Description
Thanks to Aliki' enthusiasm, we explore some of the possible highs induced by an EDM event.
Remerciements à/many thanks to:
Karel Chladek pour cette breathtaking photography: @karelchladek
Deneb pour le musical theme: @deneb_music
Find me / trouvez-moi:
@danzpodcast
Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
Transcription
This is where, this is a new life, a new way, so...
From Montreal, de Montréal, introducing people, je vous présente des gens, met on a, rencontré sur un, dancefloor, pour parler de, to talk about, DANZ. So, we're at episode 15, and today I'm going to talk with someone who is very true to herself. And that, for me, is very precious. Every time that we communicate, in person, on the phone, texting, you're always very straightforward with a lot of Love. You're always very pure. And so we're talking with, a lot of people know her as Alison, and I'm going to address her as Aliki. That's her real name. And so Alison, Aliki, Aliki is on the line with us. How are you?
I'm doing good. I'm doing good. Thanks. How are you?
I'm okay. Cause I'm having this conversation with you.
Ah!...
No, but seriously, like I said, every time we talk, you and I, you're always very present. And you always lock in, as my teenagers would say. You're there. You're 100% there. And that's what I always appreciated of you in any context. If we meet on a dancefloor or if we meet... outside when you're having, I don't know, a chat with people outside an event and we bump into each other, you're always very present in the moment where we have a communication, you and I. And that's not something that everyone has. It's a very powerful presence that you have. So thank you for that.
Thank you. Thanks for the words.
So I think you know the concept. I'm just going to remind the listeners what the concept is. I picked a question out of a hat and I don't know the question and you don't know the question. It's a question that is related to dance on EDM. So electronic dance music. It's the whole purpose of this podcast project. We have conversations about one of our passions, which is dancing.
Yeah!
And that's how we met, you and I.
We sure did.
So are we ready for the question?
We are.
All right, perfect. Let's do it. So when you know a dance event is approaching, do you undertake any special physical preparation? And after the event, do you follow a specific physical recovery program? Hmm. That's interesting. We've never talked about that, you and I.
Nope. I love the question!
Yeah? Well, go!
I love it!
Go!
Well, I mean, in terms of, I think I mentally prepare. I think it's, but it's not like a conscious thing, you know, like I, I get excited. I get excited about almost all events to the point where I actually had to be like, okay, we're going to have to pick some and not all. Because we can't go to all.
Oh yeah, that's one of our problems here in Montreal.
Yeah.
Like we have so many options.
Yes. So in terms of like preparation, I would say definitely, well, the excitement. So it's the buildup, you know, so I'm always looking. I go back to my calendar. And I'm like...
Love it, love it!
I'm so forgetful. I'm forgetful. But I remember that it's coming up, right? So I'm like, okay, when is it? When is it? When is it? And so, and my whole challenge is being on time. So, and most people who know me will know this, you know, I try very, very hard to get there on time, but it often has to do with, I need to go with how I'm feeling for the picking the clothes, you know. So the clothes is... represents...
And you're always so beautiful and sexy on the dancefloor. Oh my God. Wow. Yeah.
It's my creative, it's my creative side. So my creative side is through my fashion.
Yeah. And it shows. It shows. Definitely.
Thanks. So, so yeah., so then, so the day of, you know, I always, I always end up picking an outfit.
So you do it the day of based on how you're feeling?
Yes, but early, you know, so like if the event is at 1, I'll be like picking out my outfit at like maybe 9am. Okay.
Love it!
Here's the thing. So somehow my day, you know, happens and I like to relax on the weekend. So I try like most of the time the events that I go to are either like on the weekend, not to say that I don't go during the week, but the ones that I generally look forward to are... on the weekends.
On the weekends. Yeah. And most of us, I think it's that rhythm that we follow, right? On weekdays and nights, there are events, as you just said, but it's mostly in venues where it's 10 to 3 a.m. And we work the next day. Like most of us, we work from Monday to Friday. And so it's hard, right, to follow that rhythm.
For sure.
Most times the biggest events with the... the strongest lineups of DJs are on the weekends.
Yeah, there's that. And there's also, it's a different vibe on the weekend. You know, people are, I think people are less stressed. You have a lot more people present, you know, because a lot of people have their own schedules and, you know, where they really like to stick to their routine with the kids and, you know, like, I mean, life, life happens.
Of course, of course, you're right.
So, I mean, at the moment I'm not working, but when I am working, I would even use like, sometimes two, three days before I'll use lunch hours to kind of like try on different things.
Oh my God, you're so cute.
So I'll narrow it down.
You're like a teenager going on a date. That's so fun.
Totally.
And that's so you. Like, honestly, you're so pure that way. You're so playful that way.
Oh, but it's always a disaster. So every time it comes, like, I set an alarm two hours before I have to leave. Because that's when I should get ready. But actually getting ready, it takes me 25 minutes. Like I actually don't take that much time to get ready. My problem is that then I put on whatever I decided I was going to wear and it no longer suits me.
Exactly. It's not the right fit. It's not the right outfit anymore.
No, it's not. This morning was one thing. Right now is a different.
Oh, my God. Love it.
So, yeah. So, so then I'm like, and I'm looking at the clock and I'm going, oh, my God, Alison hurry up! So, yeah. So. That's like, I would say like before and also eat. So I'm like, okay, Alison, because I get so excited. It's almost like a high, you know?
It is a high. It's an hormonal high, right?
Yeah. And I feel it. It's strong, you know? So I'm like, oh, Alison, like, Aliki, you got to eat, so most of the time I don't end up having time, so I have protein shakes for that. So I'll grab a protein shake and an apple because I have a long drive. I'm in the suburbs.
Yeah.
So, and I'll have it in the car.
Okay.
But yeah.
So you're ready to like keep dancing for hours and not have to eat, right?
100%, yeah. Yeah. And I mean, I'm celiac and have a couple of digestion issues. So it's tough. Like I can't even in a depanneur find something that I can eat, you know?
An alternative for you.
Yeah, exactly.
That is healthy and that won't...
Yeah, that won't give me a belly ache.
Exactly. Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah. So, I mean, and then, and then I just psyched myself out. So I'm like, okay, who are we going to see today? That's who I'm putting on my, on my music. Cause I generally, there's always traffic when there's an event, I don't know. So, you know, it gives me at least 45 minutes to an hour. So, you know.
To listen to the music of who you're going to listen to live, you know?
Yes. With the best intentions of having my protein shake and whatever fruit or nuts I brought. And let me tell you, generally speaking, whatever fruit I brought did not get eaten. Because I'm dancing in my car. I don't have time for this.
Priorities, priorities.
Yes.
Oh my God, you're so funny.
So yeah, so I would say like that pretty much encompasses like getting ready. And then afterwards, I mean, I'm usually so pumped from wherever I've been, that I, you know, everybody at some point has like their, their, okay, I'm tired. I'm going to sleep. I get home and I'm like...
You're high.
I could run. Yeah!
Yeah, you're wired, right?
Yeah. Yeah. So I'm like, I could run. Okay. I'm going to take the dog for a walk. I'm going to, I don't know what I'm going to do. Sometimes I even end up close to home and then I'm like, you know what? I'm not done going out. I'm going to turn around and then text a couple of people. What do you guys have to do?
Oh yeah. You've told me this. You go to afters, you know, like on a regular basis. So, afters, do you want to just explain what an after is to people that are listening? If ever someone doesn't know about the whole rhythm of an EDM event.
Yeah, so I mean, generally speaking, you'll have different groups. Like I would say there's quite a few afters, you know, where, you know, there's always a DJ or somebody who wants to be a DJ and welcome to them. Who's going to be playing music at their place and who invites, you know, the people, you know, that are in part of their group or associated or somebody that they just really enjoye that person's vibe. And so...
