Exploring the Detroit Skate Style: Origins and Techniques

Exploring the Detroit Skate Style: Origins and Techniques

Detroit is also arguably the home of Rhythm Skating. Skeptical? Did you know Bill Butler, the Godfather of Roller disco, practiced his skating in Detroit before leaving for New York and making history?

 

A man and a woman holding each other ands and skating

 

Did you know trains and trios were started in Detroit and refined in New York?

Well if you don’t know, now you know. Buckle up, because today we talking about Detroit, home to the most dedicated skaters west of the Mississippi.

 

I remember my first time seeing someone skate the Detroit style. I was in high school skating at the Golden Glide. A man who had never came to the family session was there, probably warming up for adult night.

He skated with Brain aka ‘Killa B’ all session, so I knew he was about business. The wildest part were the skates. He skated in rhythm skating boots, but he wore rubber toe stops that he used to help with stops and pivots.

At the Golden Glide, everyone wore jam plugs. I didn’t know that people style skated in toe stops.

Additionally, he was sliding all over the place. I wouldn’t find out until later, Detroit skaters use harder slicker wheels to aid with slides.

 

How Did The Detroit Style Start?

 

Rhythm Skating history is tied closely to African American history. In fact, a large and thriving population of African Americans is one of the predictors of a strong skate culture. The spread of roller skating is tied directly to the expansion of the African diaspora in the United states.

The rise of many of the great skate styles in the Mid-West follow this pattern. In the 1910s to the 1970s, during the Great Migration, many Black families fled the South seeking better lives in the Midwest and northern regions of the USA.

The auto industry in Detroit also brought many families to the area.

 

The Basics

 

To learn about the foundations of the Detroit roller skating style, specifically the moves people do in the rink, I spoke with Nolan Edwards the founder of Motown Roller Club.

He helped me find the some specific steps in the styles. The Detroit style also has one well defined vocabulary of moves, turns, and sequences. Some of these moves include the Kenny Mike, and the Pepsi. Another foundation Detroit style move is the “Half Turn”. Ed Reese, a Detroit skating master, describes the “Half Turn” as a 180-degree pivot.

The “Half Turn” is a common transition that goes by many names. It’s a similar concept as what modern skaters describe as ‘The Book’ but with momentum. Another popular move is the “Pontiac”.  I put examples of the moves below if you want to see them.

What is Open House?

After speaking to Nolan, I want to learn even more about Detroit.  Skate history can be difficult to confirm, so I wanted to go to the source. That’s why I decided to read all of the volumes  The Evolution of Skating, a roller skating anthology dedicated to sharing skater stories. I learned more about the long history of sliding in Detroit in the second volume of the antholgy.

There is even a special time in the session called “Open House” where skaters slide from the middle of the floor to the wall. “Open House” has developed a lot over time.

 

Back in the day, as Kevin Williams describes, “Open House” used to be a ‘no holds barred’ skating session where skaters were liable to get injured.

 

The first time Williams skated during “Open House”, he remembers seeing a skater “turn sideways, put his elbows up and smash into a skater twenty feet from” him. Kevin recounts in he “knocked two people out and [has] broken someone’s jaw vertically” skating during Open House (64).

 

Evolution of Skating Volume 2 Cover

Kevin Williams speaks about the rules of “Open House” in the 80’s in the second volume of  The Evolution of Skating. The Evolution of Skating is a collection of skater biographies that I used to learn more about skate history. 

Back in the day, as Kevin describes, the time used to be a ‘no holds barred’ skating session where skaters were liable to get injured. The first time Williams skated during “Open House”, he remembers seeing a skater “turn sideways, put his elbows up and smash into a skater twenty feet from” him. Kevin recounts in he “knocked two people out and [has] broken someone’s jaw vertically” skating during Open House (64).

 

An excerpt from the Evolution of Skating
An excerpt from the evolution of skating

Conclusion

 Now “Open House” runs like every other special skate. To learn more about the Detroit Style and see these unique skaters yourself, you can read The Evolution of Skating. Until next time, see you BOSS Twizzy.  

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Why Is The DMV Called Snapcity? | What Is Snapping?

Why Is The DMV Called Snapcity? | What Is Snapping?

Have you ever seen skaters gliding across the floor with their arms hooked while a skater twist, pivots, and turns in the front?  That’s a roller skating routine known as “Snapping”.

