I first went to a GCF party in winter 2024. I went alone as someone who associated socialising, and particularly dancing, with alcohol or substances. My love of dance music was growing, and I was curious about the idea of something else existing, even if I didn’t fully understand what that was yet. Now, over a year on and a handful of parties later, I can reflect on all that GCF has given me.
GCF has given me room to grow.
I arrived at my first party, with all the nerves that come from entering a new space where you know no one, and blind faith that pushing myself out of my comfort zone was good for me. I met someone my age who had also come alone and we sat in our shared discomfort, trying to get a lay of the land, sipping cokes and finding comfort in each other’s experiences. We came from different walks of life, but curiosity was our main reason for being there. We felt nervous about not having a drink before dancing and a bit anxious about the Qi Gong that was coming up. We bonded through caught eyes and laughter, in a hefty squat, exhaling and copying the sweeping hands of the instructor. I remember thinking, how the hell did I end up here? In a warehouse in the east-end of Glasgow, laughing with a Glaswegian engineer, breathing in time with a room full of smiling strangers. And liking it. As the music transitioned and the night began, I could tell I was becoming a small part of something incredibly special.
GCF has inspired me.
As a performance maker, I am interested in how music, sound and rhythm can unite people. How it can lay the groundwork for a shared experience where you leave changed in some way. I have been an audience member in too many performances where you’re invited to dance, and it’s uncomfortable – you either refuse or reluctantly agree because you feel bad for the performer. What GCF has shown me is the power of transition – one that keeps you grounded, out of your head and in your body. In my opinion, the hour before the party, whether it’s a guided meditation, Qi Gong, seated yoga or a sound bath, replaces those first few drinks you have before a night-out. During this hour an environment is cultivated that confronts and then bypasses your inhibition, judgement and self-critique. When it’s time to dance, you have already shared something with the people around you, your nervous system is more aligned, you’ve connected to your body, all whilst being anchored by the rhythms of curated music that seamlessly transitions into dance music. Experiencing a considered transition from arriving in the space and having static conversations with people – both mind focused activities – to collective movement, dance and physical expression, is, in my eyes, integral in the success of GCF. Through a transition like this, the possibilities for an impactful shared experience are vast.
GCF has given me a safe space to move.
I never question my safety at a GCF party, something that, as a woman, often takes up my mental space on a night out. I feel welcome to show up exactly as I am, and to move in whatever way I need to. Whether I need to twist, shake or stomp my way through the music, I release heaviness, stress, emotions and pain away, surrounded by people I barely know and trust entirely. Space is respected and shared, and intentions are joyful and pure. Everyone is there to have cracking time and be with one another, surrounded by incredible music. To be able to collectively dance with peace of mind is such a liberating experience. And the music… it’s powerful, funky, effervescent, joyous and everything in between. Every. Single. Time.
GCF has given me a form of medicine.
As a person living with endometriosis, I experience pain and challenging physical symptoms daily. PhD’s have been written on the power of dance music, and particularly house music, in relation to supporting the health of the human body. I am no PhD student; however, I cannot ignore how physically well I feel after a GCF party. My condition is an inflammatory disease, often aggravated by stress and the demands of day-to-day life in a city. GCF provides a fun environment to treat my body with movement from a healing place. I feel less inflamed after a party and the positive effects stay with me for weeks.
I believe that the sobriety of GCF is important, but, for me, as a non-sober person, it’s just the beginning of what this party is about. GCF is about community, connection, release, freedom, safety and joy. It challenges me, inspires me, provides comfort and euphoria, and leaves me feeling calm, healthy and aligned the next day. It has become my place to return to. My place to reset.