what is fast backwards?
Fast backwards is a pretty straight forward style, but there are some details that are easy to miss. Fun fact 1 is there is more than one fast backwards routine.
When skaters create routines in rinks, they have to create them flexibly to account for turns and traffic. For example, skaters always use footwork variations to optimize speed while turning. In addition to this inherent variance, clubs, friends, and teams also create their own routines.
Who Created Fastbackwards ?
Fast Backwards is a roller skating routine credited and popularized in rinks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which henceforth shall the city be addressed by its colloquial title Philly.
According to Ice From Philly, like the artist formally known as Prince, yes you gotta say the whole thing,
Fast backwards was founded at the following rinks: Elmwood Street, St. Charles, Chevous (69th), Lancaster, Carmen Gardens in Philly and Skateland, Garden State, and Franksville in South Jersey.
Today, I want to point out 3 things you might not have known about fast backwards, because I didn’t know until I did some research.
When do I fast backwards?
Fast backwards skating is a common call like “trains and trios”. ‘Call’ is a term some skaters use to describe when the DJ announces a special type of skating. For example, the DJ might say “guys skate”, gals skate”, or “backwards skate” and everyone on the floor follows the DJ’s instructions. There is even special music for the fast backwards.
Generally, fast backwards is accompanied by up tempo funk, hip hop, or house music.
Conclusion
Where and how people do “fast backwards” changes, but the desire to skate backwards fast does not. Skates move well in similar patterns, so it’s natural we would create similar techniques. I will get into the specifics of fast backwards in different countries in a later video.
Today’s history lesson is the start of a deep dive in to Philly roller skating history. I just finished all four books in The Evolution of Skating. I’m working on more rhythm skating history videos now. Subscribe on Youtube, so if you want more skate history content, tap into Rhythm Skating on Instagram and Youtube.