Inside Armin van Buuren's ASOT Mini-Film at [UNVRS]

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Inside Armin van Buuren's ASOT Mini-Film at [UNVRS]

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Ibiza

Inside Armin van Buuren's ASOT Mini-Film at [UNVRS]

Created with psychotherapist Rachel Giddings, Armin van Buuren's mini-documentary frames A State of Trance through the lens of dancefloor psychology.

September 21, 2026 ·

0 MIN. READ

By Alex Voss

Alex Voss

Archived Content

This article is part of BPM Magazine’s archives, preserved to document the evolution of electronic music culture. It may reflect the context, trends, and information available at the time of publication.

Created with psychotherapist Rachel Giddings, Armin van Buuren's mini-documentary frames A State of Trance through the lens of dancefloor psychology.

Rather than releasing another conventional aftermovie, Armin van Buuren has taken a different approach to documenting his A State of Trance residency at [UNVRS].

The 10-minute mini-documentary frames the dancefloor through the lens of psychology, exploring why thousands of strangers can feel such a powerful sense of connection while sharing the same musical journey.

Created in collaboration with psychotherapist Rachel Giddings, the film shifts the focus away from the DJ booth to the audience itself, asking what emotional mechanisms emerge when people dance together and why certain moments can stay with us long after the music ends.

The concept naturally echoes the philosophy behind Armin's five-hour extended sets, conceived as complete narratives celebrating the 25th anniversary of A State of Trance.

Armin Van Buuren and Hannah Laing during Face to Face at [UNVRS] Ibiza, Spain. Credits : The Night League

It has been fascinating to look at the dancefloor through a psychological lens during my five-hour show.

- Armin van Buuren

It's an intelligent editorial premise that attempts to bring a fresh perspective to a format that has become increasingly predictable. However, viewers expecting a genuine documentary exploring the psychology of collective musical experiences may ultimately find themselves wanting more.

Rather than developing its psychological themes in any meaningful depth, the film quickly returns to familiar territory, functioning primarily as a beautifully produced showcase for Armin's residency at [UNVRS].

That doesn't diminish its strengths. Visually, the production is outstanding, capturing both the monumental scale of the world's first hyperclub and the immersive staging that has defined the residency throughout September.

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This documentary is about the people who experience it; their emotions, their connections, and the profound effect that music and collective experience can have on us

- Armin van Buuren

From its cinematic photography to its carefully crafted editing, the film succeeds in documenting the atmosphere inside the venue while highlighting the production values that have made A State of Trance one of this season's standout Ibiza residencies.

The result may not redefine our understanding of the dancefloor's psychology, but it does demonstrate how a promotional film can benefit from a more thoughtful editorial framework.

As a documentary, it leaves some of its most compelling questions unanswered. As a cinematic portrait of A State of Trance at [UNVRS], however, it offers one of the strongest visual records of the residency to date—and for that reason alone, it is well worth watching.

Tickets for Armin van Buuren 'A State of Trance' residency at [UNVRS] running every Monday from 7th September to 5th October 2026 are already available on sale now on unvrs.com.

TAGS :

[UNVRS] Ibiza

Aftermovies

Artist Stories

Behind The Scenes

Club Residencies

Armin van Buuren, Rachel Giddings, A State of Trance, ASOT,