Raving has been on the up-rise within the past few years. The idea of a giant dance party until the early morning has gained massive crowds, specifically within college students. However, there are a lot of stereotypes surrounding raving that give people a second thought about going. What people often don't see are all the little details of raving; the little details are what made me fall in love with the community almost three years ago. In light of the Paradiso 2017 line up being released earlier this week, here are 4 truths of raving you may not have known!

1.There’s More To Raves Than Just Dancing

Although dancing is a HUGE part of raving (and also highly encouraged!), it’s not the only activity you can do. Some festivals hold classic carnival rides like the Ferris wheel, the scrambler and bumper cars. A lot of festivals also have merchant booths, DJ meet and greets, and photo booths. Some artists perform live art pieces right at the festival! The wide variety of activities helps keep ravers entertained for the entire night and it's a nice alternative after a long night of dancing.

2. Raving Attracts A Lot Of Talented People

The rave community has created a platform for talented people to shine. Raving has created a place where a lot of talented hula hoopers, glovers and shufflers (yes, like the running man) can pursue their passions. Ravers dedicate hours outside of raves to practice the hardest hooping trick, gloving technique and shuffling dance move to perform for their fellow raves at the next event. Thanks to the rave community, ravers are able to showcase what they love to everyone wholeheartedly.

3. It’s More Than What You’ve Heard On The Radio

A lot of the music you’ve probably heard on mainstream radio stations is electronic dance music. Truth is, you may like headlining DJs that perform at big-name raves and had no idea! However, it’s more than just mainstream radio music. There are several subgenres of electronic dance music; trap, trance, techno, dubstep and house are just a few of the several different types. Often, stages will dedicate a certain genre they will perform for the evening. So whether you feel like dancing until the sun comes up, or if you feel like more relaxing with your friends, there will be a subgenre of dance music that will fit your mood perfectly!

4. You Will Meet Amazing People From Different Backgrounds

Through raving, I have met a lot of incredible people that are my friends to this day. The community instills its values on peace, love, unity and respect- and it is clearly shown within the people I’ve met. In comparison to many other concerts I’ve attended, the crowds are completely different and it’s telltale that ravers act friendlier to each other. From college students to retired people, raving is for everyone regardless of who you are outside of the rave. The rave community is full of accepting people who come together for the love of music, and it's the main reason why I continue to keep going.

Seeing the little details of raving that are not often put on the spotlight show that raving is more than the stereotypes you have heard. I highly encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zone and go to a rave at least once to experience a night you will never forget.