUDACITY as a first port of call

You basically need a sequencer/sampler as your DAW - you can then get hold of samples, loops, sounds etc. of which there are plenty of free ones available on t'internet

I would also recommend getting hold of a copy of COMPUTER MUSIC magazine, which comes with a DAW, plugins, samples and loops on the cover disk!

Any of these routes will get you up and running in no time with very little investment if you have suitable hardware

[Ramshackles]

check out fruity loops. Dont remember if its free or not.

[hardtwistmusic]

Does anybody know of any good free download software for making dance music? free samples, beats etc?

It's not free, but check out "Microsoft Songsmith."  It advertises as a songwriting software, but it's really just a chord generator.  But it is good at generating compatible chords once you learn how to use it.

Also, "Anvil" is a free piano software that I haven't really checked out yet, but which looks interesting.

There are other softwares available that would help you to write without being able to play an instrument.  Ask me about them if you're interested.

[Yodasdad]

They often give away free 'lite' versions of software with equipment such as interfaces.

Might be worth trying to kill two birds with one stone if you happen to be in the market for new gear.

I know at one time there was a lite version of pro tools with the m-audio fast track units, don't know if that's still the case.

GarageBand comes free with every mac
Reaper is cheap and has good reviews.
Fruity loops - not used it but popular for dancey type stuff
Logic Pro x only £140 as a download - awesome software at a very competitive price.
Audacity - free last time I checked but not really aimed at dance music specifically.

If its just the samples you want, google should turn up plenty.

Yodasdad