I saw skaters “Snapping” for the first time as a freshman at Howard University located in the heart of Washington, DC. Temple Hills Skate Palace was closed down at the time, so I took the metro from Howard to Lanaham Skate Center.

The trip takes about 1hr and 30 min – 47 min, if you do not miss any busses. I needed to skate though.

When I arrived, I had time to at the warm up before formally being introduced to Snapping. As I rounded the corner of the large smooth, slick  floor at Lanham, the DJ bellowed “Trains and Trios”, a call I had never heard before, so I skated off the floor to watch and take notes. It seemed like everyone had their friends to roller skate with the second the DJ breathed on the mic to stop the track.

 

Group of men snapping on rhythm skates<br />

“Trains and trios” are a rhythm skating routine in which skaters lock hands and perform different maneuvers. Skaters use the terms interchangeably in the modern era, but in the past the distinctions between trains, trios, and quads were more pronounced in the language.

When skaters “Snap” together, they link arms while the skater in the front uses the line of skaters for leverage to perform different maneuvers. As the skaters go around the rink, the line of skaters alternates leaders. There are different routines and timings, but that’s the general idea.

What Is A Snapping?

“Snapping” is a roller skating style developed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia aka, the DMV.  “Snapping” is a combination of pivots, turns, and routines. Snapping is a skate style with a history and technique system that began developing in the 70s and 80s.

A”Snap”,  is a one-foot pivot. Snaps are the building blocks of “Snapping”, the style. In fact, the first piece of advice master snappers give learn the Snap on both legs, front to back and back to front. That’s why I can make a tutorial about how to do a single Snap ethically. If you’re looking to try “snapping” for yourself, this tutorial can help you start.  

a chart describing the basics of snapping the roller skate style

“Snapping” can be done alone or in a group. In the modern age, skaters snap on trains or trios, a group of skaters linking arms. Sometimes skaters create snap routines with unlinked arms. 

The name  “Snapping” was given to the style over time. According to Derrick Craddock of the RSSC of Baltimore, a group of skaters from Baltimore, people started to call the style snapping because of the smooth ‘snap’ that the skaters in the area turned with.

I was able to get some exclusive pictures of the RSSC from back in the day. If you want to learn more about the “RSSC of Baltimore” check out their Instagram for all of the OG footage.

 

Conclusion

“Snapping” is a skate style from the DMV, known for it’s fast intricate footwork and athletic acrobatic movements around the outside of the rink. In Snapcity, skaters use stiff high top boots with jam plugs and hard wheels. The hard wheels make it easier to pivot at high speeds. Without being so slick that they impede maneuverability.

 The legacy of Snapping continues to grow and develop. I’m currently living in Washington D.C and I’m using the time to experience Snapping first hand.  I like to make Snapping show cases on my roller skating channel Rhythm Skating .  Groups like The Link Up through events around the DMV and when they do I come out. 

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Rolling Through History: The Origin of Atlanta Skate Style

Rolling Through History: The Origin of Atlanta Skate Style

I grew up skating in Atlanta and the first style I learned was the Atlanta style; however, I never got the whole story behind the style until now, and now I want to share it with the world. To learn more about the Atlanta style, I talked with Tony Sailor of the “Sick on Skates Crew”.

The Origins of The ATL Style

Tony taught me that in the past, different groups of skaters would form crews and the teams would strut their stuff as they skate around the rink. Roller skaters in the ATL influenced the cities dance culture as well. 

The roots of the Atlanta skate culture go back to FDC “Fresh Dance Crew” of the late 70’s early 80’s during the Jellybean Era and Late Sharron Showcase Era. Jellybean was a roller-skating rink and home for artists and performers in the Atlanta area. As Roller Sk8 Berlin points out “Jellybean was once located in the Ben Hill community in the southwestern part of Atlanta. Jellybean is remembered as “The Master of All Roller Rinks” in Atlanta.” You can learn more about the origins of the Atlanta skate style in my rhythm skating history recap.

I grew up roller skating in Atlanta practicing elements of all of the moves in the Atlanta style, but I never knew the name. I was so cool getting a chance to sit down with Tony and identify different move names and origins.

a chart describing the basics of the atlanta roller skate style

  Atlanta skaters skate like TI and them in the movie. That’s why many Atlanta skaters skate in modified speed skater set ups.

The Carrera’s have the ATL in a strangle hold. The first step to being an Atlanta skater is getting a pair of Carrera’s or Carrera type jam skates and learning to ryde TO THIS DAY! In fact, my first skate was a Riedell R3 with jam plugs.

