Your first rave: a beginner's survival guide

Everyone's first real dance-music night is a little intimidating — the long sets, the unfamiliar music, the crowd that seems to know something you don't. Here's the honest guide we wish someone had given us.

• ›Eat properly and hydrate — you'll be on your feet for hours.
• ›Wear comfortable shoes and light, breathable clothes. Fashion second, comfort first.
• ›Arrive with an open mind, not a playlist of expectations.

Don't panic when the music doesn't "drop" every two minutes — underground sets build slowly and that's the point. Find your spot, let the groove settle in, and stop watching the clock. The magic usually kicks in after the first half hour, once the set locks in and your body catches up.

Respect the people around you and the dancefloor as a shared space. Don't barge, don't film everything, and look out for your friends. If someone needs help, help them. A good scene runs on this basic decency.

Pace yourself. The people still dancing at sunrise aren't the ones who went hardest at 11pm — they're the ones who paced it. Your first rave should leave you wanting the next, not swearing off them.