Over the last 10-15 years, a new trend of parties has been evolving. These gatherings are known in the media as raves, and are often simply called parties by those attending them. A rave is an all night event where usually young people gather in a social atmosphere while listening to hypnotic dance music. These parties have slowly evolved into spectacles of total sensory overload. The first is the social aspects, unhindered freedom of expression of ones self through dance, dress or any other mean without fear of ridicule from others. The second is the dancing and its often quasi-spiritual effects on those partaking.

The key to the success of raves is the positive atmosphere, or "vibe". Raves are renowned for people's acceptability and tolerance for others. They are safe havens for people who wish to be free from social pressures. Because of this, many ravers (person who attends these parties) are dressed differently then peop

le you would normally see. Bright colors, clothing with different textures and feel, and generally clothes that is very comfortable to dance with. A sense of unity is formed between the partygoers, they attempt to form a community of sorts through there individuality. People feel free to go up to strangers and start up conversations. They also become very comfortable with everyone around them and try to share this feeling with others. This is a very important part of the whole Rave experience. When this occurs, then the "party kids" can truly feel free to be themselves in every way. This is something quite rare in today's commercialized society which often dictates wh!

Dancing has and always will be a part of many human societies and culture. Archeological digs have found primitive musical instruments dating back to the beginning of human society. Our ancestors would stay up late at night dancing around fires to the sounds of beats made by whatever means were available. Many societies throughout the ages incorporated dancing into all parts of there culture, and most importantly, into there spiritual life. Over the last few hundred years, dancing has been seen less and less as a spiritual tool and more as a form of entertainment. Today young people are re-discovering dancing and music in an experience much like people of the past through these all night parties. The music played at raves is very reminiscent of the pounding beats of hand drums, which are ancestors used to dance to. These parties are mainly attended by young people, between the ages of 15-30. At these parties the crowds of people are worked up into frenzies of energy, with people dancing hours on end without stopping.

Some topics in this essay:
RAVE CULTURE, DJ Dustin, Coast BC, Th DJ, North America, Scene American, Bars Clubs, Vancouver Canadian, rave culture, total sensory overload, dance music, sensory overload, people frenzies, music played, stop start, free themselves, rave experience, create sounds, played dj,