Rise and Rave – Dark Morning? So What, Let’s Dance!

At 6:30 in the morning, not many people have dancing on their mind. Coffee and toast perhaps, or catching up on the news. But not a party, surely?

But on Wednesday 17th December, on a street in East London, as the sun begins to rise, a queue of people will be waiting to get into a warehouse. Most will have been fast asleep less than an hour earlier but by they'll be wearing crazy clubbing outfits and some may even have gone as far as having their faces painted. What on earth are they doing? They're waiting for Morning Gloryville to start.

A sober sunrise rave, conceived in early 2013 by events producer Samantha Moyo and bodywork therapist Nico Thoemmes. They joined forces and created Morning Gloryville out of a shared passion for conscious clubbing, social change and good times. Professional workers in London, Brighton, Liverpool, and fourteen other cities across the globe, from San Francisco to Bangalore, are rising before dawn to head to an early morning warehouse rave. There is no drinking, only energy-boosting smoothies and breakfast croissants.

Samantha had the idea after growing disenchanted with the party culture she had been enjoying in her early twenties. "It got to a point where it was unsustainable," Samantha told The Guardian. "I started meditating and slowing down, but I couldn't find places where I could have fun and be myself without the alcohol." Thus, the idea of the sober, early morning party was born.

For those who like their fun a little cleaner, and their lifestyle a little healthier, Morning Gloryville opens a previously undiscovered door of enjoyment and exercise. Some people even bring their kids along, so they can enjoy partying in a way that they may not have done since becoming a parent. A yoga class takes place in the corner, but Morning Gloryville isn't an exercise class. It is a fun, energising party to start the day with. There are even free wake-up massages at the venue, helping you max out on morning endorphins.

The partygoers range from lawyers and bankers, to parents and even OAPs. As the clock nears 8:30, it's time for all the Cinderellas to go back to reality. People slink away from the dance floor to change their clothes, wipe off their face paint, and stuff the glittery wigs into plastic bags and head for the office. Everyone leaves with a spring in their step and a smile on their face, ready to begin the day energised, fulfilled and motivated.

You can check out the Morning Gloryville website to see if there is an event near you – the next one in London is on the 17th December. If you can't get to an event, don't worry: dancing around your living room is just as good a way to get your blood pumping for the day ahead. With no one watching, you can really go wild, dancing in your own space is known for stimulating your creativity and cognitive function.

Trust us, whether you party with the Morning Gloryville ravers, or bust some moves at home, when you dance yourself awake you'll begin the day feeling energised, positive and ready to go.

Well being