Capitol Tea Dance 6.23.24

Forget what the name suggests, tea dances offer much more than just fancy-schmancy finger sandwiches and dainty sips. Picture this: an afternoon filled with music, moves that would make even TikTok jealous, inclusivity and creating memories that go beyond double-tapping on Instagram. Clearly not your grandma's afternoon tea, our Tea Dances are all about throwing on your dancing shoes, cranking up the tunes, and shaking off the stress with a community. This is the essence of a tea dance! Did we mention there WILL be A LOT of DANCING? DJ Skooch will be bringing the beats!

 

We are delighted to welcome everyone to attend this event and dance the afternoon away. Please do so knowing that Tea Dances originated in the LGBTQ+ community and continue to be a cherished tradition and safe space for expression, so we ask that you please be respectful of that tradition when attending and have fun! 

 

Over time, tea dances evolved beyond their aristocratic roots. The mid-20th century saw tea dances take on a whole new meaning. Facing legal restrictions on alcohol sales in gay bars, LGBTQAI+ communities in the US embraced these afternoon events as safe spaces for socializing and dancing. From the 1950s to the 1960s, tea dances offered a crucial platform for connection and self-expression within these communities, particularly in New York City.