During an event, right? Let's say that there was an event at one of the venues, main menus, so NWHR, Stereo, whatever other event, Piknic, and then afterwards, so that's why we call it after the party is going to move elsewhere. Right?
Correct.
And that's where someone is going to DJ, you know, like someone who has experience or less experience, but will continue on with the music and just the chilling
Yes.
And having that whole let's socialize vibe
Exactly, and i mean oftentimes at these afters you have the option of just you know chilling on the couch or being up and being part of a you know a bigger group of a you know of a conversation or uh dancing and being in your own bubble so it kind of allows you to continue exactly how you were because it's pretty much like that at the event as well you know you can you can chat at the bar or on the couch or you can be dancing in your own bubble.
But wouldn't you say that the afters are more intimate like they're more private and you have like more opportunities to get to know people because i've been saying this on a lot of prior episodes but in the main events usually you don't really get to talk and... unless you go and have like a smoke outside, but on the floor, like that's not where you're going to have the longest conversation because of the music and also because of the whole event ethic, right? Like you don't have long conversations.
No. Definitely.
But the afters, I think, are a good way of connecting with people like on a other level.
A hundred percent. There are afters that are dedicated for conversation, there are afters that are dedicated for more music but I mean generally speaking you can kind of choose your own vibe and choose your own group you know
Yeah. And you know what is that coming back to the second part of the question that was pulled out of the hat that that might also be a way of recovery, right? Like after having gone to the event when you go to an after it gives you that kind of uh buffer you know like in between moment where you left that main event and you were on that high as you said you're driving home for example and you're like riding that wave of energy and then oh wow i have an opportunity of going to an after so it it gets you like it it helps you come back on planet Earth with like a softer curve kind of thing you know.
It really depends on the after. Some afters are more hardcore.
Oh, yeah? I never go. Honestly, I never go to afters because of my rhythm. So, yeah.
Yeah. So, I would say lately, I've been taking it a lot more easy. So, I haven't really been going to afters. And there's, you know, generally, there's alcohol, there's all kinds of things there, so... you're not you're not really recovering. No!
Recovering. You're just... Okay, you're just going on with the partying. Yes, right. Obviously, very logical. So this is just proof of me not going to afters. The old person saying, oh, you go to afters to just, you know, recover, you know, like, oh my God, that's so funny.
You're not old. It's just, you know, your pace is different. And that's it.
Yeah, my pace is different.
You know, like, I'm at a different pace right now, too, in terms of like, six months ago versus today. So, you know, it's about pace. And it's about where you're at, you know?
Yes. Thank you. Thank you for, you know.
It's not age. It's not age.
Reminding me that it's not age.
I'm older than you. I'm older than you.
No, actually.
Yes!
Anyways, we're not gonna have this conversation. We're like a month apart, you and I. We're born the same year.
Oh yeah, that's true. I forgot.
Let's not fight about this.
Love it.
But you're definitely younger than me.
No!
Sexier.
Well, look who's talking. Look who's talking.
Okay. Okay. We're not going to have that conversation either. Anyways, we're at the end of our conversation. So do you want to add anything at that point like pertaining to the question itself do you want to come back to the question or just add a little something before we say goodbye?
I think I think it's important I think recovery is important and I think like I probably should work a little harder on having a recovery plan just so that i'm not so drained afterwards, so...
You are drained? Like you feel drained?
I do because I'm so like just the energy that I take from it... uh it lights me up i'm i'm the opposite of everybody else now is that my ADHD? Sure whatever it is it's it takes me a long time to to calm down so probably you know it's i think it's a good idea to to be able to have a plan together to kind of you know be able to start the the the recovery your recovery mode in order to better function.
Start all over again.
Yeah, yeah!
For the next weekend.
Exactly. Yeah. Or the next day. You never know. I mean, if it's a Friday.
Of course. Well, thank you for that conversation. And we know we're going to see each other very soon.
Yes.
And like I said, always a great pleasure to be in your presence.
Ditto, my friends. Ditto. I love being around you. You're a force as well. Yeah. I really do love you.
In the prior episode, Ben got us to reflect upon our sleep cycle, the importance of that pillar of our global health to maintain our well-being's balance. This time around with Aliki,w e dive into how we prepare prior to a dance event and how we recuperate post-dance event. She mentions the excitement of attending an EDM gathering, always looking at her calendar, thereby generating that build-up, choosing her outfit early the day of, and often changing her mind about that carefully chosen outfit closer to the actual start time, being so febrile that she forgets to eat the food that she had packed with the intention of replenishing and fueling up before that event. She says, I feel so excited, it's almost like a high, it's so strong. To which I respond, Well, it is a high, an hormonal high. When I tap the words pleasure hormones in the Google search bar, here are some of the key points it serves back. There are four key feel-good natural chemicals. Dopamine, the reward and motivation hormone, drives your brain's reward system. Released during pleasurable acts, goal-setting and achieving tasks. Serotonin, the mood stabilization hormone supports well-being and helps regulate sleep and appetite. Oxytocin, the social bonding hormone promotes trust, empathy, and intimacy, and spikes during hugging and physical touch. Endorphins, the pain relief and euphoria hormones, reduce discomfort and create mild ecstasy during physical activity or laughter. Other key points suggested by this Google ask are these natural ways of producing these 4 feel-good hormones. Exercise. Cardiovascular workouts and strength training trigger endorphins and dopamine. Sunlight. Morning or outdoor light exposure stimulates healthy serotonin levels. Connection. Physical touch, talking with loved ones, and spending time with pets elevate oxytocin. Rest. Quality sleep keeps both dopamine and serotonin receptors balanced. Going to an EDM event triggers these hormones. That excitement Aliki feels just by looking at an upcoming event in her calendar is created by dopamine. From seeing her on a floor, I know she gets her dose of oxytocin by hugging many people of this Montreal EDM dancers community. Probably you, definitely me, every time. And Aliki and others also give me love. Nice words, telling me how they're so happy to cross paths with me again. And I gift them with words too, words from the heart and soul, because seeing them fills me up with joy. Being a single mom, having to work and spin many plates at the same time, serotonin production is essential to regulate my mood. A proper sleep routine and long walks close to nature in whatever weather, are sure health allies. As for endorphin doses, dancing, moving for hours, diving into a fantastic voyage, knitted with tracks seamlessly connected to each other by a talented DJ, does it all for me. I used to jog. I used to do yoga. Now I solely dance and walk. But really the important thing is to keep on moving, as the song says. So you do you. Personally, generating those four key feel-good hormones by attending EDM gatherings suffice to keep me high on life. And dance contributes to maintain that well-being state on a daily basis. My commitment to this work during the week. dance during the weekend lifestyle has solidified throughout these past three years. Like others of this community, I found my balance to stimulate that incomparable hormonal cocktail. I have motivation to push through my weeks. I feel loved even if I'm intimacy partner-less for the time being. My mood is as stable as it can be, all things considered, and I'm blessed with the ability of riding the euphoria wave that swells up from my weekends on the floor for days on. In our world where medication and drug abuse is a crotch to so many, maybe finding what generates our four key feel-good hormones cocktail would be the secret for a harmonious existence. And even if I'm naive sometimes, not knowing about afters being mostly good excuses for people to keep partying, I do know that in the EDM community, drug usage is common. But honestly, I think drug usage is common throughout our society in many ways under different variations. Alcohol to decompress coming back from work, a spliff to alleviate anxiety, coffee to get the day going, a cigarette to kill time. Substances usage, illegal and or legal, to help us keep our shit together. Detoxicating ourselves of these band-aids solution would maybe actually help us more. Help us reconnect with our own capacity of generating pleasure. Generating pleasure from our own body's potential. Chaos and stillness work hand in hand, but harmony needs space to express itself and strive within that body of ours. Cleansing our usage habits might bring us back to a greater sense of self-connection, enhancing our awareness of our feel-good hormones production. One life to live, may it be healthy to dance forever and ever.
