When I was a little kid, there was a roller rink in my neighbourhood that hosted birthday parties, family-friendly events, and fun weekend disco nights. I always loved the whole scene: the DJ, the music, the skate games, the mirror ball, the lights. The whole thing was a vibe, long before I even knew what that meant!
Rollerskating has always been an important subculture, specifically within Black communities, rich with history and deep cultural roots.
Over the course of the pandemic, rollerskating has become more popular among the mainstream, especially thanks to social media platforms like IG and TikTok.
I have been having such a good time learning more about the history and practices of rollerskating, and I am excited to share some of what I have learned so far with other beginners like me!
Rollerskating is such a fun and versatile activity, and a great, low-impact way to move your body. Whether you want to incorporate some fun dance moves, cruise around a rink, or stretch out your wheels in the sunny outdoors, the first step is getting comfortable on your skates.
If you are a beginner, like me, here is some introductory information and some basic tips to get you started on your rollerskating journey!