As many of you know, it is difficult to throw a dance event in Seattle. One of the laws which makes it expensive and hard for us to throw events legally is called the Teen Dance Ordinance. This law makes it illegal for those under 18 and over 21 to dance in the same venue (unless you hire expensive off-duty police security, which many promoters who aren't trying to make a living off throwing events can't afford to do).

Many of us feel that this law is outdated, unfair, and illogical and that people of ALL ages should be able to gather together peacefully to listen to music. Many of us are upset about the fact that dance events are being shut down on a regular basis due to this law.

A Music and Youth Task Force was established by the city to listen to our concerns and comments about the T.D.O. Regular meetings happened over a period of several years to discuss the issue and work on repealing the law.

To get on the mailing list for information about teen-dance-ordinance related meetings, email Sheila.Capestany@ci.seattle.wa.us

To read more about the specific details of the Teen Dance Ordinance, go to the Dandelion Collective Activism webpage.

Take a few minutes out of your time to send a few sentences to the city council and let them know how much you want a youth music scene in Seattle. Even if you don't have specific suggestions as to how to deal with the current situation, at least let them know you care enough about it for THEM to try and figure out some new options.

Write to:
Seattle City Council
Attn: Youth and Music Task Force
600 Fourth Avenue
Eleventh Floor, Municipal Building
Seattle, WA 98104-1876