Description
Thanks to Aliki' enthusiasm, we explore some of the possible highs induced by an EDM event.
Remerciements à/many thanks to:
Karel Chladek pour cette breathtaking photography: @karelchladek
Deneb pour le musical theme: @deneb_music
Find me / trouvez-moi:
@danzpodcast
Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
Transcription
This is where, this is a new life, a new way, so...
From Montreal, de Montréal, introducing people, je vous présente des gens, met on a, rencontré sur un, dancefloor, pour parler de, to talk about, DANZ. So, we're at episode 15, and today I'm going to talk with someone who is very true to herself. And that, for me, is very precious. Every time that we communicate, in person, on the phone, texting, you're always very straightforward with a lot of Love. You're always very pure. And so we're talking with, a lot of people know her as Alison, and I'm going to address her as Aliki. That's her real name. And so Alison, Aliki, Aliki is on the line with us. How are you?
I'm doing good. I'm doing good. Thanks. How are you?
I'm okay. Cause I'm having this conversation with you.
Ah!...
No, but seriously, like I said, every time we talk, you and I, you're always very present. And you always lock in, as my teenagers would say. You're there. You're 100% there. And that's what I always appreciated of you in any context. If we meet on a dancefloor or if we meet... outside when you're having, I don't know, a chat with people outside an event and we bump into each other, you're always very present in the moment where we have a communication, you and I. And that's not something that everyone has. It's a very powerful presence that you have. So thank you for that.
Thank you. Thanks for the words.
So I think you know the concept. I'm just going to remind the listeners what the concept is. I picked a question out of a hat and I don't know the question and you don't know the question. It's a question that is related to dance on EDM. So electronic dance music. It's the whole purpose of this podcast project. We have conversations about one of our passions, which is dancing.
Yeah!
And that's how we met, you and I.
We sure did.
So are we ready for the question?
We are.
All right, perfect. Let's do it. So when you know a dance event is approaching, do you undertake any special physical preparation? And after the event, do you follow a specific physical recovery program? Hmm. That's interesting. We've never talked about that, you and I.
Nope. I love the question!
Yeah? Well, go!
I love it!
Go!
Well, I mean, in terms of, I think I mentally prepare. I think it's, but it's not like a conscious thing, you know, like I, I get excited. I get excited about almost all events to the point where I actually had to be like, okay, we're going to have to pick some and not all. Because we can't go to all.
Oh yeah, that's one of our problems here in Montreal.
Yeah.
Like we have so many options.
Yes. So in terms of like preparation, I would say definitely, well, the excitement. So it's the buildup, you know, so I'm always looking. I go back to my calendar. And I'm like...
Love it, love it!
I'm so forgetful. I'm forgetful. But I remember that it's coming up, right? So I'm like, okay, when is it? When is it? When is it? And so, and my whole challenge is being on time. So, and most people who know me will know this, you know, I try very, very hard to get there on time, but it often has to do with, I need to go with how I'm feeling for the picking the clothes, you know. So the clothes is... represents...
And you're always so beautiful and sexy on the dancefloor. Oh my God. Wow. Yeah.
It's my creative, it's my creative side. So my creative side is through my fashion.
Yeah. And it shows. It shows. Definitely.
Thanks. So, so yeah., so then, so the day of, you know, I always, I always end up picking an outfit.
So you do it the day of based on how you're feeling?
Yes, but early, you know, so like if the event is at 1, I'll be like picking out my outfit at like maybe 9am. Okay.
Love it!
Here's the thing. So somehow my day, you know, happens and I like to relax on the weekend. So I try like most of the time the events that I go to are either like on the weekend, not to say that I don't go during the week, but the ones that I generally look forward to are... on the weekends.
On the weekends. Yeah. And most of us, I think it's that rhythm that we follow, right? On weekdays and nights, there are events, as you just said, but it's mostly in venues where it's 10 to 3 a.m. And we work the next day. Like most of us, we work from Monday to Friday. And so it's hard, right, to follow that rhythm.
For sure.
Most times the biggest events with the... the strongest lineups of DJs are on the weekends.
Yeah, there's that. And there's also, it's a different vibe on the weekend. You know, people are, I think people are less stressed. You have a lot more people present, you know, because a lot of people have their own schedules and, you know, where they really like to stick to their routine with the kids and, you know, like, I mean, life, life happens.
Of course, of course, you're right.
So, I mean, at the moment I'm not working, but when I am working, I would even use like, sometimes two, three days before I'll use lunch hours to kind of like try on different things.
Oh my God, you're so cute.
So I'll narrow it down.
You're like a teenager going on a date. That's so fun.
Totally.
And that's so you. Like, honestly, you're so pure that way. You're so playful that way.
Oh, but it's always a disaster. So every time it comes, like, I set an alarm two hours before I have to leave. Because that's when I should get ready. But actually getting ready, it takes me 25 minutes. Like I actually don't take that much time to get ready. My problem is that then I put on whatever I decided I was going to wear and it no longer suits me.
Exactly. It's not the right fit. It's not the right outfit anymore.
No, it's not. This morning was one thing. Right now is a different.
Oh, my God. Love it.
So, yeah. So, so then I'm like, and I'm looking at the clock and I'm going, oh, my God, Alison hurry up! So, yeah. So. That's like, I would say like before and also eat. So I'm like, okay, Alison, because I get so excited. It's almost like a high, you know?
It is a high. It's an hormonal high, right?
Yeah. And I feel it. It's strong, you know? So I'm like, oh, Alison, like, Aliki, you got to eat, so most of the time I don't end up having time, so I have protein shakes for that. So I'll grab a protein shake and an apple because I have a long drive. I'm in the suburbs.
Yeah.
So, and I'll have it in the car.
Okay.
But yeah.
So you're ready to like keep dancing for hours and not have to eat, right?
100%, yeah. Yeah. And I mean, I'm celiac and have a couple of digestion issues. So it's tough. Like I can't even in a depanneur find something that I can eat, you know?
An alternative for you.
Yeah, exactly.
That is healthy and that won't...
Yeah, that won't give me a belly ache.
Exactly. Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah. So, I mean, and then, and then I just psyched myself out. So I'm like, okay, who are we going to see today? That's who I'm putting on my, on my music. Cause I generally, there's always traffic when there's an event, I don't know. So, you know, it gives me at least 45 minutes to an hour. So, you know.
To listen to the music of who you're going to listen to live, you know?
Yes. With the best intentions of having my protein shake and whatever fruit or nuts I brought. And let me tell you, generally speaking, whatever fruit I brought did not get eaten. Because I'm dancing in my car. I don't have time for this.
Priorities, priorities.
Yes.
Oh my God, you're so funny.
So yeah, so I would say like that pretty much encompasses like getting ready. And then afterwards, I mean, I'm usually so pumped from wherever I've been, that I, you know, everybody at some point has like their, their, okay, I'm tired. I'm going to sleep. I get home and I'm like...
You're high.
I could run. Yeah!
Yeah, you're wired, right?
Yeah. Yeah. So I'm like, I could run. Okay. I'm going to take the dog for a walk. I'm going to, I don't know what I'm going to do. Sometimes I even end up close to home and then I'm like, you know what? I'm not done going out. I'm going to turn around and then text a couple of people. What do you guys have to do?
Oh yeah. You've told me this. You go to afters, you know, like on a regular basis. So, afters, do you want to just explain what an after is to people that are listening? If ever someone doesn't know about the whole rhythm of an EDM event.
Yeah, so I mean, generally speaking, you'll have different groups. Like I would say there's quite a few afters, you know, where, you know, there's always a DJ or somebody who wants to be a DJ and welcome to them. Who's going to be playing music at their place and who invites, you know, the people, you know, that are in part of their group or associated or somebody that they just really enjoye that person's vibe. And so...
