Fitness

What I Learned From a 6 a.m. Rave

Here's what happens when you send an uncoordinated late-riser to a 6 a.m. dance party. Spoiler: It isn't pretty

by Amanda Montell | 1 COMMENT

PHOTO 3/7

First Impressions The green Scion pulls up to a high-rise corporate building downtown. Outside stands a cloud of 20- and 30-somethings, all smiles and colorful headbands, and I figure this is the place. We climb into elevators 10 at a time and ascend to a high floor.

I realize now that I'm one of the only people, if not the only person, here by herself. I half-expected this, but I didn't want to burden any of my friends with a desperate invite. I should have been more ruthless.

The elevator opens and a shower of EDM music washes over us. Everyone cheers and barrels toward the dance floor. Already, I could use a drink.

I settle for an organic granola bar, which I find on a table in the back, where I drifted upon entry, like a dateless bassoon player at the Homecoming dance. First observation? This is not like the raves on TV. The 3,000-square-foot room is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking sunny LA. That means this room is bright, which means whatever I do in here, people will be able to see it. I realize starting off your day in the dark might not be so energizing, but this visibility is making me self-conscious.

I pin myself to a corner, and as I decide when and how to plan my escape, I fix my eyes on the dance floor.

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