Written by: Anna Loumbrozo
As a certified house music addict, I never imagined I’d be jumping around in the Croatian sun to BPMs faster than my heartbeat. But hey, life’s a rave, and I’m always game to explore every pocket of the electronic dance universe. From dubstep at Lost Lands to techno-fueled nights at Sonus, my rave résumé is rather long, but one genre had remained mostly untouched… until now.
This summer, I plunged headfirst into my first ever ALL Hard Dance festival: Dropzone, the adrenaline-charged, ear-splitting celebration of everything hardstyle. And let me tell you, it was nothing short of euphoric chaos, in the best possible way.
🎉 What Is Dropzone?
Imagine five days of non-stop Hard Dance madness on the legendary Zrće Beach in Pag Island, Croatia, a beachfront known for iconic festivals like Sonus and Hideout. Now crank up the BPM, add in pool parties, boat parties, main stages, bungee jumping (yes, seriously), sunrise sets, and over 90 artists from the top of the Hard Dance scene, and you’ve got Dropzone.
The festival lineup included:
💥 Adrenalize
💥 D-Sturb
💥 D-Block & S-Te-Fan
💥 Da Tweekaz
💥 TNT
💥 Wasted Penguinz
…among many more!
⚡ The Energy: UNMATCHED
One of the most refreshing things about Dropzone? The crowd. There was no sea of phones trying to chase the next viral TikTok clip. People were genuinely present – living the moment, dancing like maniacs, and jumping around with wild abandon.
It honestly felt like stepping back in time a bit to when raving was centered around community, connection, and sheer love of the music. There was a pure, unfiltered joy that’s become harder to find at large-scale or more mainstream festivals. This wasn’t about the “fit check” or “content creation”; it was about going HARD and vibing in every single way.
🎶 So, What IS Hard Dance Anyway?
Dropzone opened my eyes (and ears) to the many layers of hard dance. From euphoric hardstyle to rawstyle, hardcore, and even the aggressively fast world of uptempo (an acquired sound), I learned that there’s a niche for every flavor of hard.
And behind some of the ultra “hard” beats and bass and high-energy MC’s, there’s real artistry, emotional melodies, and massive anthemic moments.
💦 The Vibe: Friends, Freedom & Poolside Mayhem
There’s something about dancing in a pool with people you met 15 minutes ago and already calling them your “festival family” that really hits. Whether we were splashing around during a daytime set or chanting lyrics at sunrise, Dropzone was all about connection through music, movement, and shared madness. I can’t remember the last time I met so many wonderful new friends!
🧠 Final Thoughts: Why Didn’t I Do This Sooner?
Dropzone reminded me of why I fell in love with EDM in the first place: that primal joy of sound, freedom, and losing yourself with complete strangers who feel like good friends by the end of the festival.
So, to all my fellow ravers who have yet to venture into the Hard Dance realm – DO IT. Open your mind, pack your earplugs (seriously), and jump in feet first.See you in the pit. 🖤💥