During an event, right? Let's say that there was an event at one of the venues, main menus, so NWHR, Stereo, whatever other event, Piknic, and then afterwards, so that's why we call it after the party is going to move elsewhere. Right?
Correct.
And that's where someone is going to DJ, you know, like someone who has experience or less experience, but will continue on with the music and just the chilling
Yes.
And having that whole let's socialize vibe
Exactly, and i mean oftentimes at these afters you have the option of just you know chilling on the couch or being up and being part of a you know a bigger group of a you know of a conversation or uh dancing and being in your own bubble so it kind of allows you to continue exactly how you were because it's pretty much like that at the event as well you know you can you can chat at the bar or on the couch or you can be dancing in your own bubble.
But wouldn't you say that the afters are more intimate like they're more private and you have like more opportunities to get to know people because i've been saying this on a lot of prior episodes but in the main events usually you don't really get to talk and... unless you go and have like a smoke outside, but on the floor, like that's not where you're going to have the longest conversation because of the music and also because of the whole event ethic, right? Like you don't have long conversations.
No. Definitely.
But the afters, I think, are a good way of connecting with people like on a other level.
A hundred percent. There are afters that are dedicated for conversation, there are afters that are dedicated for more music but I mean generally speaking you can kind of choose your own vibe and choose your own group you know
Yeah. And you know what is that coming back to the second part of the question that was pulled out of the hat that that might also be a way of recovery, right? Like after having gone to the event when you go to an after it gives you that kind of uh buffer you know like in between moment where you left that main event and you were on that high as you said you're driving home for example and you're like riding that wave of energy and then oh wow i have an opportunity of going to an after so it it gets you like it it helps you come back on planet Earth with like a softer curve kind of thing you know.
It really depends on the after. Some afters are more hardcore.
Oh, yeah? I never go. Honestly, I never go to afters because of my rhythm. So, yeah.
Yeah. So, I would say lately, I've been taking it a lot more easy. So, I haven't really been going to afters. And there's, you know, generally, there's alcohol, there's all kinds of things there, so... you're not you're not really recovering. No!
Recovering. You're just... Okay, you're just going on with the partying. Yes, right. Obviously, very logical. So this is just proof of me not going to afters. The old person saying, oh, you go to afters to just, you know, recover, you know, like, oh my God, that's so funny.
You're not old. It's just, you know, your pace is different. And that's it.
Yeah, my pace is different.
You know, like, I'm at a different pace right now, too, in terms of like, six months ago versus today. So, you know, it's about pace. And it's about where you're at, you know?
Yes. Thank you. Thank you for, you know.
It's not age. It's not age.
Reminding me that it's not age.
I'm older than you. I'm older than you.
No, actually.
Yes!
Anyways, we're not gonna have this conversation. We're like a month apart, you and I. We're born the same year.
Oh yeah, that's true. I forgot.
Let's not fight about this.
Love it.
But you're definitely younger than me.
No!
Sexier.
Well, look who's talking. Look who's talking.
Okay. Okay. We're not going to have that conversation either. Anyways, we're at the end of our conversation. So do you want to add anything at that point like pertaining to the question itself do you want to come back to the question or just add a little something before we say goodbye?
I think I think it's important I think recovery is important and I think like I probably should work a little harder on having a recovery plan just so that i'm not so drained afterwards, so...
You are drained? Like you feel drained?
I do because I'm so like just the energy that I take from it... uh it lights me up i'm i'm the opposite of everybody else now is that my ADHD? Sure whatever it is it's it takes me a long time to to calm down so probably you know it's i think it's a good idea to to be able to have a plan together to kind of you know be able to start the the the recovery your recovery mode in order to better function.
Start all over again.
Yeah, yeah!
For the next weekend.
Exactly. Yeah. Or the next day. You never know. I mean, if it's a Friday.
Of course. Well, thank you for that conversation. And we know we're going to see each other very soon.
Yes.
And like I said, always a great pleasure to be in your presence.
Ditto, my friends. Ditto. I love being around you. You're a force as well. Yeah. I really do love you.
In the prior episode, Ben got us to reflect upon our sleep cycle, the importance of that pillar of our global health to maintain our well-being's balance. This time around with Aliki,w e dive into how we prepare prior to a dance event and how we recuperate post-dance event. She mentions the excitement of attending an EDM gathering, always looking at her calendar, thereby generating that build-up, choosing her outfit early the day of, and often changing her mind about that carefully chosen outfit closer to the actual start time, being so febrile that she forgets to eat the food that she had packed with the intention of replenishing and fueling up before that event. She says, I feel so excited, it's almost like a high, it's so strong. To which I respond, Well, it is a high, an hormonal high. When I tap the words pleasure hormones in the Google search bar, here are some of the key points it serves back. There are four key feel-good natural chemicals. Dopamine, the reward and motivation hormone, drives your brain's reward system. Released during pleasurable acts, goal-setting and achieving tasks. Serotonin, the mood stabilization hormone supports well-being and helps regulate sleep and appetite. Oxytocin, the social bonding hormone promotes trust, empathy, and intimacy, and spikes during hugging and physical touch. Endorphins, the pain relief and euphoria hormones, reduce discomfort and create mild ecstasy during physical activity or laughter. Other key points suggested by this Google ask are these natural ways of producing these 4 feel-good hormones. Exercise. Cardiovascular workouts and strength training trigger endorphins and dopamine. Sunlight. Morning or outdoor light exposure stimulates healthy serotonin levels. Connection. Physical touch, talking with loved ones, and spending time with pets elevate oxytocin. Rest. Quality sleep keeps both dopamine and serotonin receptors balanced. Going to an EDM event triggers these hormones. That excitement Aliki feels just by looking at an upcoming event in her calendar is created by dopamine. From seeing her on a floor, I know she gets her dose of oxytocin by hugging many people of this Montreal EDM dancers community. Probably you, definitely me, every time. And Aliki and others also give me love. Nice words, telling me how they're so happy to cross paths with me again. And I gift them with words too, words from the heart and soul, because seeing them fills me up with joy. Being a single mom, having to work and spin many plates at the same time, serotonin production is essential to regulate my mood. A proper sleep routine and long walks close to nature in whatever weather, are sure health allies. As for endorphin doses, dancing, moving for hours, diving into a fantastic voyage, knitted with tracks seamlessly connected to each other by a talented DJ, does it all for me. I used to jog. I used to do yoga. Now I solely dance and walk. But really the important thing is to keep on moving, as the song says. So you do you. Personally, generating those four key feel-good hormones by attending EDM gatherings suffice to keep me high on life. And dance contributes to maintain that well-being state on a daily basis. My commitment to this work during the week. dance during the weekend lifestyle has solidified throughout these past three years. Like others of this community, I found my balance to stimulate that incomparable hormonal cocktail. I have motivation to push through my weeks. I feel loved even if I'm intimacy partner-less for the time being. My mood is as stable as it can be, all things considered, and I'm blessed with the ability of riding the euphoria wave that swells up from my weekends on the floor for days on. In our world where medication and drug abuse is a crotch to so many, maybe finding what generates our four key feel-good hormones cocktail would be the secret for a harmonious existence. And even if I'm naive sometimes, not knowing about afters being mostly good excuses for people to keep partying, I do know that in the EDM community, drug usage is common. But honestly, I think drug usage is common throughout our society in many ways under different variations. Alcohol to decompress coming back from work, a spliff to alleviate anxiety, coffee to get the day going, a cigarette to kill time. Substances usage, illegal and or legal, to help us keep our shit together. Detoxicating ourselves of these band-aids solution would maybe actually help us more. Help us reconnect with our own capacity of generating pleasure. Generating pleasure from our own body's potential. Chaos and stillness work hand in hand, but harmony needs space to express itself and strive within that body of ours. Cleansing our usage habits might bring us back to a greater sense of self-connection, enhancing our awareness of our feel-good hormones production. One life to live, may it be healthy to dance forever and ever.
