SSShhhh….It’s A Secret!

On January 16th, 1920 the 18th Amendment was passed, prohibiting alcohol in the United States of America. In Title II, Section 3 the National Prohibition Act states that "No person shall on or after the date when the 18th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States goes into effect, manufacture, sell, barter, transport, import, export, deliver, furnish or possess any intoxicating liquor except as authorized in this act." Padlocks marred the landscape of saloons, taverns and clubs throughout the land. President Hoover proudly stated that the amendment was "a great social and economic experiment, noble in motive." Yet never in the history of America has a law been so blatantly violated and spawned such a great level of corruption. Instead of putting an end to the use, sales and production of alcohol, it served as a catalyst, which amplified its demand and inevitable supply. There grew an even stronger desire for the devil’s candy. And since it had to be consumed privately, out of the eye of the law, the underground bar was born.

Because of its secrecy, it was coined the "Speakeasy".

Belltown Billiards opened it’s doors to the dance community on Sunday night in the first Speakeasy event.  Hosted by my best friend, Jesse and her boyfriend Nate, the night was a smashing success with Peter Flahiff kicking off the dance with a lesson, Pearl Django playing live music, and of course, dancing the whole night long.

I was asked to photograph the event and set up a vintage photobooth.  Since most dancers are natural showoffs, I had no problem getting everyone to flirt with the camera for some super fun shots! 

Here’s a few more shots from the night:

Belltown Billiard’s ambiance was INCREDIBLE!!!!

Pear Django set the mood with their fantastic live music!

Peter Flahiff and Mark Smith had too much fun showing off for me…

And here is the slideshow from my super-fun, vintage photobooth!