UNITED KINGDOM: A new London club called Morning Glory, offering fruit smoothies and massages, is proving a huge hit with city workers as they dance their way into the day at monthly morning raves

Record ID: 644466

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: A new London club called Morning Glory, offering fruit smoothies and massages, is proving a huge hit with city workers as they dance their way into the day at monthly morning raves
  • Date: 18th October 2013
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) REGULAR RAVER, ALICE, SAYING: "I came right from the start when everyone thought the idea was bonkers and it was such a massive success."
  • Embargoed: 2nd November 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz
  • Reuters ID: LVAALLKCMMDLRR5ZEWGLIY35KKUH
  • Story Text: Some city workers in London are shunning the gym for an early morning rave.
    But these are no ordinary raves - they serve fruit smoothies instead of alcohol, there's definitely no drugs and once it finishes everyone goes to work.
    Annie is a regular at the event in Shoreditch in the east of the British capital, and told Reuters how much she enjoys it.

    "I just love the energy in here, it's so different then at a night club. Because people are so happy and they're smiling, they're so vibrant and everyone's really dancing and sweating, you wouldn't get that at night I don't think," she said.
    Sessions at Morning Glory start at 6.30am and run until 10.30am.
    Alice is another regular, she said initially there was concerns the idea wouldn't work.

    "I came right from the start when everyone thought the idea was bonkers and it was such a massive success," she said.
    For the less energetic, there's yoga and a massage station, which is all included in the entry price of 10.
    Events organiser Samantha Moyo runs the operation with dancer and massage therapist Nico Theommes.

    "What we have at Morning Glory is like a motivating dance team and their role is loosely defined but actually very important. The idea is to give people the space where they can actually let go of their inhibitions somewhat." said Theommes.
    The rave only started in May but they now pull in crowds of more than 400.
    Many ravers say it gives them the boost they need to get through a tough day in the office.

    "It seems to have real impact on people. People who've been to the events say they feel slightly changed or shifted and inspired and energised," added Moyo.
    The pair have ambitions to take the raves into UK offices in the new year.

    "The plan so far are to carry on with these community events, we want to start corporate events in Janaury because we think this is a great model for retoxing people after the Christmas holidays, she said.
    A new survey has just revealed that only two thirds of British workers are satisfied with their current employer.
    They're also among the unhappiest in Europe and that has a direct impact on productivity, which means this type of exercise and relaxation at Morning Glory might be just what the doctor ordered.
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