Find out what style of dancing is typically danced at those mixers and take some classes in that style. I'm sure you can find something in your local dance studios or maybe some evening classes in community colleges - usually you don't have to enroll...
All mixers should have an expiration date on the label somewhere. I would think they should be good for a few months at least from date of purchase. If there is no date, follow the old rule: when in doubt, throw it out. Better to be safe than sorry
Hmm. The answer depends on how you want to work and just how familiar you are with the operation of the console and recording techniques, as well as the inputs and outputs available to you on your computer. If your only interface with the computer is...