The Pulse of Pride: Body High at Mortimer’s Bar
As the oppressive heat of the dance floor envelops bodies at Mortimer’s Bar in Minneapolis, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary night. With vibrant metallic streamers swaying above, and energy surging through the air, the scene is set for a thrilling experience that is as much about community as it is about music. It’s Pride weekend, and the crowd, a sea of colors and queer identities, moves as one under the beats crafted by Dani, known as Starthirl. Positioned behind the decks, Dani mixes hard-groove techno, setting the tone that will keep dancers grooving late into the night.
The Collective Pulse of Body High
The party is orchestrated by Body High, a DJ collective that has made its mark in Minneapolis with a monthly residency at Mortimer’s every third Sunday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Those familiar with the DIY music scene in the Twin Cities recognize Body High as a vibrant and essential part of the community. Members of the collective, including Joey (TECHNODOLL), Dani, Jamila, and Emma (Girl Blunt), have carved out a niche where new and emerging DJs, particularly those who are femme, queer, or non-binary, shine.
Their journey began last August with what was intended only as a one-time gig. Emma and another DJ had a vision to offer a platform for these diverse artists, and after a sudden departure of the other DJ, a new lineup was born. This spontaneity led to an unexpected success, transforming into a full-fledged residency.
The Embrace of Inclusivity
“What really struck us was how natural the connection was,” Emma reflects on the formation of Body High. “We wanted to give newer DJs a chance to create a dance floor, and it just clicked.” Their initial shows became a welcoming afterparty to Communion, a popular Sunday party, inviting attendees to keep the celebration alive even later into the night.
For many, a Sunday night party might seem unconventional, yet for the DJs and dedicated patrons, it serves as an extension of their weekend. With many involved in the service industry, Sunday nights offer a reprieve that feels just as electrifying as traditional weekend nights.
Building Chemistry and Community
A few weeks post-Pride, Joey and Emma reminisce over a Zoom call about their recent back-to-back set at Mortimer’s. “It’s all about experimenting with music, pushing our limits,” Joey notes. This camaraderie extends beyond just the decks; it’s a bond forged in shared experiences. Days of dancing shoulder to shoulder, exchanging bracelets, and meeting amid the vibrant chaos of raves have built a robust friendship amongst the members.
Dani recalls their introduction to Jamila during an invite-only warehouse party in Minneapolis, “We just started yapping in line for the bathroom, and it felt like a connection was made immediately.” This sense of community fosters a nurturing environment, which is pivotal for any thriving music scene.
Addressing the Need for Safe Spaces
Emma, who has been part of the Twin Cities party scene for over a decade, acknowledges the shortcomings that have long persisted. “It was uncomfortable to go out as a femme. I wanted to dress cute, kiss my friends, and not be objectified,” she explains, highlighting a gap in safe spaces for marginalized identities.
Returning to Minneapolis after living in cities like Denver and New Orleans, Emma was determined to redefine party culture. “It feels good to have a space that feels safe for queer partygoers,” she enthuses, and her vision resonates strongly among her collective members.
Setting a New Standard
Dani expresses a collective conviction for maintaining safety at parties. Unlike past scenarios where concerns went unheard, Body High prioritizes safety and conduct at their events. The camaraderie and trust shared among the collective enable them to create spaces that feel welcoming, encouraging attendees to confidently express themselves.
Cat Grimm, a dedicated Body High partygoer and part of the decoration team, acknowledges the collective’s genuine effort in fostering a comfortable environment. “They do their best every time to ensure people feel at home,” she affirms, recognizing the challenge of creating “perfect” spaces but emphasizing the importance of responsiveness when issues arise.
Shaping Representation in Music
The residents of Body High have also noted a disparity in representation on dance floors. Jamila points out, “While there are definitely femme and queer folks organizing, the lineups are still predominantly male.” They emphasize the importance of changing that narrative and expanding visibility for diverse DJs—an aim that Body High embodies with pride.
Julian Green, DJ and former content director for MPR’s Carbon Sound, observes that the involvement of Body High has greatly contributed to cultivating a more inclusive scene. “Young and diverse people feel more comfortable, and that change is essential,” he noted.
Beyond the DJs: The Heart of Community
Crucial to Body High’s identity are the extended networks of individuals that help create the events, from lending gear to designing spaces and spreading the word. Emma highlights that the collective’s success is a shared effort: “It’s just as important as what we do behind the decks.”
Collaboration extends to their décor team, showcasing creativity through bold visual elements at events. Brenna Cull, a member of the décor crew, states, “Transforming a space and then seeing it come alive with people is so fulfilling.” Their efforts help shape the atmosphere, creating an immersive experience that aligns with their mission.
The Transformative Power of Dance
As a trans woman, Joey expresses the collective’s wider goal—empowering individuals to embrace their bodies and move freely. “It’s rare for trans people to have spaces where we feel comfortable,” he reflects. At Body High, the dance floor is sacred—a chance for healing and joy through music, movement, and community.
With the motto “Just bring your body, and we’ll bring the high,” Emma articulates a philosophy grounded in connection—the elation of being together, lost in rhythm and shared experiences. Each member of Body High contributes to an ongoing journey that transcends music, fostering a culture that challenges norms and uplifts the voices of those often sidelined in the electronic music scene.
In a landscape often defined by exclusivity, Body High represents a thriving ecosystem, one where everyone has the space to express their individuality under the unifying force of music. As the Twin Cities’ dance scene evolves, there’s a palpable sense of optimism that this collective is just the beginning of something much larger.
