"Now I am clear on why I fell in love with Roller Derby over the weekend. It’s because with their Roller Derby names these girls share their courage to leave critical inhibition in the dirt and enthusiastically step out on life. They give us all permission to let go and not take ourselves so damn seriously. Roller Derby’s message is loud and clear; "Go for it!"
The girls inspired more than this little two inch sketch.
I attended my first Roller Derby Sunday night in Culver City, CA and I am still surprised about how much I really enjoyed it. I keep trying to wrap my head around what exactly was it that I loved so much about being at a live Roller Derby match? Was it the names? It couldn’t be. Could it? Yes it was! It was the names the girls chose for themselves and had displayed on the backs of their uniforms. That was it. It wasn’t just the Roller Derby queens who had “names” either; even the refs donned their game names on the backs of their uniforms as well.
Trying to make out all the Derby girls names as they skated, blocked and flew by was a real treat. There was Rachel Rotten #507, Evie McSkeevy #138, Hitney Fears #0 and Duchess Von Damn #10. I learned that even their numbers were a significant part of the fun. This was much more obvious with team members, Rosie Bottom #36” wide, Reno Revolver #.357, and Killa Nois #(312). I learned that Killa’s number “(312),” which included the parenthesis, is actually the area code from where she grew up in Illinois. Oh and I better mention Julius Pleaser and Russell Crowbar, two of the refs making the calls.
You may be thinking, “That’s it the names? Yeah they’re cute and funny but… so what?” I have to agree with you. I’d think the same thing too from reading this. But if you were there Sunday night you would know exactly why I feel that the names say it all. It’s because they represent freedom! The atmosphere of the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium was electric. It felt exhilarating. Which makes perfect sense since it takes a certain amount of courage to experience freedom. It’s funny how most of us spend more time denying ourselves freedom than relishing it. It takes guts to break away from our routines, to stick a toe out of our comfort zone and risk taking a shot at something we long dreamed of doing but dare not try.
Now I am clear on why I fell in love with Roller Derby Sunday night. It’s because with their Roller Derby names these girls share their courage to leave critical inhibition in the dirt and enthusiastically step out on life. They give us all permission to let go and not take ourselves so damn seriously. Roller Derby’s message is loud and clear; “Go for it!” It’s a promise that you will have a lot of fun doing so and no regrets for trying even if you land on your ass. So have you given it any thought? What your Roller Derby name would be? Share it in the comment box and like the girls on Sunday nights you’ll be giving us just the oomph we need to get off the sidelines, put on our skates, roll onto the track and “Go for it!” If doubt ever creeps in to try to discourage you just imagine the Angel City Derby Girls cheering you on. “For those about to roll, we salute you!”
If you live in Los Angeles and would like to attend a bout, become a skater, and/or want to learn more about the Angel City Derby Girls, visit; Angel City Derby Girls dot com
P.S., I highly recommend renting the movie “Whip It” with Ellen Page as a small town girl who joins a Roller Derby league. Produced and Directed by Drew Barrymore. It’s by far the best coming of age movie I’ve seen in years! It beats the pants off “Rocky” and the soundtrack makes you wish were out on the track skating with the girls. Check it out; "Whip It"
P.S., I highly recommend renting the movie “Whip It” with Ellen Page as a small town girl who joins a Roller Derby league. Produced and Directed by Drew Barrymore. It’s by far the best coming of age movie I’ve seen in years! It beats the pants off “Rocky” and the soundtrack makes you wish were out on the track skating with the girls. Check it out; "Whip It"
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