Early-hour dance parties infused with caffeine and devoid of hangovers are surging in popularity across Kazakhstan.
Light Up Your Mornings: Astana's Vital Morning Coffee Raves
A warm, luminous coffee shop in Astana, buzzes with energy and life. Coffee is being brewed briskly, music pulsates, and the dance floor fills up with an energetic crowd, all before noon. This is Astana's take on the captivating trend of morning coffee dance parties, a novel way to unwind, connect, and recharge, without alcohol and the usual nightlife trappings.
Revolutionizing the Social Scene: Welcome to Tangy Club
Rakhat Nurtazin, a 31-year-old architect and passionate DJ, has given birth to the concept of Tangy Club due to a personal challenge. Although the notion had been brewing, Tangy Club came to life in 2024.
"Following surgery, I could no longer perform nighttime sets. But my love for creating ambiance, uniting people, and sharing music remained unquenchable. That's when I thought, why not shift the party concept to the mornings? And so, the Tangy Club became a reality-a haven for enthusiasts eager to delight in quality music, divine coffee, and camaraderie, without compromising on their health or productivity," Nurtazin remarked to The Astana Times.
The morning coffee party phenomenon has been around for quite some time, with Daybreaker events in New York in 2013 and Morning Gloryville in the United Kingdom following close behind. Now, this lifestyle shift is gaining ground in Astana's vibrant community.
"We dwell in an era where the essence of nightlife is being reinvented. People still desire to have a good time, but not at the cost of their well-being. Across the world, we're witnessing a burgeoning trend toward mindful entertainment-where socializing and emotions are decoupled from alcohol or sleepless nights," Nurtazin expressed.
He stresses that Tangy Club, which moves from place to place, represents this transition, offering an alternative to the conventional yet increasingly antiquated format.
Saying Adieu to 'Me Time': Embracing Morning Socializing
For many, mornings symbolize personal time, a quiet respite, a slow rise into the day. Yet, there seems to be an increasing inclination towards morning socializing.
"People seek energy, and they want their mornings to commence with something invigorating. Coffee and music are rituals in themselves, but when shared with like-minded individuals, they transform into a unique, exhilarating experience. Plus, Tangy Club's morning gatherings demand minimal effort-just show up, immerse yourself, recharge, and stride into your day, feeling revitalized, not overwhelmed," Nurtazin expounded.
Morning dance events make an attractive proposition for disciplined early birds and parents adhering to strict sleep schedules.
The DJ's Role: A Completely Different Beat
When questioned about whether a DJ's role alters depending on the time of day, Nurtazin responded that playing in the mornings presents an entirely distinct challenge.
"Here, the DJ assumes the role of a guide, aiding people in their transition into the day, and awakening their bodies and minds. Morning music should inspire, not overwhelm, serving as a symbiotic extension of the dawn ritual," he explained.
A DJ must be able to attune to the audience's mood. Some come to enjoy the music passively, while others desire to move gently with the rhythm. Therefore, the morning format demands closer attention to detail-the atmosphere, melody, tempo, and the unique fusion of sound and people's emotions.
Emotions play a crucial role here. "I aim to instill a feeling of lightness, inner balance, and optimism for a fantastic day ahead. This music generates energy without expediting. It's like the sun slowly filling the room, like the first aromatic sip of coffee. I want people to leave our events with a smile, feeling that their day has commenced delightfully and with purpose," he said.
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle: Morning Dance Parties Redefine the Coffee and Club Scene
"Astana is a city that never sleeps, but not everyone can keep pace with its rapid tempo. That's where Tangy Club comes in. A marvelous solution," said Ruslan Kosachev, a 23-year-old attendee, in a comment for this story.
"Unlike conventional nightclubs, these daytime parties are all about a health-conscious lifestyle. They blend dance, delivering an energy boost for the entire day: instead of a vodka shot, an espresso shot; instead of a pint of beer, a cappuccino; instead of heavy snacks, scrumptious, freshly baked croissants or a wholesome breakfast," he said.
For him, these daytime parties add a weekend-style flare to the workweek.
"I eagerly anticipate more events like this. It's a marvelous way to reimagine leisure and restore one's energy in a brand-new manner."
Marketing Tool and Blossoming Coffee Culture
Zhazira Dyussembekova, an Astana resident who works in the coffee industry, sees this movement as a marketing tool and a means to attract a broad audience. She also suggests that morning coffee parties are a "natural extension" of the burgeoning coffee culture in Kazakhstan.
"Morning coffee parties are relatively new in Kazakhstan, yet they have captivated large audiences globally. So, it comes as no surprise that coffee shops are jumping on the bandwagon and organizing such events," she told The Astana Times.
"It's predominantly a trend targeted at millennials. Millennials tend to socialize during the day rather than at night. They often possess structured schedules, responsibilities, and even children, making morning gatherings more practical. At the same time, millennials still crave that 'party' atmosphere, and morning coffee parties offer a captivating alternative," Dyussembekova pointed out, admitting that she still appreciates evening socializing.
She suggested that this type of event will persist, captivating the hearts of more people and redefining Kazakhstan's coffee and clubbing culture on a broader scale.
A Way Forward: The Future of Partying and entertainment
Nurtazin anticipates that this movement will become an integral part of Kazakhstan's social scene. He views it not merely as a passing trend, but as a "natural evolution of social culture."
"Our events have already demonstrated that there is a dedicated audience for this format-one that is unwaveringly loyal. People attend these events not just for the music and coffee but for the sense of community where they feel comfortable. The venues of the parties may change, but the idea remains the same-open to anyone that wishes to join," he concluded.
The message here is likely that the future of partying and fun is not merely about where we party, but also how we aspire to feel once the party ends.
- Tangy Club offers a unique blend of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, lifestyle, and relationships through their morning coffee dance parties.
- In this new age of mindful entertainment, Tangy Club serves as a home-and-garden for individuals seeking to recharge and connect without the usual nightlife trappings.
- As travel becomes more accessible, the concept of morning coffee parties is expanding beyond cities like New York and London, finding a place in the vibrant community of Astana.
