The Oregonian
http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/03/
beaverton_masons_to_teens_no_m.html

Beaverton Masons to teens: No more freak dancing here

March 07, 2007

Categories: Breaking News, Washington County

BEAVERTON -- Several schools already have said no to sexually suggestive freak dancing. Soon an alternative dance venue where teens could grind on each other without worry won't be an option, either.

Beaverton Masons have voted to stop renting space to Blackboard Music, which organized the events. The company's last dance at the lodge will be March 24, when its contract expires.

"We find this type of dancing to be inappropriate," said Greg Jackson, master of the lodge.

Although Blackboard honored its commitment to hold drug- and alcohol-free dances, the lodge's board members thought their organization should not be affiliated with dancing that makes some uncomfortable.

Kris Martin, Blackboard's founder, doesn't know if or where his group will host future high school dances.

"There are not a lot of things out there for kids who are 13 to 17 years old," he says. "There is a need for drug- and alcohol-free dances in the community, and if the schools aren't doing the dances, and we aren't doing them, who is?"

-- Casey Parks; [email protected]