Albuquerque Teens Enjoy Free Dance Night in city’s Westside

ALBUQUERQUE – Teens celebrated Halloween in June at a free dance night on Albuquerque’s Westside. “Summerween” a Summer of Nonviolence event from the Bernalillo County, City of Albuquerque, Albuquerque Community Safety in collaboration with Aaliyah Summer Nights, took place Tuesday night at the Oasis Event Center.

Attendees enjoyed a night of dancing to a live DJs: DJ Malcolm X, DJ Battle and DJ Mischievous, and were treated to a dance performance by RNS Dance Company. Many youth also dressed up in costumes adding to the festive environment.

Attendees who took the pledge of nonviolence received a commemorative “I Pledge” Summer of Nonviolence t-shirt. The pledge is a commitment to engaging in positive actions and promoting peace throughout the summer. 

“Our youth deserve spaces where they can have fun and feel safe,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Events like these youth dances show what’s possible when the community comes together in safe environments.”

"It meant everything to see the teens show up, have fun, and engage with each other in a positive way," said Danielle Vigil founder of Aaliyah Vigil Legacy Foundation. The foundation along with Aaliyah's Summer Nights events honor Danielle's daughter, Aaliyah Vigil, a 20-year-old who was shot and killed at a large house party on July 4th in southwest Albuquerque in 2022. "This is exactly what I hoped for- a safe, exciting alternative to house parties. I'm proud to build this legacy for Aaliyah, and I hope it only grows from here." 

The foundation aims to raise awareness about gun violence and support the community, particularly through educational development and quality of life assistance.

"Providing positive opportunities like this dance is essential for supporting our young people,” says Deputy County Manager for General Services Lisa Sedillo-White. “It’s about great music, good friends and making lasting memories in a safe environment where teens can be themselves, stay active and avoid situations that could put them at risk. We want every young person to know their community cares, believes in them and is committed to creating places where they can thrive and simply enjoy being young."

“These City and County dances give teens a fun, safe space to just be kids — no fear, just music, dancing, and community,” said ACS Public Outreach Coordinator Ismael Vallejos. “We look forwarded to hosting more events like this over the summer.”

The Summer of Nonviolence campaign is providing youth with an array of fun, safe activities throughout the summer to keep them engaged and active. For more information on the initiative, as well as a list of events and opportunities, please visit the Summer of Nonviolence website.

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Aaliyah’s Summer Nights is all about keeping teens safe, seen, and supported through the summer. Created in honor of Aaliyah Vigil, this initiative offers fun, drug-free, and violence-free nights where teens can come together, feel like they belong, and know their community cares. It’s about connection, healing, and building a better future — one safe night at a time. 

Summer of Nonviolence is an initiative by Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque aimed at reducing violence during the summer months through youth programs, wellness support, conflict resolution, and community events.