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Description
Thanks to Aliki' enthusiasm, we explore some of the possible highs induced by an EDM event.
Remerciements à/many thanks to:
Karel Chladek pour cette breathtaking photography: @karelchladek
Deneb pour le musical theme: @deneb_music
Find me / trouvez-moi:
@danzpodcast
Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
Transcription
This is where, this is a new life, a new way, so...
From Montreal, de Montréal, introducing people, je vous présente des gens, met on a, rencontré sur un, dancefloor, pour parler de, to talk about, DANZ. So, we're at episode 15, and today I'm going to talk with someone who is very true to herself. And that, for me, is very precious. Every time that we communicate, in person, on the phone, texting, you're always very straightforward with a lot of Love. You're always very pure. And so we're talking with, a lot of people know her as Alison, and I'm going to address her as Aliki. That's her real name. And so Alison, Aliki, Aliki is on the line with us. How are you?
I'm doing good. I'm doing good. Thanks. How are you?
I'm okay. Cause I'm having this conversation with you.
Ah!...
No, but seriously, like I said, every time we talk, you and I, you're always very present. And you always lock in, as my teenagers would say. You're there. You're 100% there. And that's what I always appreciated of you in any context. If we meet on a dancefloor or if we meet... outside when you're having, I don't know, a chat with people outside an event and we bump into each other, you're always very present in the moment where we have a communication, you and I. And that's not something that everyone has. It's a very powerful presence that you have. So thank you for that.
Thank you. Thanks for the words.
So I think you know the concept. I'm just going to remind the listeners what the concept is. I picked a question out of a hat and I don't know the question and you don't know the question. It's a question that is related to dance on EDM. So electronic dance music. It's the whole purpose of this podcast project. We have conversations about one of our passions, which is dancing.
Yeah!
And that's how we met, you and I.
We sure did.
So are we ready for the question?
We are.
All right, perfect. Let's do it. So when you know a dance event is approaching, do you undertake any special physical preparation? And after the event, do you follow a specific physical recovery program? Hmm. That's interesting. We've never talked about that, you and I.
Nope. I love the question!
Yeah? Well, go!
I love it!
Go!
Well, I mean, in terms of, I think I mentally prepare. I think it's, but it's not like a conscious thing, you know, like I, I get excited. I get excited about almost all events to the point where I actually had to be like, okay, we're going to have to pick some and not all. Because we can't go to all.
Oh yeah, that's one of our problems here in Montreal.
Yeah.
Like we have so many options.
Yes. So in terms of like preparation, I would say definitely, well, the excitement. So it's the buildup, you know, so I'm always looking. I go back to my calendar. And I'm like...
Love it, love it!
I'm so forgetful. I'm forgetful. But I remember that it's coming up, right? So I'm like, okay, when is it? When is it? When is it? And so, and my whole challenge is being on time. So, and most people who know me will know this, you know, I try very, very hard to get there on time, but it often has to do with, I need to go with how I'm feeling for the picking the clothes, you know. So the clothes is... represents...
And you're always so beautiful and sexy on the dancefloor. Oh my God. Wow. Yeah.
It's my creative, it's my creative side. So my creative side is through my fashion.
Yeah. And it shows. It shows. Definitely.
Thanks. So, so yeah., so then, so the day of, you know, I always, I always end up picking an outfit.
So you do it the day of based on how you're feeling?
Yes, but early, you know, so like if the event is at 1, I'll be like picking out my outfit at like maybe 9am. Okay.
Love it!
Here's the thing. So somehow my day, you know, happens and I like to relax on the weekend. So I try like most of the time the events that I go to are either like on the weekend, not to say that I don't go during the week, but the ones that I generally look forward to are... on the weekends.
On the weekends. Yeah. And most of us, I think it's that rhythm that we follow, right? On weekdays and nights, there are events, as you just said, but it's mostly in venues where it's 10 to 3 a.m. And we work the next day. Like most of us, we work from Monday to Friday. And so it's hard, right, to follow that rhythm.
For sure.
Most times the biggest events with the... the strongest lineups of DJs are on the weekends.
Yeah, there's that. And there's also, it's a different vibe on the weekend. You know, people are, I think people are less stressed. You have a lot more people present, you know, because a lot of people have their own schedules and, you know, where they really like to stick to their routine with the kids and, you know, like, I mean, life, life happens.
Of course, of course, you're right.
So, I mean, at the moment I'm not working, but when I am working, I would even use like, sometimes two, three days before I'll use lunch hours to kind of like try on different things.
Oh my God, you're so cute.
So I'll narrow it down.
You're like a teenager going on a date. That's so fun.
Totally.
And that's so you. Like, honestly, you're so pure that way. You're so playful that way.
Oh, but it's always a disaster. So every time it comes, like, I set an alarm two hours before I have to leave. Because that's when I should get ready. But actually getting ready, it takes me 25 minutes. Like I actually don't take that much time to get ready. My problem is that then I put on whatever I decided I was going to wear and it no longer suits me.
Exactly. It's not the right fit. It's not the right outfit anymore.
No, it's not. This morning was one thing. Right now is a different.
Oh, my God. Love it.
So, yeah. So, so then I'm like, and I'm looking at the clock and I'm going, oh, my God, Alison hurry up! So, yeah. So. That's like, I would say like before and also eat. So I'm like, okay, Alison, because I get so excited. It's almost like a high, you know?
It is a high. It's an hormonal high, right?
Yeah. And I feel it. It's strong, you know? So I'm like, oh, Alison, like, Aliki, you got to eat, so most of the time I don't end up having time, so I have protein shakes for that. So I'll grab a protein shake and an apple because I have a long drive. I'm in the suburbs.
Yeah.
So, and I'll have it in the car.
Okay.
But yeah.
So you're ready to like keep dancing for hours and not have to eat, right?
100%, yeah. Yeah. And I mean, I'm celiac and have a couple of digestion issues. So it's tough. Like I can't even in a depanneur find something that I can eat, you know?
An alternative for you.
Yeah, exactly.
That is healthy and that won't...
Yeah, that won't give me a belly ache.
Exactly. Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah. So, I mean, and then, and then I just psyched myself out. So I'm like, okay, who are we going to see today? That's who I'm putting on my, on my music. Cause I generally, there's always traffic when there's an event, I don't know. So, you know, it gives me at least 45 minutes to an hour. So, you know.
To listen to the music of who you're going to listen to live, you know?
Yes. With the best intentions of having my protein shake and whatever fruit or nuts I brought. And let me tell you, generally speaking, whatever fruit I brought did not get eaten. Because I'm dancing in my car. I don't have time for this.
Priorities, priorities.
Yes.
Oh my God, you're so funny.
So yeah, so I would say like that pretty much encompasses like getting ready. And then afterwards, I mean, I'm usually so pumped from wherever I've been, that I, you know, everybody at some point has like their, their, okay, I'm tired. I'm going to sleep. I get home and I'm like...
You're high.
I could run. Yeah!
Yeah, you're wired, right?
Yeah. Yeah. So I'm like, I could run. Okay. I'm going to take the dog for a walk. I'm going to, I don't know what I'm going to do. Sometimes I even end up close to home and then I'm like, you know what? I'm not done going out. I'm going to turn around and then text a couple of people. What do you guys have to do?
Oh yeah. You've told me this. You go to afters, you know, like on a regular basis. So, afters, do you want to just explain what an after is to people that are listening? If ever someone doesn't know about the whole rhythm of an EDM event.
Yeah, so I mean, generally speaking, you'll have different groups. Like I would say there's quite a few afters, you know, where, you know, there's always a DJ or somebody who wants to be a DJ and welcome to them. Who's going to be playing music at their place and who invites, you know, the people, you know, that are in part of their group or associated or somebody that they just really enjoye that person's vibe. And so...
