Journal of a Roller Disco Addict |
I heard it said somewhere that
life's greatest pleasures are those which arrive
unexpectedly. One of mine began innocently enough on a
Sunday stroll through Golden Gate Park -- a missed
connection, a wrong turn, and suddenly I was standing before
a strange, new phenomenon -- a spectacle I found immediately
repugnant, yet strangely compelling -- Around two dozen
roller-skaters and bladers swirling, gyrating and busting
moves to the beat of DJ-driven 70's and 80's tunes. Within
minutes I recognized that there was something more going on
here than just a casual skate in the park; This was Roller
Disco at its worst and I was hooked from the get go.
During this first visit waves
of conflicting emotions washed over me -- confusion, fright,
and embarrassment of course, but also delight and
admiration. Sure... in my estimation most of the
participants looked ridiculous. However, I had to admit that
these people appeared to be having an amazing time. Watching
them simultaneously aroused in me the perfect combination of
giddiness and wrong-doing, and I am hard pressed to think of
a more enjoyable mixture.
Although I could not deny my
attraction, a strong feeling of uneasiness accompanied it
which was magnified by the unceremonious greeting I received
from my friends upon relaying my discovery. Convinced that
my attraction had formed prematurely and possibly unjustly,
I tried my best to stay away from the 6th Avenue skaters,
but this self-imposed exile only lasted for a week or two;
The growing obsession could not be ignored and soon I
started making regular appearances at Roller
Disco.
Sitting on the lawn watching
& listening, question after question popped into my
head... "Where do these people come from?" "What are their
day jobs?" "Do they practice in their living rooms?" "Am I
missing out on something here?" I came to notice there were
regulars amongst the skaters -- Sass... Tie dye...
Pretzelboy... Individuals with their own stories, sense of
style, and most importantly technique.
Come, join me for a brief
interlude into Roller Madness at Golden Gate Park. Get to
know the "regulars" before you venture out for a glimpse of
your own. Enjoy a sampling of what you can expect if you
happen upon John F. Kennedy Drive and 6th Avenue on a sunny
Sunday afternoon.
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| you may now enter the rink… |
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