Where did the dance floor energy go?

In the past, a key aspect of the rave experience was the collective energy generated by people letting loose on the dance floor. It was transformative, even transcendent at peak moments, sparking life-changing moments for many early ravers. 

However, we’ve been hearing that there’s a lack of energy on the dance floor at some of today’s clubs and festivals. People sway from side to side, stare idly at the DJ, or spend most of their time chatting rather than losing themselves in the moment. Where did the dance floor energy go? Here are some thoughts…

VOLUME OF THE MUSIC

In some clubs and festivals, there are sound limits that make it difficult to get fully immersed in the sound. You can’t feel the music, which is essential to strong dance floor energy, and it’s easier to have full blown conversations. 

DISTRACTIONS FRAGMENT THE ENERGY

Whether it’s half your crew going off to the smoking area, people going to explore other stages or rooms, or the scourge of the dance floor - smartphones - distractions cause fragmented energy. Even being caught up watching the DJ or the LED screens behind them can take away from being in the moment.

MORE CAMERAS = MORE INHIBITIONS 

Let’s face it, no matter who you are, when there are cameras present, your behaviour will change and become either 1) performative, 2) inhibited or 3) self-conscious in some way. Filming on the dance floor is not always conducive to feeling liberated and free to truly let loose. 

THE MUSIC ITSELF

While some forms of music lend themselves very well to catharsis (some types of techno, DnB, gabber, for instance), others can lead to more rigid forms of physical expression - like the aforementioned swaying from side to side. 

THE DJS

There are some DJs who are experts at commanding the energy of a space, using just the right of tension and release to whip people up into a frenzy and keep that energy percolating. Whereas others stick to a formula, get your hands up in the air at choice moments but aren’t capable of creating an all-encompassing communal energy.