Music; Health & Wellness
“My father always said to me, ‘create, don't complain’ – so that's what I did,” says social entrepreneur Radha Agrawal. Having invested in a New York club, she became so disillusioned with the negative aspects of nightlife that she founded a morning dance party, Daybreaker.
“I wanted to build a movement that focused on joy,” she explains, “keeping all the positive things – like the dressing up, the glitz, the music – but removing the alcohol, drugs, and mean bouncers.” In their place, Daybreaker has green juice, hug committees, and performance art.
Radha admits her first event one early December morning in 2013 was a risk. With heavy snow falling in NYC, she thought it would be “one and done”. However, 180 people rolled out of bed to dance. Eleven years later, Daybreaker has grown into a global brand spanning 33 cities with a community of nearly a million people.
“I can’t believe we’re still doing it,” Radha says. But it’s the stories of transformation from community members who’d previously felt suicidal, lonely, or struggling with their sexuality, that continue to get her out of bed in the small hours.
“What the hell else is there in life other than creating experiences that will shift someone, that will transform someone and bring them joy?” she asks. “There's truly nothing else I would rather be doing than throwing these basically adult birthday parties.”
Her passion even caught Oprah Winfrey’s attention, leading to Daybreaker opening the star’s 2020 stadium tour.
“You have 25 minutes to connect 15,000 people and give them this experience of belonging, dance, and celebration,” says Radha.
Next up? A TV show. Stay tuned!