During an event, right? Let's say that there was an event at one of the venues, main menus, so NWHR, Stereo, whatever other event, Piknic, and then afterwards, so that's why we call it after the party is going to move elsewhere. Right?
Correct.
And that's where someone is going to DJ, you know, like someone who has experience or less experience, but will continue on with the music and just the chilling
Yes.
And having that whole let's socialize vibe
Exactly, and i mean oftentimes at these afters you have the option of just you know chilling on the couch or being up and being part of a you know a bigger group of a you know of a conversation or uh dancing and being in your own bubble so it kind of allows you to continue exactly how you were because it's pretty much like that at the event as well you know you can you can chat at the bar or on the couch or you can be dancing in your own bubble.
But wouldn't you say that the afters are more intimate like they're more private and you have like more opportunities to get to know people because i've been saying this on a lot of prior episodes but in the main events usually you don't really get to talk and... unless you go and have like a smoke outside, but on the floor, like that's not where you're going to have the longest conversation because of the music and also because of the whole event ethic, right? Like you don't have long conversations.
No. Definitely.
But the afters, I think, are a good way of connecting with people like on a other level.
A hundred percent. There are afters that are dedicated for conversation, there are afters that are dedicated for more music but I mean generally speaking you can kind of choose your own vibe and choose your own group you know
Yeah. And you know what is that coming back to the second part of the question that was pulled out of the hat that that might also be a way of recovery, right? Like after having gone to the event when you go to an after it gives you that kind of uh buffer you know like in between moment where you left that main event and you were on that high as you said you're driving home for example and you're like riding that wave of energy and then oh wow i have an opportunity of going to an after so it it gets you like it it helps you come back on planet Earth with like a softer curve kind of thing you know.
It really depends on the after. Some afters are more hardcore.
Oh, yeah? I never go. Honestly, I never go to afters because of my rhythm. So, yeah.
Yeah. So, I would say lately, I've been taking it a lot more easy. So, I haven't really been going to afters. And there's, you know, generally, there's alcohol, there's all kinds of things there, so... you're not you're not really recovering. No!
Recovering. You're just... Okay, you're just going on with the partying. Yes, right. Obviously, very logical. So this is just proof of me not going to afters. The old person saying, oh, you go to afters to just, you know, recover, you know, like, oh my God, that's so funny.
You're not old. It's just, you know, your pace is different. And that's it.
Yeah, my pace is different.
You know, like, I'm at a different pace right now, too, in terms of like, six months ago versus today. So, you know, it's about pace. And it's about where you're at, you know?
Yes. Thank you. Thank you for, you know.
It's not age. It's not age.
Reminding me that it's not age.
I'm older than you. I'm older than you.
No, actually.
Yes!
Anyways, we're not gonna have this conversation. We're like a month apart, you and I. We're born the same year.
Oh yeah, that's true. I forgot.
Let's not fight about this.
Love it.
But you're definitely younger than me.
No!
Sexier.
Well, look who's talking. Look who's talking.
Okay. Okay. We're not going to have that conversation either. Anyways, we're at the end of our conversation. So do you want to add anything at that point like pertaining to the question itself do you want to come back to the question or just add a little something before we say goodbye?
I think I think it's important I think recovery is important and I think like I probably should work a little harder on having a recovery plan just so that i'm not so drained afterwards, so...
You are drained? Like you feel drained?
I do because I'm so like just the energy that I take from it... uh it lights me up i'm i'm the opposite of everybody else now is that my ADHD? Sure whatever it is it's it takes me a long time to to calm down so probably you know it's i think it's a good idea to to be able to have a plan together to kind of you know be able to start the the the recovery your recovery mode in order to better function.
Start all over again.
Yeah, yeah!
For the next weekend.
Exactly. Yeah. Or the next day. You never know. I mean, if it's a Friday.
Of course. Well, thank you for that conversation. And we know we're going to see each other very soon.
Yes.
And like I said, always a great pleasure to be in your presence.
Ditto, my friends. Ditto. I love being around you. You're a force as well. Yeah. I really do love you.
In the prior episode, Ben got us to reflect upon our sleep cycle, the importance of that pillar of our global health to maintain our well-being's balance. This time around with Aliki,w e dive into how we prepare prior to a dance event and how we recuperate post-dance event. She mentions the excitement of attending an EDM gathering, always looking at her calendar, thereby generating that build-up, choosing her outfit early the day of, and often changing her mind about that carefully chosen outfit closer to the actual start time, being so febrile that she forgets to eat the food that she had packed with the intention of replenishing and fueling up before that event. She says, I feel so excited, it's almost like a high, it's so strong. To which I respond, Well, it is a high, an hormonal high. When I tap the words pleasure hormones in the Google search bar, here are some of the key points it serves back. There are four key feel-good natural chemicals. Dopamine, the reward and motivation hormone, drives your brain's reward system. Released during pleasurable acts, goal-setting and achieving tasks. Serotonin, the mood stabilization hormone supports well-being and helps regulate sleep and appetite. Oxytocin, the social bonding hormone promotes trust, empathy, and intimacy, and spikes during hugging and physical touch. Endorphins, the pain relief and euphoria hormones, reduce discomfort and create mild ecstasy during physical activity or laughter. Other key points suggested by this Google ask are these natural ways of producing these 4 feel-good hormones. Exercise. Cardiovascular workouts and strength training trigger endorphins and dopamine. Sunlight. Morning or outdoor light exposure stimulates healthy serotonin levels. Connection. Physical touch, talking with loved ones, and spending time with pets elevate oxytocin. Rest. Quality sleep keeps both dopamine and serotonin receptors balanced. Going to an EDM event triggers these hormones. That excitement Aliki feels just by looking at an upcoming event in her calendar is created by dopamine. From seeing her on a floor, I know she gets her dose of oxytocin by hugging many people of this Montreal EDM dancers community. Probably you, definitely me, every time. And Aliki and others also give me love. Nice words, telling me how they're so happy to cross paths with me again. And I gift them with words too, words from the heart and soul, because seeing them fills me up with joy. Being a single mom, having to work and spin many plates at the same time, serotonin production is essential to regulate my mood. A proper sleep routine and long walks close to nature in whatever weather, are sure health allies. As for endorphin doses, dancing, moving for hours, diving into a fantastic voyage, knitted with tracks seamlessly connected to each other by a talented DJ, does it all for me. I used to jog. I used to do yoga. Now I solely dance and walk. But really the important thing is to keep on moving, as the song says. So you do you. Personally, generating those four key feel-good hormones by attending EDM gatherings suffice to keep me high on life. And dance contributes to maintain that well-being state on a daily basis. My commitment to this work during the week. dance during the weekend lifestyle has solidified throughout these past three years. Like others of this community, I found my balance to stimulate that incomparable hormonal cocktail. I have motivation to push through my weeks. I feel loved even if I'm intimacy partner-less for the time being. My mood is as stable as it can be, all things considered, and I'm blessed with the ability of riding the euphoria wave that swells up from my weekends on the floor for days on. In our world where medication and drug abuse is a crotch to so many, maybe finding what generates our four key feel-good hormones cocktail would be the secret for a harmonious existence. And even if I'm naive sometimes, not knowing about afters being mostly good excuses for people to keep partying, I do know that in the EDM community, drug usage is common. But honestly, I think drug usage is common throughout our society in many ways under different variations. Alcohol to decompress coming back from work, a spliff to alleviate anxiety, coffee to get the day going, a cigarette to kill time. Substances usage, illegal and or legal, to help us keep our shit together. Detoxicating ourselves of these band-aids solution would maybe actually help us more. Help us reconnect with our own capacity of generating pleasure. Generating pleasure from our own body's potential. Chaos and stillness work hand in hand, but harmony needs space to express itself and strive within that body of ours. Cleansing our usage habits might bring us back to a greater sense of self-connection, enhancing our awareness of our feel-good hormones production. One life to live, may it be healthy to dance forever and ever.
