When most people first hear the word rave, they think it's a scary place, where people are going to try to drug them. Since raves first began, the community of "ravers" has been seen as crazy, drug addicts that want to drug others; but that is not how they really are. I, myself, was always scared of going to one because of the stories people would tell me about them. I believed them for a while even though I knew they had never been to one themselves. I was being judgmental towards something I had never experienced, so when I made friends that attended the events, I decided to go to see for myself what they are really like.
The first rave I attended was call "Wasteland," a hard-style rave. Hard-style music consists of a deep, hard-sounding kick drum, intense faded or reversed bass-lines accompanying the beat, and faster tempo. I went to the rave not being a huge fan of electronic music in general and I left in love with it. It was on of the best experiences I have had which has made a raver out of me. I have now attended four raves in total and will be going to many more.
The intensity of the bass coming from the speakers made your body vibrate all over and really feel the sound. The beat of the music is perfectly followed by the many lights they have set up. Many of the DJs will remix popular songs in the radio and make them their own so you are bound to know the lyrics to many of the songs even if you're not originally a fan of the music. Most people just bob their head to the music and shake their hands in the air. The more experienced ravers will shuffle which is a variation of heel to toe movements, stomping to the beat, and swiveling around.
What made me love the experience the most was the people who attended it. I got nothing but love and concerns from everyone; they were definitely not the crazy people I expected. MY friends encouraged me to tell everyone who approached me that it was my first rave and I saw why after I did. I got hugs and bracelets from everyone welcoming me to the community. Exchanging "kandi" (hand-made, beaded bracelets) is a big part of raving and comes with a hand ritual that stands for peace, love, community and respect. It gets very hot very quickly so water is a must have. If people see that you look dehydrated they will offer you water and anything you need; everyone takes care of each other. Raves are a place for people to enjoy music with other people who share that love for it with you. I would encourage anyone who has been thinking of attending one to do so because you will not regret it.
