Early-hour Dance Frenzies Propelled by Caffeine and Bold Beats, Devoid of Morning-after Regret, Thrive in Kazakhstan

Hittin' the Pavement in Astana: A Morning Rave Revolution

As the sun peeks over the Astana skyline at 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays, a local coffee shop transforms into a pulsing, caffeinated hub. Baristas race against the rhythm, pulling shots, while the DJ spins a captivating beat. The crowd rolls in, not for brunch, but for a morning rave-a fresh take on unwinding and recharging, all under the radar of alcohol and nightlife's usual trappings.

This morning dance party trend has gained traction as an alternative to traditional evening escapades. Photo credit: Rinat Dermer

The concept is simple; people show up at their highest energy level, groove to the music for a couple of hours, sip coffee, network, and leave feeling more energized, not drained. There's no cover charge.

Tangy Club: Shaking Up Astana's Social Scene

An architect by day, DJ and party pioneer by soul, Rakhat Nurtazin, 31, conceived the idea for the Tangy Club (Tangy Molot in Kazakh) due to a personal predicament. Although preparations were underway, it wasn't until 2024 that the Tangy Club fully materialized.

"My nighttime DJ gig came to a halt after surgery, but my passion for creating ambiance, uniting people, and sharing tunes stayed strong. So, I figured, why not move the party concept to the morning? And that's how Tangy Club was born-a sanctuary for quality music, exceptional coffee, and genuine camaraderie, all without jeopardizing well-being or productivity," Nurtazin shared with The Astana Times.

While morning dance parties aren't exactly new-Daybreaker events made waves in New York in 2013, or Morning Gloryville shook up the United Kingdom the same year-the movement is only now gaining ground in Kazakhstan's social sphere.

"We're living in an era where the value of nightlife is being redefined for many. People still yearn for fun, but not at the expense of their well-being. Across the globe, a growing trend is emerging-conscious entertainment where socializing and emotions aren't tied to alcohol or sleepless nights," said Nurtazin.

He believes Tangy Club, which moves venues, is part of this transformation-an alternative to the traditional, yet increasingly stale, paradigm.

Swapping "Me Time" for Socializing

For many, the early hours of the day are sacred-reserved for quiet reflection, routine, and tranquil awakening. Yet, people seem increasingly willing to exchange their tranquil mornings for social interaction.

"Whether people need energy or a dose of inspiration, mornings can be a perfect backdrop for something intriguing. Coffee and music alone are routines, but when shared with like-minded individuals, they become an extraordinary experience. Plus, Tangy Club events require minimal effort-just show up and immerse yourself in the atmosphere, recharge, and begin your day feeling revived, not overwhelmed," Nurtazin elaborated.

Morning dance parties cater primarily to disciplined early birds and parents with tight sleep schedules.

The DJ's Role

When asked whether a DJ's role shifts depending on the time of day, Nurtazin stated, "Playing in the morning is a completely different ballgame."

"Here, the DJ becomes a guide, helping people ease into the day while awakening their bodies and minds. Morning music should inspire, acting as a natural extension of the waking-up ritual," he explained.

A DJ should be able to sense the audience's vibe.

"Some come just to listen, while others want to move gently and feel the rhythm. That's why the morning format necessitates more attention to detail-the atmosphere, melody, tempo, and how the sound interacts with the space and people's emotions," said Nurtazin.

The Tangy Club crew posts upcoming events and locations on their social media pages. Photo credit: Rinat Dermer

And emotions are vital. "I aim to convey a feeling of lightness, inner balance, and anticipation for a fantastic day ahead-music that energizes without rushing, like sunlight slowly filling the room, like the first whiff of aromatic coffee. I want people to leave our events with a smile, feeling that their day has begun beautifully and with purpose," he said.

Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

"Astana is a city that never sleeps, but not everyone can keep up with its relentless pace. That's where Tangy Club steps in. A perfect fit for those who value wellness," said Ruslan Kosachev, 23, a regular attendee, when commenting on this story.

"Morning parties are about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They combine music and dance for an energy boost throughout the day-a substitute for vodka shots, beer pints, and heavy snacks, offering freshly baked croissants and wholesome breakfasts instead. They even infuse a touch of weekend-style excitement into the workweek," he said.

For him, these daytime parties represent a novel way to rethink leisure and recharge in a refreshingly new manner.

Marketing and Unearthing Coffee Culture

Zhazira Dyussembekova, an Astana resident working in the coffee industry, sees this movement as a marketing strategy and a way to connect with a new audience. She also suggests morning dance parties are an organic extension of the burgeoning coffee culture in Kazakhstan.

"Kazakhstan has embraced coffee culture, especially among urban youth. While tea remains traditional, the popularity of coffee has grown, with various cafes and clubs providing unique experiences. Morning dance parties have been trending in Europe for quite some time now, so their emergence here in Kazakhstan is unsurprising," she told The Astana Times.

"It's mainly a millennial-driven trend. They prefer socializing during the day instead of at night. They usually have scheduled lives and even children, making morning gatherings more practical. At the same time, millennials crave the party atmosphere that morning dance parties offer as an innovative alternative," said Dyussembekova, who still enjoys evening socializing.

She predicts this type of event is here to stay, expanding its impact and redefining Kazakhstan's coffee and clubbing culture on a larger scale.

Evolution, Not a Fad

Nurtazin predicts this movement to become ingrained in Kazakhstan's social fabric. He sees it not just as a fleeting trend, but as a "natural progression of social culture."

"Our events have already demonstrated a dedicated audience for this format-one that is incredibly loyal. People attend not just for the music and coffee but for the sense of community where they feel comfortable. The venues for the parties change, but the concept remains constant-open to everyone to join. The team posts the next date and location on their dedicated Instagram page."

The message here is clear: the future of partying and entertainment will not only revolve around where we party, but also about how we desire to feel once the party ends.

The morning dance parties at the Tangy Club in Astana offer a unique lifestyle choice, providing a caffeinated rhythm that replaces the conventional nightlife experience.
Rakhat Nurtazin, the brainchild behind Tangy Club, pioneered the concept of morning parties as an alternative to traditional nightlife, aiming to create a sanctuary for socializing, quality music, and genuine camaraderie.
For many, the appeal of morning dance parties extends beyond traditional morning routines, offering an extraordinary experience that combines energy, inspiration, and social interaction, all while maintaining well-being and productivity.
Besides catering to early birds and parents with tight sleep schedules, morning dance parties also attract those who value a healthy lifestyle, offering a substitute for alcohol and heavy snacks with freshly baked croissants and wholesome breakfasts instead.
The Tangy Club's events transform various venues across Astana, with the DJ taking on a new role as a guide, helping people ease into the day while awakening their bodies and minds with inspiring music.
As the trend of morning dance parties evolves, it's reshaping Kazakhstan's social, coffee, and clubbing culture, signifying a shift in the way people party and entertain themselves, not just by where they party, but also by how they desire to feel once the party ends.

Early-hour Dance Frenzies Propelled by Caffeine and Bold Beats, Devoid of Morning-after Regret, Thrive in Kazakhstan