Description
Thanks to Aliki' enthusiasm, we explore some of the possible highs induced by an EDM event.
Remerciements à/many thanks to:
Karel Chladek pour cette breathtaking photography: @karelchladek
Deneb pour le musical theme: @deneb_music
Find me / trouvez-moi:
@danzpodcast
Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
Transcription
This is where, this is a new life, a new way, so...
From Montreal, de Montréal, introducing people, je vous présente des gens, met on a, rencontré sur un, dancefloor, pour parler de, to talk about, DANZ. So, we're at episode 15, and today I'm going to talk with someone who is very true to herself. And that, for me, is very precious. Every time that we communicate, in person, on the phone, texting, you're always very straightforward with a lot of Love. You're always very pure. And so we're talking with, a lot of people know her as Alison, and I'm going to address her as Aliki. That's her real name. And so Alison, Aliki, Aliki is on the line with us. How are you?
I'm doing good. I'm doing good. Thanks. How are you?
I'm okay. Cause I'm having this conversation with you.
Ah!...
No, but seriously, like I said, every time we talk, you and I, you're always very present. And you always lock in, as my teenagers would say. You're there. You're 100% there. And that's what I always appreciated of you in any context. If we meet on a dancefloor or if we meet... outside when you're having, I don't know, a chat with people outside an event and we bump into each other, you're always very present in the moment where we have a communication, you and I. And that's not something that everyone has. It's a very powerful presence that you have. So thank you for that.
Thank you. Thanks for the words.
So I think you know the concept. I'm just going to remind the listeners what the concept is. I picked a question out of a hat and I don't know the question and you don't know the question. It's a question that is related to dance on EDM. So electronic dance music. It's the whole purpose of this podcast project. We have conversations about one of our passions, which is dancing.
Yeah!
And that's how we met, you and I.
We sure did.
So are we ready for the question?
We are.
All right, perfect. Let's do it. So when you know a dance event is approaching, do you undertake any special physical preparation? And after the event, do you follow a specific physical recovery program? Hmm. That's interesting. We've never talked about that, you and I.
Nope. I love the question!
Yeah? Well, go!
I love it!
Go!
Well, I mean, in terms of, I think I mentally prepare. I think it's, but it's not like a conscious thing, you know, like I, I get excited. I get excited about almost all events to the point where I actually had to be like, okay, we're going to have to pick some and not all. Because we can't go to all.
Oh yeah, that's one of our problems here in Montreal.
Yeah.
Like we have so many options.
Yes. So in terms of like preparation, I would say definitely, well, the excitement. So it's the buildup, you know, so I'm always looking. I go back to my calendar. And I'm like...
Love it, love it!
I'm so forgetful. I'm forgetful. But I remember that it's coming up, right? So I'm like, okay, when is it? When is it? When is it? And so, and my whole challenge is being on time. So, and most people who know me will know this, you know, I try very, very hard to get there on time, but it often has to do with, I need to go with how I'm feeling for the picking the clothes, you know. So the clothes is... represents...
And you're always so beautiful and sexy on the dancefloor. Oh my God. Wow. Yeah.
It's my creative, it's my creative side. So my creative side is through my fashion.
Yeah. And it shows. It shows. Definitely.
Thanks. So, so yeah., so then, so the day of, you know, I always, I always end up picking an outfit.
So you do it the day of based on how you're feeling?
Yes, but early, you know, so like if the event is at 1, I'll be like picking out my outfit at like maybe 9am. Okay.
Love it!
Here's the thing. So somehow my day, you know, happens and I like to relax on the weekend. So I try like most of the time the events that I go to are either like on the weekend, not to say that I don't go during the week, but the ones that I generally look forward to are... on the weekends.
On the weekends. Yeah. And most of us, I think it's that rhythm that we follow, right? On weekdays and nights, there are events, as you just said, but it's mostly in venues where it's 10 to 3 a.m. And we work the next day. Like most of us, we work from Monday to Friday. And so it's hard, right, to follow that rhythm.
For sure.
Most times the biggest events with the... the strongest lineups of DJs are on the weekends.
Yeah, there's that. And there's also, it's a different vibe on the weekend. You know, people are, I think people are less stressed. You have a lot more people present, you know, because a lot of people have their own schedules and, you know, where they really like to stick to their routine with the kids and, you know, like, I mean, life, life happens.
Of course, of course, you're right.
So, I mean, at the moment I'm not working, but when I am working, I would even use like, sometimes two, three days before I'll use lunch hours to kind of like try on different things.
Oh my God, you're so cute.
So I'll narrow it down.
You're like a teenager going on a date. That's so fun.
Totally.
And that's so you. Like, honestly, you're so pure that way. You're so playful that way.
Oh, but it's always a disaster. So every time it comes, like, I set an alarm two hours before I have to leave. Because that's when I should get ready. But actually getting ready, it takes me 25 minutes. Like I actually don't take that much time to get ready. My problem is that then I put on whatever I decided I was going to wear and it no longer suits me.
Exactly. It's not the right fit. It's not the right outfit anymore.
No, it's not. This morning was one thing. Right now is a different.
Oh, my God. Love it.
So, yeah. So, so then I'm like, and I'm looking at the clock and I'm going, oh, my God, Alison hurry up! So, yeah. So. That's like, I would say like before and also eat. So I'm like, okay, Alison, because I get so excited. It's almost like a high, you know?
It is a high. It's an hormonal high, right?
Yeah. And I feel it. It's strong, you know? So I'm like, oh, Alison, like, Aliki, you got to eat, so most of the time I don't end up having time, so I have protein shakes for that. So I'll grab a protein shake and an apple because I have a long drive. I'm in the suburbs.
Yeah.
So, and I'll have it in the car.
Okay.
But yeah.
So you're ready to like keep dancing for hours and not have to eat, right?
100%, yeah. Yeah. And I mean, I'm celiac and have a couple of digestion issues. So it's tough. Like I can't even in a depanneur find something that I can eat, you know?
An alternative for you.
Yeah, exactly.
That is healthy and that won't...
Yeah, that won't give me a belly ache.
Exactly. Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah. So, I mean, and then, and then I just psyched myself out. So I'm like, okay, who are we going to see today? That's who I'm putting on my, on my music. Cause I generally, there's always traffic when there's an event, I don't know. So, you know, it gives me at least 45 minutes to an hour. So, you know.
To listen to the music of who you're going to listen to live, you know?
Yes. With the best intentions of having my protein shake and whatever fruit or nuts I brought. And let me tell you, generally speaking, whatever fruit I brought did not get eaten. Because I'm dancing in my car. I don't have time for this.
Priorities, priorities.
Yes.
Oh my God, you're so funny.
So yeah, so I would say like that pretty much encompasses like getting ready. And then afterwards, I mean, I'm usually so pumped from wherever I've been, that I, you know, everybody at some point has like their, their, okay, I'm tired. I'm going to sleep. I get home and I'm like...
You're high.
I could run. Yeah!
Yeah, you're wired, right?
Yeah. Yeah. So I'm like, I could run. Okay. I'm going to take the dog for a walk. I'm going to, I don't know what I'm going to do. Sometimes I even end up close to home and then I'm like, you know what? I'm not done going out. I'm going to turn around and then text a couple of people. What do you guys have to do?
Oh yeah. You've told me this. You go to afters, you know, like on a regular basis. So, afters, do you want to just explain what an after is to people that are listening? If ever someone doesn't know about the whole rhythm of an EDM event.
Yeah, so I mean, generally speaking, you'll have different groups. Like I would say there's quite a few afters, you know, where, you know, there's always a DJ or somebody who wants to be a DJ and welcome to them. Who's going to be playing music at their place and who invites, you know, the people, you know, that are in part of their group or associated or somebody that they just really enjoye that person's vibe. And so...
