Dawn Patrol: Dancing at sparrows

04 December 2015 - 02:30 By Sam Chambers

Not many of us choose to get up at 5am, especially not for a spinning class or some other form of physical punishment (jogging), but after experiencing my first Secret Sunrise yesterday there's a chance I might get hooked on early-morning exercise. Secret Sunrises are 50-minute dance/workout/fun sessions that begin with the first rays of the day. They've taken place on rooftops all over Cape Town, organised by No Danger Diaries, a group of young guys whose mission is to have fun and make a difference.Music was delivered through wireless headphones, offering an immersive audio experience that didn't disturb the slumbering neighbours in New Church Street.We were guided through the sun-salute by three instructors who grounded us, encouraged us to dance like ducks, eagles and chickens, and took us to 1950s Paris and back with a mixture of old-school swing, new age bangers and a husky French accent.The room was buzzing with adults, children, sports gear and hippy pants. The energy was infectious.With three more Secret Sunrises this month, abseiling off Red Cross Children's Hospital, conducting a "shelter lockdown" (sleep in a shelter for the homeless) and hosting their annual fundraiser, Fun Factory, this weekend, No Danger Diaries is on the fast track to making a difference.The next Secret Sunrise is on December 10. The venue is revealed in the 24 hours before the event. www.nodangerdiaries.com..

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