Field Notes: The Media School Travel Blog

I consider myself a morning person, but 4 a.m. is pushing it.

My roommate Tarryn Becker invited me to an event she got free tickets for, so I naturally said yes. It wasn’t until after I agreed that she told me the event started at 5:30 a.m.

It was a Daybreaker event. I remember watching a Buzzfeed video in early high school about an event series in Los Angeles that consisted of people exercising and dancing before the sun had even come up — and that’s exactly what was in store for me.

Tarryn and I woke up at a crisp 4:15 a.m., had a quick snack and headed out around 5. The event was downtown, where I drive for one of my internships every week, so I was prepared for my usual 30- to 40-minute drive. But the one good thing about driving at 5 in the morning is that no one else is out, and it only took us about 15 minutes to arrive.

The event was in an old church, which only added to my confusion.

My initial reaction when I walked in was, “Why are y’all awake this early?” because the venue was packed. We set up our mats, and I mentally strapped myself in for whatever was about to happen.

First up was Julianne Hough’s KINRGY. We started with what they called “breathwork,” where we laid on our backs and did patterned breathing for about five minutes. The calmness I felt was quickly flipped upside down when Hough came out to lead a high-intensity workout.

This was not your average HIIT class. Hough made every song, movement and breath relevant to one of the four natural elements. The workout was also centered around self-love and appreciation, which was a refreshing change. By the end, I was both exhausted and energized.

Hough and the KINGRY crew exited, and a DJ came out to play a set. Rather than taking a breather from the workout, everyone immediately filled the dance floor. Electronic music was blaring and sweaty people surrounded me, yet I was having the best time. Maybe it was the free food and kombucha, but I wasn’t mad that I got up before the entire city of Los Angeles for this event.

Tarryn and I left at 7:30 and were home in less than an hour. I ate a quick breakfast, changed and headed up to Toluca Lake to go to my internship. I felt so awake and energetic the entire day.

My experience at Daybreaker is not one I will soon forget. The Daybreaker community is filled with kind and welcoming people that make it easy to have the best time. I am usually not one to go to events like this, but it was so fun to do something outside of my comfort zone. Now that I have, I am excited to explore other events that L.A has to offer.