An early-morning dance party that startup workers are obsessed with is expanding to colleges — here's what it's like

Daybreaker parties typically start at 6 a.m. I'm a morning person. Still, waking up at 5 a.m., dressing up, and "rave-ifying" with the requisite gemstones and glitter was a struggle.

Daybreaker was hosting a Halloween-themed extravaganza on a boat. Our taxi dropped us at a pier, and we knew we were in the right place when we spotted some crazy costumes.

A Daybreaker rave usually costs $25 for a "land party," but since this one took place on a yacht, it was $35. We got stamped with the company logo and boarded the boat.

We snagged some free cold brew coffee and juice. With that, plus the overwhelming brightness of everyone's costumes (and attitudes), we finally started feeling awake.

Good thing, because the dancing started right away.

Even though the party began so early, people went all-out with their costumes.

And everyone was incredibly friendly and excited.

"No one drinks, no one does drugs, but everyone leaves so happy!" one woman who had gone to previous parties told us. "It gets you pumped up for the rest of your day!"

The boat had three levels: You could join the main dance floor in front of the DJ, dance and watch the scene from a mezzanine above, or hit the roof outside.

The music started thumping. "We're gonna wake the day up! The sun ain't even up yet and you're already gonna sweat!" one of the DJs boomed over the speakers. The woman on the left is Radha Agrawal, one of Daybreaker's founders. The other is her twin sister, Miki.

The floor started filling up. I made my way into the thick of the crowd.

Some people clearly came with big groups, but others didn't. The vibe felt inclusive, because everyone was flashing big smiles as they danced (if they weren't wearing masks).

On one side of the dance floor, a group of three sat with typewriters. You gave them a word, and they'd write you a custom haiku.

"Can you feel the love in this room right now?" the DJ shouted. "This day is a choice, and we choose to be happy!"

Daybreaker also offered food, like these delicious chocolate-covered fruits.

One man created several amazing finger paintings near the stage.

As the sun started rising, everyone booked it to the deck.

We had the perfect view as the sun sparkled on the water.

Our boat drifted by the Statue of Liberty as a live band kept the music going even outside.

A helicopter flew by to record our party from above.

Back on the dance floor, things started really heating up.

Giant jellyfish bobbed through the crowd.

The live band followed us back inside, too.

All the positive energy felt infectious. It was easy to get lost in the combination of frenetic joy and blasting music. Here I am flashing her dance-smirk on the dance floor.

One Daybreaker enthusiast, Hunter Vurbeff, had gone to every event thrown so far. "The energy, the people, there's just nothing like it," he said. "It's the absolute best way to start your day." Here he is tearing it up.

Before we knew it, it was nearly 9 a.m.

Time to say goodbye to our surreal, early morning wonderland.

The DJ instructed everyone to sit down in front of the stage. Slam poet Anis Mojgani recited an amazing poem called "Come Closer." His audience was captivated.

A woman named Elena Brower then led us in meditation, guiding us in reflection on being grateful, compassionate, and kind.

"May we remember the sweetness of being together in song and dance this morning. Take that spirit and the love and joy and energy forward into the world and into your life."

After nearly three hours of crazy dancing, we were a little bit sweatier but a lot happier than we expected to be after waking up so early.

As we all filed off the boat, not only did I feel a million times more energized than I usually do on Thursday morning at 9 a.m., but the positivity, warmth, and energy lasted all day long.