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What's Your Roller Derby Name?

2/1/2011

12 Comments

 
"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!"
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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. 
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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.
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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. 
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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!”
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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"
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12 Comments
Suz Broughton link
2/1/2011 10:41:56 am

I'm a huge fan of Roller Derby! I haven't gone to a bout in a while. We should all go together some time. I wanted the Derby Name Bad Kitty and I would wear a little tail and dare skaters to grab it :)

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Suz Broughton link
2/1/2011 10:42:55 am

Also, the I have to agree with you on Whip it. It's a great movie with one of the best mother/daughter scenes of all-time.

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Lori Fusaro link
2/1/2011 11:47:36 am

My roller girl name (after much thought!) is Bettie Rage. :) I love 1950's pin ups and Bettie Page is probably the most well known and daring! Definitely a woman that was before her time. http://www.bettiepage.com/

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Sk8 Bloomer link
2/1/2011 03:34:48 pm

Thank you soooo much for your support and high praise we love sharing derby with the world!!! Besos Bloomie

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Duchess Von Damn link
2/1/2011 03:37:48 pm

You got my name right!!! Choosing your new name is a baptism. (People often make the mistake of calling me VAN Damn or Von Daahhhm). It kills me inside every time someone mispronounces it. Your derby name means so much, it's' so hard to find, to get cleared and is such a part of the persona you create. Thanks for coming out and thanks of the great write up. xo

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B.A.D.
2/1/2011 04:33:28 pm

My original debry name was an evil play on words of an old timey celebrity - I put SO MUCH time and thought into it. And even had my whole office at work vote on the top choices. But all that went down the drain when I went to my first after party where I was dubbed Bitch Ass Drunk... B.A.D. I'm a HUGE MJ fan, and a HUGE party animal... so it fit me perfect. I was baptized my the derby girls. Kind of like a Drag Queen naming her protege HA! Love your write up, see you at the next bout!

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Rotten link
2/2/2011 01:36:07 am

this totally game me chills! what a wonderful write-up, i'm so happy you made it out to the game and had so much fun doing so! thank you! hope we'll see you at the next one on Feb 19th!

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Tiggie Smalls
2/2/2011 01:53:35 am

You totally got it. This is a wonderful write up! Thank you so much for being there on Sunday and being able to share this. See you on the 19th!

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Reno Revolver
2/2/2011 02:00:40 am

LOVE this article!! Thank you so much for coming out and rooting us on. You have no idea how much we all appreciate it. I hope we've made you into a life-long fan!!

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Circuit Breaker
2/2/2011 02:43:21 am

Awesome write up. It's rare when an article about roller derby doesn't piss you off because they get it all wrong. Thank you! Circuit Breaker

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Janice
2/4/2011 03:27:51 am

I've loved Roller Derby since I was a kid and watched every week. Always thought it would be a great sport to get involved in. Happy to see it's still around. My name : Hellen Wheels

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college board link
4/30/2011 08:05:39 pm

Having read this material, I have learned for myself a lot of the new. Thanks

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    Darrell Fusaro

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