The genesis of Seattle’s Teen Dance Ordinance begins at a nightclub called the Monastery. In the early 1980s, this all-ages disco was renowned on the West Coast for cutting-edge music and all-night parties. Some experienced the Monastery as a radically inclusive refuge where queer youth find community. Others described it as a den of illicit drugs and predatory behavior. Both are likely right. 

We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW kuow.org/dance 

The genesis of Seattle’s Teen Dance Ordinance begins at a nightclub called the Monastery. In the early 1980s, this all-ages disco was renowned on the West Coast for cutting-edge music and all-night parties. Some experienced the Monastery as a radically inclusive refuge where queer youth find community. Others described it as a den of illicit drugs and predatory behavior. Both are likely right. 
We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW <a href="http://kuow.org/dance" data-stringify-link="http://kuow.org/dance" data-sk="tooltip_parent">kuow.org/dance </a>

Let the Kids Dance! is a seven-part series documenting the rise and fall of Seattle's Teen Dance Ordinance — a local law that for nearly two decades made it illegal for young people to attend concerts. 

Let the Kids Dance! is a seven-part series documenting the rise and fall of Seattle's Teen Dance Ordinance — a local law that for nearly two decades made it illegal for young people to attend concerts.

Let the Kids Dance!

Part 1: City Gone Crazy

At the turn of the 21st century, the TDO’s days are numbered. A generational shift puts a new era within sight. The closest mayoral election in Seattle's history will decide the fate of all-ages music. But even with a win, the creative community will face new economic pressures as old Seattle gives way to modern gentrification. 

Listen to the official Let the Kids Dance! playlist on Spotify.

We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW.

At the turn of the 21st century, the TDO’s days are numbered. A generational shift puts a new era within sight. The closest mayoral election in Seattle's history will decide the fate of all-ages music. But even with a win, the creative community will face new economic pressures as old Seattle gives way to modern gentrification. 
Listen to the official Let the Kids Dance! playlist on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/53dVBgD7d6OlrUg8KcpAJW?si=3ac6e5bea4a4466d">Spotify.</a> 
We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to <a href="http://www.kuow.org/dance">KUOW</a>.

Part 7: Believe in Kids

After 15 long years of the TDO, public opinion is shifting. Local alternative media starts covering the fight for all-ages music. Rock stars join activists in musical flash mobs to protest at city council meetings and community forums. And for the first time, a new slate of elected leaders recognizes the law's overreach.  

Listen to the official Let the Kids Dance! playlist on Spotify.

We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW.

After 15 long years of the TDO, public opinion is shifting. Local alternative media starts covering the fight for all-ages music. Rock stars join activists in musical flash mobs to protest at city council meetings and community forums. And for the first time, a new slate of elected leaders recognizes the law's overreach.  
Listen to the official Let the Kids Dance! playlist on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/53dVBgD7d6OlrUg8KcpAJW?si=3ac6e5bea4a4466d">Spotify.</a> 
We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to <a href="http://www.kuow.org/dance">KUOW</a>.

Part 6: The Right Kind of Stupid

The TDO made it impossible for venue owners to turn a profit while hosting all-ages shows. But the law contained a few exceptions, allowing concerts at nonprofit spaces and religious institutions. Savvy promoters take full advantage. In the latter half of the 90s, two all-ages venues sent a lifeline to the all-ages community by hosting unforgettable shows, leading to dramatically different results. 

Listen to the official Let the Kids Dance! playlist on Spotify.

We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW.

The TDO made it impossible for venue owners to turn a profit while hosting all-ages shows. But the law contained a few exceptions, allowing concerts at nonprofit spaces and religious institutions. Savvy promoters take full advantage. In the latter half of the 90s, two all-ages venues sent a lifeline to the all-ages community by hosting unforgettable shows, leading to dramatically different results. 
Listen to the official Let the Kids Dance! playlist on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/53dVBgD7d6OlrUg8KcpAJW?si=3ac6e5bea4a4466d">Spotify.</a> 
We can only make Let the Kids Dance! because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to <a href="http://www.kuow.org/dance">KUOW</a>.

Part 1: City Gone Crazy

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Let the Kids Dance!

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