archive six

30 August 10

Rat City Rollergirls Flash Mob

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of bearing witness to a flash mob at the Seattle Center, orchestrated by Seattle’s own Rat City Rollergirls. They danced to Word Up by Cameo, and treated us to a real jam for their big finale. As I was too busy filming it I wasn’t able to take any photos, but here are some stills to tide you over until I finish editing & uploading my footage.

7 May 10

Comments

Hell On Wheels

Before our Unicorn-overload last night, Ann and I attended a screening of Hell On Wheels at Central Cinema hosted by the Rat City Rollergirls, followed by a Q&A with director Bob Ray. After ordering our drinks (two Mac & Jacks for me, thx), we settled in for a wild ride full of passion, sweat, tears, derby politics, bitch-fits, and tons of drama. It definitely shed some light on a grittier side of the sport not many outsiders are aware of, and we left with a greater respect for these kick-ass women. I give this film two very enthusiastic thumbs up.

Hell on Wheels takes a from-the-trenches look at the dizzying clash of athleticism, exhibitionism, egos, politics and business that is modern-era roller derby. A group of hard-hitting Texas women overcome myriad obstacles in resurrecting and revamping the sport, only to find internal strife ripping the fledgling organization apart. Two leagues emerge from the clash, and what follows ignites an international roller derby revival.