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 5/7

A Lesson in Rhythm Soon I realize that this DAYBREAKER thing is not a fitness gimmick or a place for ex-junkies to get a taste of the old life. This is simply a big party for good-natured early risers looking for a sense of community to get together, be themselves and dance. Maybe some people are here to get their heart rates up. Maybe some are here for the novelty. But as far as I can tell, most have come to boost their mood and bust a move, judgment-free.

Me? I'm a late-sleeping loner with a penchant for bluegrass and sarcasm, but I figure, I'm already here right? So in I go, to the belly of the beast.

Being a good dancer is obviously not the point here. But without the usual liquid lubrication, I don't even know where to begin. So, once I've shimmied myself into the pack, I pick a petite brunette in harem pants and try to copy all her moves. Un-tssss, un-tssss... just be yourself.

Still, no matter what I do, I wind up ankle-deep in the two-step. I can't find my way through the synthy tangle of the EDM playlist. Maybe no one else in the room is judging me, but I'm judging myself. Hey, good clean fun at 6am can't be for everyone.

Ninety minutes into the party, I inhale another granola bar and summon an Uber home. By 9 a.m., I'm back asleep. It was all, effectively, a dream.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Conclusion

EDITORS' BEST OF

12 Best Acne Products for Your Clearest Skin Yet

11 Best Tinted Moisturizers for Easy, On-the-Go Coverage