Is Protected By The First Amendment. Anthropology and dance professor Judith Hanna is expected to testify Feb. 14 on behalf of three Beltsville men charged with violating Prince George's County nudity laws. And Mrs. Hanna says what the women did at the Showcase Theater meets the definition of dance and therefore is an art form. It is purposeful, rhythmic and has an aesthetic value.
Exotic dance is the theatrical art of fantasy.
Because of First Amendment issues raised by the club owners, District Judge Thurman Rhodes is taking his time reviewing the motion to dismiss and will rule in February. Judge Thurman H. Rhodes dismissed the nudity and conspiracy charges that stemmed from a May 22 arrest sweep by law enforcement officials at the Showcase Theater in Beltsville. State's Attorney Jack B. Johnson was angry about the judge's decision to throw out his case. We want to appeal. The women's defense attorneys argued that the strippers were simply exercising their First Amendment right of freedom of speech when they were arrested.