Waking up at sun-up is challenging, and exercising at the crack of dawn is even harder. But what if you threw in a few djs, glow sticks, dance moves and maybe even some sun salutations. Might you be a little more motivated?
Morning raves are a thing — and they really have to be seen to be believed. Billed as "an immersive morning dance experience for those who dare to challenge morning culture," the raves are being put on by events companies such as Daybreaker and Morning Gloryville.
Here's how they work: starting between 6.30-7am, you look out for the secret sign that leads you from daylight to discotheque then, underneath a giant mirror ball, you'll find reputable djs (like Rob da Bank), wandering musicians, free granola, (non-alcoholic) beverages and a sparkle station that lets you groove up your dance costume. And if all that wasn't enough to perk you up, the Morning Gloryville sessions also include massage therapists, a coffee and chocolate kiosk, a smoothie bar and yoga (albeit slightly makeshift in a small corner).
The main point here is that the raves are sober. Samantha Moyo, director of Gloryville, insists that ravers, whether they're hippy types or party people looking for respite, all go along to be energised. And the idea seems to be working: the London-based company has just passed the one-year mark and now hosts events in 16 cities around the world. Meanwhile, New York-based Daybreaker tops that, leading morning dance parties in over 30 cities world-wide.
Attendees from a recent gathering swore by the "invigorating and transforming" vibe, while others said the rave was the perfect pre-work kick-off. Still not sure? These videos, might just tempt you to set your alarm clock and try raving your way into the day.
We promise, it is truly a "raise the roof" experience. While Daybreaker's London events are on a smaller, more chilled scale, Morning Gloryville offers a proper get-down-and-make-some-shapes environment, amongst a few hundred other sweaty people — even a few children were properly bust'n moves.
It's worth checking out - might make you look at the day a little differently; like one sign at a recent event asked: "what if the hokey cokey is what it's all about?!"
Daybreaker takes place once a month, follow on twitter @dybrkr to find out about next month's offering (the last one was at Shoreditch's Book Club). Morning Gloryville also happens once a month from 6.30am-10.30am at Hackney's Oval Space, follow on twitter @GloryvilleAM. Tickets from £12-£18. Ravers are welcome to come and go at any time.
