What if you could dance all night, connect deeply with others, and wake up feeling better than ever? A new wave of wellness-focused dance parties is proving that it can be done.
As the electronic dance music scene continues to be stereotyped by wild raves and an inextricable link to substance use, more and more artists are shifting their focus to wellness. While some top DJs like Kaskade, ILLENIUM and Chris Lake have chosen a sober lifestyle, others are incorporating wellness practices to find balance. Chart-topping dance music acts like RÜFÜS DU SOL, Diplo, Felix Jaehn, and Steve Aoki consistently incorporate wellness routines that prioritize their physical and mental health to avoid burnout.
This cultural shift is also becoming more prevalent within the fan community. Wellness-focused dance collectives are emerging that offer high-energy, alcohol-free spaces where people can connect on a deeper level.
With the theme of connection at their core, these collectives create alcohol-free spaces at the intersection of dance music and mindfulness. We spoke with three sunrise, Superflowering and The Oracle Projectwho are at the forefront of this movement.
A new type of party
A pioneer in the wellness rave scene, Daybreaker hosts morning dance parties that begin with yoga and lead into high-energy dancing before concluding with meditation. Similarly, Superbloom promotes community through free, donation-based classes in parks and beaches, combining upbeat house music with a focus on wellness.
The team behind The Oracle Project, a newer group, curates reflective experiences that incorporate mindfulness practices followed by music and dance. Organizers also provide conversation cards to encourage meaningful interactions.
The transition from party to well-being
Most of the people behind these collectives have personal stories that drive them to innovate the movement. Lauren Brenc, founder of The Oracle Project, says her own experiences in nightlife influenced her decision to stay away from alcohol. Having worked as a waitress, she eventually realized she could no longer maintain that lifestyle.
“There was a part of me that didn't want to give up the fun and excitement of going out,” Brenc explains. “But I didn't want it to revolve around something that made me sick and didn't fuel a deep connection.”
Daybreaker's Andre Herd also saw a disconnect between his own values and the traditional nightlife in which he worked. As someone who has managed artists and worked in the music industry, Herd had seen the prevalence of alcohol at events. When she began working on Daybreaker in her early 20s, the role was a revelation.
“When I was younger, I used to go out a lot and I found myself drinking at every party or social event, just to feel like I could have a good time,” recalls Herd, who said he eventually started working with Daybreaker and quit smoking. alcohol completely. “It was very aligned with who I am at my core. It gave me the space to let loose without needing alcohol. In 2014, there weren't many events like this, and Daybreaker really started a trend.”
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Courtney Miller and Brandon Darnell, co-founders of Superbloom, were deeply immersed in wellness long before launching their collective. The former, a lifelong athlete, found synergy with the latter's love of house music and together they co-founded Superbloom to share their passion for health and music with their communities.
A deeper realization
What makes these events stand out is the deeper sense of satisfaction they offer. For Superbloom, the focus is on creating spaces where people can cultivate relationships, both with themselves and others, in “vibrant dance floors and areas where people can feel comfortable, sit back and relax,” according to Darnell.
“It creates an environment that's really conducive to self-expression and deep, authentic connection,” she says.
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At The Oracle Project events, Brenc sees attendees forming deep, lasting bonds.
“I hear a lot of stories of people falling in love, starting businesses together, or becoming close friends very quickly,” he says. “The connections formed are very genuine.”
Herd agrees, noting that the absence of alcohol paves the way for a more satisfying life, free of the hangovers, anxiety and malaise that often follow a night of drinking, leaving you energized and clear-headed.
“Some of the craziest parties I've ever attended were Daybreaker events,” he gushes. “When people are in a space where they don't feel pressure to drink or act a certain way, they can really let loose. Unlike traditional parties where substances are used to relax, Daybreaker shows that people can reach the same level naturally “.
Mindfulness and Intention Setting
The crux of these groups and their events is mindfulness. Brenc incorporates cocoa circles before dancing to help set the tone at The Oracle Project events.
“When we sit in a circle to set our intentions, it creates a sacred moment,” she explains. “It allows everyone to connect with themselves and each other before letting loose on the dance floor.”
Daybreaker also incorporates mindfulness as a key element of its events, starting with yoga and ending with moments of reflection and joy. Herd says the organization's event infrastructure places “huggers” at the door to greet guests with a hug and set a cheerful tone.
Superbloom takes a similar approach, combining music and movement into a cohesive experience with intention.
“Setting an intention is like sharing a dream,” Miller says. “It opens up space, removes barriers, and allows people to come together more deeply from the beginning.” Darnell adds, “It's a way for everyone to feel seen and heard from the beginning, and from there, people naturally open up and the entire event becomes more immersive and meaningful.”
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Leaving discomfort behind
Despite the growing popularity of wellness-focused dance parties, some are still hesitant to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. But Herd, Brenc and the co-founders of Superbloom agree that the experience is worth it.
Superbloom's Darnell emphasized how sober dance parties can be compared to an aptitude for authentic expression. Similarly, alcohol-free dance parties can be intimidating at first, like walking into a gym.
“It may be intimidating or scary to step into that space and it may take a little time to get used to, but once you do, what you get is a stronger, more authentic expression of yourself,” explains Darnell. That approach, he says, has allowed him to speak with confidence in front of large crowds, dance without inhibitions, and have fun without regrets the next day.
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Herd also describes Daybreaker events as welcoming, low-pressure spaces. “There's no expectation to dance or act a certain way. You can just enjoy the atmosphere, have a coffee or let loose on the dance floor without any pressure,” she said.
Brenc encouraged anyone hesitant to attend to think about it like any other time they've overcome discomfort in life.
“Think about the times in your life when you stepped out of your comfort zone – it's always worth it,” he said. “These events are safe places where you will meet wonderful people.”
The future of wellness dance
Whether you're dancing at Daybreaker's sunrise yoga parties, connecting through mindfulness at Superbloom's wellness events, or having deep conversations at The Oracle Project, there's no doubt that the soul-centered dance scene Wellbeing could reshape the collective perspective of fun.
As these parties gain popularity alongside the growing “sober curious” movement, it's clear that the future of nightlife is about more than just drinking less. It's about living authentically and fully in the moment.
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