Forward Skate: Classic City Rollergirls host first boot camp
CHELSEA COOK
Issue date: 1/14/08 Section: Variety
Athens' most unconventional sisterhood is looking for some new members. But don't expect to see any sundresses on Milledge Avenue.
Tonight at 7, The Classic City Rollergirls kick off their first annual roller derby boot camp to acquire new talent and knock them into shape.
Roller derby, a predominantly female contact sport, was first introduced in Athens only two years ago.
A roller derby "bout" is best described as a race versus two "packs" of skaters, but there is an intricate point system based on passing certain players and, of course, knocking them down.
Once initiated, each girl acquires a roller derby name. Some include CCRG's Carmen Slamdiego, Knockin' Bootsy, and Demanda Rumble.
Because member turnover is high, the team is always looking for new members to strengthen the league.
Head of Recruitment and League Secretary Sheila McAlister, better known as "Poke A. Dot," said that the boot camp is a way to ensure all "newbies" receive equal instruction.
"There's usually this huge learning curve," she said. "With the boot camp, (new skaters) can get the individual attention they need through pairing with veteran skaters or small group work."
For those fearing rejection, McAlister said that the boot camp is not a form of "try-outs." If a prospective roller girl is dedicated and can grasp the skills, CCRG will be happy to have her.
"Most people experience skating at around age 10 or 11, and then never skate again," she said.
"They most likely never learned how to fall properly, whip someone around on skates or bootyblock. This is what the boot camp is for."
After the four-day boot camp, a prospective roller girl must attend at least four hours of practice and one to two hours of open skating per week.
Although derby takes a lot of energy, commitment and athleticism, it doesn't require a tough-girl appearance.
"It's a strength of mind. A bunch of girls do have wild hair color, tattoos, ripped fishnets, but there are lawyers and teachers, too," said Brett Buckelew of Dahlonega (alias, Carmen Slamdiego), who graduated from the University in December.
Further, ideal images of being "in shape" aren't necessary to be a roller girl.
"Derby is the kind of sport where you need different kinds of athletes and body shapes," McAlister said. "A girl who is 160+ pounds can easily knock over one who is 100 pounds."
But perhaps the most important thing to bring to the rink, aside from your mouth guard and helmet, is a sassy attitude.
"It takes someone who has a certain amount of confidence, but at the same time, derby is a huge confidence builder," McAlister said.
"(Carmen Slamdiego) is a sexy pinup girl, but she's a demon on skates."
CCRG Boot Camp
Where: Skate Around USA
Cost: $3 skate rental
Tonight at 7, The Classic City Rollergirls kick off their first annual roller derby boot camp to acquire new talent and knock them into shape.
Roller derby, a predominantly female contact sport, was first introduced in Athens only two years ago.
A roller derby "bout" is best described as a race versus two "packs" of skaters, but there is an intricate point system based on passing certain players and, of course, knocking them down.
Once initiated, each girl acquires a roller derby name. Some include CCRG's Carmen Slamdiego, Knockin' Bootsy, and Demanda Rumble.
Because member turnover is high, the team is always looking for new members to strengthen the league.
Head of Recruitment and League Secretary Sheila McAlister, better known as "Poke A. Dot," said that the boot camp is a way to ensure all "newbies" receive equal instruction.
"There's usually this huge learning curve," she said. "With the boot camp, (new skaters) can get the individual attention they need through pairing with veteran skaters or small group work."
For those fearing rejection, McAlister said that the boot camp is not a form of "try-outs." If a prospective roller girl is dedicated and can grasp the skills, CCRG will be happy to have her.
"Most people experience skating at around age 10 or 11, and then never skate again," she said.
"They most likely never learned how to fall properly, whip someone around on skates or bootyblock. This is what the boot camp is for."
After the four-day boot camp, a prospective roller girl must attend at least four hours of practice and one to two hours of open skating per week.
Although derby takes a lot of energy, commitment and athleticism, it doesn't require a tough-girl appearance.
"It's a strength of mind. A bunch of girls do have wild hair color, tattoos, ripped fishnets, but there are lawyers and teachers, too," said Brett Buckelew of Dahlonega (alias, Carmen Slamdiego), who graduated from the University in December.
Further, ideal images of being "in shape" aren't necessary to be a roller girl.
"Derby is the kind of sport where you need different kinds of athletes and body shapes," McAlister said. "A girl who is 160+ pounds can easily knock over one who is 100 pounds."
But perhaps the most important thing to bring to the rink, aside from your mouth guard and helmet, is a sassy attitude.
"It takes someone who has a certain amount of confidence, but at the same time, derby is a huge confidence builder," McAlister said.
"(Carmen Slamdiego) is a sexy pinup girl, but she's a demon on skates."
CCRG Boot Camp
Where: Skate Around USA
Cost: $3 skate rental
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