The conversation around nightlife is often reduced to economic figures - how much revenue it generates, how many jobs it sustains, or how cities might leverage it for tourism.
Down with this for sure, though I’d like to point out that my admittedly long-ago experience of illegal raves did not substantiate those environments as unsafe. I was really struck by how unusual it is to be surrounded by strangers who are happy to make eye contact and even smile when out a few weekends ago… and saddened, to, to recognise how weird it is that that is now unusual. I was always one of the dance-all-night-and-into-the-morning people who went to events for the music and the freedom, not the socialising, but it was marvellous to be lit up by a room of excited, vibrant people as much as by the music itself and my own inner experiences.
Sidenote: I’m studying mindfulness at Master’s level and really believe that dancing is better for mental health!
Down with this for sure, though I’d like to point out that my admittedly long-ago experience of illegal raves did not substantiate those environments as unsafe. I was really struck by how unusual it is to be surrounded by strangers who are happy to make eye contact and even smile when out a few weekends ago… and saddened, to, to recognise how weird it is that that is now unusual. I was always one of the dance-all-night-and-into-the-morning people who went to events for the music and the freedom, not the socialising, but it was marvellous to be lit up by a room of excited, vibrant people as much as by the music itself and my own inner experiences.
Sidenote: I’m studying mindfulness at Master’s level and really believe that dancing is better for mental health!