A Different Kind of Rave: Lorcan’s Dance Space Story

When Lorcan first came across Dance Space, it was through Instagram.

He had already been interested in electronic music, sober dance events, and rave culture, so the idea of a daytime, alcohol-free dance event in Dublin caught his attention. It also made practical sense. Living outside Dublin means that late-night events are not always easy. Getting home, finding transport, or staying overnight can turn a night out into a much bigger plan.

A dance event in the afternoon felt different.

Lorcan could travel into the city, enjoy the music, and still make it home the same day. That was part of what made Dance Space stand out to him before he had even arrived.

The event itself begins simply. People arrive at Wigwam, some stop for coffee upstairs, and then make their way down to the basement as the music starts. There is no long build-up and no waiting for the room to warm up. Once the event begins, people are there to dance.

For Lorcan, that is one of the best parts of it.

He likes that the space still feels like a proper club environment. The basement setting, the music, and the atmosphere create that feeling of stepping out of ordinary life for a while. But because it happens during the day, it feels easier to access. It has the energy of a night out, without needing the late night around it.

Another thing he appreciates is that it is comfortable to come alone.

There is no need to arrive with a group or know people beforehand. You can go in, dance, and have your own experience. The focus is on the music rather than on being watched, approached, or expected to socialise in a certain way.

At the same time, there is still a friendly side to it. People might chat before the event, have coffee afterwards, or slowly start to recognise familiar faces from similar dance spaces around Dublin. It is social, but not forced.

That balance is part of what makes the experience feel easy.

Lorcan also talked about how much he values activities that take him away from screens. Between work, social media, and everyday routines, it can be hard to find moments where you are fully present. Dancing gives him that. For a couple of hours, there is nothing to check, prove, capture, or complete.

“The only goal is to enjoy it in the moment that you're there.” — Lorcan

You are just there, moving with the music.

He sees dance as something immediate. Unlike work or study, it is not about reaching a goal or getting something “right.” There are no steps to follow and no perfect way to move. Everyone has their own style, and once the music takes over, that is enough.

That is what stayed with me most from speaking to Lorcan. It was the way he described dance as a break from pressure.

Not just from alcohol or late nights, but from the constant feeling that everything has to be productive, documented, or performed. For him, Dance Space offers a few hours where the point is simply to enjoy the moment.

And sometimes, that is exactly what people need.

If you want to experience Dance Space for yourself, our next daytime sober rave is happening this Sunday at Wigwam.

Come solo, bring a friend, or just come for the music.

You can find the event here:

Find the event

Interview by Tina Liu for Dance Space.

With thanks to Lorcan for sharing his experience.