During an event, right? Let's say that there was an event at one of the venues, main menus, so NWHR, Stereo, whatever other event, Piknic, and then afterwards, so that's why we call it after the party is going to move elsewhere. Right?
Correct.
And that's where someone is going to DJ, you know, like someone who has experience or less experience, but will continue on with the music and just the chilling
Yes.
And having that whole let's socialize vibe
Exactly, and i mean oftentimes at these afters you have the option of just you know chilling on the couch or being up and being part of a you know a bigger group of a you know of a conversation or uh dancing and being in your own bubble so it kind of allows you to continue exactly how you were because it's pretty much like that at the event as well you know you can you can chat at the bar or on the couch or you can be dancing in your own bubble.
But wouldn't you say that the afters are more intimate like they're more private and you have like more opportunities to get to know people because i've been saying this on a lot of prior episodes but in the main events usually you don't really get to talk and... unless you go and have like a smoke outside, but on the floor, like that's not where you're going to have the longest conversation because of the music and also because of the whole event ethic, right? Like you don't have long conversations.
No. Definitely.
But the afters, I think, are a good way of connecting with people like on a other level.
A hundred percent. There are afters that are dedicated for conversation, there are afters that are dedicated for more music but I mean generally speaking you can kind of choose your own vibe and choose your own group you know
Yeah. And you know what is that coming back to the second part of the question that was pulled out of the hat that that might also be a way of recovery, right? Like after having gone to the event when you go to an after it gives you that kind of uh buffer you know like in between moment where you left that main event and you were on that high as you said you're driving home for example and you're like riding that wave of energy and then oh wow i have an opportunity of going to an after so it it gets you like it it helps you come back on planet Earth with like a softer curve kind of thing you know.
It really depends on the after. Some afters are more hardcore.
Oh, yeah? I never go. Honestly, I never go to afters because of my rhythm. So, yeah.
Yeah. So, I would say lately, I've been taking it a lot more easy. So, I haven't really been going to afters. And there's, you know, generally, there's alcohol, there's all kinds of things there, so... you're not you're not really recovering. No!
Recovering. You're just... Okay, you're just going on with the partying. Yes, right. Obviously, very logical. So this is just proof of me not going to afters. The old person saying, oh, you go to afters to just, you know, recover, you know, like, oh my God, that's so funny.
You're not old. It's just, you know, your pace is different. And that's it.
Yeah, my pace is different.
You know, like, I'm at a different pace right now, too, in terms of like, six months ago versus today. So, you know, it's about pace. And it's about where you're at, you know?
Yes. Thank you. Thank you for, you know.
It's not age. It's not age.
Reminding me that it's not age.
I'm older than you. I'm older than you.
No, actually.
Yes!
Anyways, we're not gonna have this conversation. We're like a month apart, you and I. We're born the same year.
Oh yeah, that's true. I forgot.
Let's not fight about this.
Love it.
But you're definitely younger than me.
No!
Sexier.
Well, look who's talking. Look who's talking.
Okay. Okay. We're not going to have that conversation either. Anyways, we're at the end of our conversation. So do you want to add anything at that point like pertaining to the question itself do you want to come back to the question or just add a little something before we say goodbye?
I think I think it's important I think recovery is important and I think like I probably should work a little harder on having a recovery plan just so that i'm not so drained afterwards, so...
You are drained? Like you feel drained?
I do because I'm so like just the energy that I take from it... uh it lights me up i'm i'm the opposite of everybody else now is that my ADHD? Sure whatever it is it's it takes me a long time to to calm down so probably you know it's i think it's a good idea to to be able to have a plan together to kind of you know be able to start the the the recovery your recovery mode in order to better function.
Start all over again.
Yeah, yeah!
For the next weekend.
Exactly. Yeah. Or the next day. You never know. I mean, if it's a Friday.
Of course. Well, thank you for that conversation. And we know we're going to see each other very soon.
Yes.
And like I said, always a great pleasure to be in your presence.
Ditto, my friends. Ditto. I love being around you. You're a force as well. Yeah. I really do love you.
In the prior episode, Ben got us to reflect upon our sleep cycle, the importance of that pillar of our global health to maintain our well-being's balance. This time around with Aliki,w e dive into how we prepare prior to a dance event and how we recuperate post-dance event. She mentions the excitement of attending an EDM gathering, always looking at her calendar, thereby generating that build-up, choosing her outfit early the day of, and often changing her mind about that carefully chosen outfit closer to the actual start time, being so febrile that she forgets to eat the food that she had packed with the intention of replenishing and fueling up before that event. She says, I feel so excited, it's almost like a high, it's so strong. To which I respond, Well, it is a high, an hormonal high. When I tap the words pleasure hormones in the Google search bar, here are some of the key points it serves back. There are four key feel-good natural chemicals. Dopamine, the reward and motivation hormone, drives your brain's reward system. Released during pleasurable acts, goal-setting and achieving tasks. Serotonin, the mood stabilization hormone supports well-being and helps regulate sleep and appetite. Oxytocin, the social bonding hormone promotes trust, empathy, and intimacy, and spikes during hugging and physical touch. Endorphins, the pain relief and euphoria hormones, reduce discomfort and create mild ecstasy during physical activity or laughter. Other key points suggested by this Google ask are these natural ways of producing these 4 feel-good hormones. Exercise. Cardiovascular workouts and strength training trigger endorphins and dopamine. Sunlight. Morning or outdoor light exposure stimulates healthy serotonin levels. Connection. Physical touch, talking with loved ones, and spending time with pets elevate oxytocin. Rest. Quality sleep keeps both dopamine and serotonin receptors balanced. Going to an EDM event triggers these hormones. That excitement Aliki feels just by looking at an upcoming event in her calendar is created by dopamine. From seeing her on a floor, I know she gets her dose of oxytocin by hugging many people of this Montreal EDM dancers community. Probably you, definitely me, every time. And Aliki and others also give me love. Nice words, telling me how they're so happy to cross paths with me again. And I gift them with words too, words from the heart and soul, because seeing them fills me up with joy. Being a single mom, having to work and spin many plates at the same time, serotonin production is essential to regulate my mood. A proper sleep routine and long walks close to nature in whatever weather, are sure health allies. As for endorphin doses, dancing, moving for hours, diving into a fantastic voyage, knitted with tracks seamlessly connected to each other by a talented DJ, does it all for me. I used to jog. I used to do yoga. Now I solely dance and walk. But really the important thing is to keep on moving, as the song says. So you do you. Personally, generating those four key feel-good hormones by attending EDM gatherings suffice to keep me high on life. And dance contributes to maintain that well-being state on a daily basis. My commitment to this work during the week. dance during the weekend lifestyle has solidified throughout these past three years. Like others of this community, I found my balance to stimulate that incomparable hormonal cocktail. I have motivation to push through my weeks. I feel loved even if I'm intimacy partner-less for the time being. My mood is as stable as it can be, all things considered, and I'm blessed with the ability of riding the euphoria wave that swells up from my weekends on the floor for days on. In our world where medication and drug abuse is a crotch to so many, maybe finding what generates our four key feel-good hormones cocktail would be the secret for a harmonious existence. And even if I'm naive sometimes, not knowing about afters being mostly good excuses for people to keep partying, I do know that in the EDM community, drug usage is common. But honestly, I think drug usage is common throughout our society in many ways under different variations. Alcohol to decompress coming back from work, a spliff to alleviate anxiety, coffee to get the day going, a cigarette to kill time. Substances usage, illegal and or legal, to help us keep our shit together. Detoxicating ourselves of these band-aids solution would maybe actually help us more. Help us reconnect with our own capacity of generating pleasure. Generating pleasure from our own body's potential. Chaos and stillness work hand in hand, but harmony needs space to express itself and strive within that body of ours. Cleansing our usage habits might bring us back to a greater sense of self-connection, enhancing our awareness of our feel-good hormones production. One life to live, may it be healthy to dance forever and ever.
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