As Atlanta skaters mature and begin skating different styles, they eventually adopt more traditional Rhythm Skating set ups. Many Atlanta skaters skate their whole lives in the modified speed set ups as well.

 

ATL Routines

“The Stab”

“The Stab” a move created during the Jellybean Era, was originally called the “Al Toe” after the creator of the movement.  The name was changed to “The Stab” to describe the motion and execution of the movement. Skaters pick their feet up to 90 and then stab it across their leg.

“The Prep”

“The Prep” is a routine made by a crew called “The Preps”. Known for their distinctive style and precise skate moves, these skaters dress in preppy clothing i.e. their name the “Preps”. 

 

 

“Ryding”

“Ryding” is a routine that has been shortened but still widely practiced. The strides are a lunge like moves on quad skates. Different stride-like moves have different names depending on the style. For example, skaters’ stride in Ohio, Cali, and New York, but the definition and application changes between these moves.  RYDING was “designed to hit hard” according to Tony Sailor the leader of the @sickonsickcrew.  

As time passed, skaters developed routines and new names emerged.  The current era’s routines have the same elements as the original routines, but changed slightly due to limited information on the original routines. 

Dunbeezytv demonstrating atl ryding on roller skates

Learn RYDE ON SKATES

If you want to try the ATL style, I made a tutorial on How to Ryde. I am also working with the “Sick on Skates” crew to create more ATL style tutorials. 

Stay Tuned!

Conclusion 

The Atlanta skate scene goes way back to the late 70s and 80s when rollerskating was all the rage. The ATL stylgrew the style origeinated inside roller rinks and on dance floors. What makes the ATL style unique is its development alongside the Yeek dance movement. Skaters in Atlanta form crews, and they represent their crews with routines around the rink.

Nowadays, skaters still rock the rink, forming crews and showing off their routines. The Bad Boys Skate Crew and  S.Q.U.A.D are still keeping it real and inspiring the next generation of skaters. Wanna know more? Check out the creators mentioned in this blog, they know their stuff!

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The Roller Skating Paradise You Never Knew About: Memphis, Tennessee

The Roller Skating Paradise You Never Knew About: Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee is famous for it’s dancing, BBQ, and as we are going to learn today, their skate community too.

If you’re anything like me, you didn’t know about all of the amazing things that come out of the city of Memphis. I learned about the city’s deep skate history when I started studying to create a Rhythm Skating Map, a graphic that summarizes the origins of different skate styles.

 

When I made my first draft, I asked my roller skating friends from around the world for input. My friend Ebony aka Coach E introduced me to the world of Memphis Skating and I’ve been running down the rabbit hole ever since.

Ebony is the branding manger for Southern Roll Memphis, movement started in Memphis Tennessee.  She introduced me to our teacher for the day,  Lukki aka Mr. Southern Roll.

 

A roller skating woman posing on a flier for beginner lessons
Lukki standing with Ms. Kaskille

Lukki, born in Chicago, learned to skate from Michael Winfield. As a jit Lukki delivered papers by skateboard and skates. 

Back in the day, he was a speed and style skater, but when he went to Memphis, he fell in love with the roll and saw how great the roller skate community is down south. So, he moved.

 

 

After living in Memphis for sometime, Lukki began to organize events in Memphis and even eventually started the Southern Roll Memphis National skate jam.

Memphis Skate Techniques

a chart describing the basics of the Memphis<br />
roller skate style

Lukki told me he saw the culture in Memphis change throughout the years. Historically, Memphis is known for strong ‘outside’ skating. The “outside” is skater talk for the space outside the middle of the rink.

Memphis also has its own unique skating techniques like ‘Memphis Wall Riding’ and ‘Memphis Slow Walking’. ‘Wall Riding’ is when you do this cool footwork style along the outside rink that’s slow and mellow. Sometimes skaters ‘Wall Ride’ alone, but most times skaters ‘Wall Ride’ in groups.

 

To learn the history of Jookin and Jookin on skates, I spoke to Eli Boyce aka @EliSkateGod901.

 Eli taught me that historically, middle work wasn’t a big part of the Memphis style, but it’s becoming more popular now. In the 2000s, different styles and parties helped middle work become more prominent. Another roller skate culture was formed in Memphis around middle and battle skaters.

The next skate style we are going to learn about is Memphis Jookin’ on skates. Before we can talk about that, we need to learn a little about jookin.  Memphis Jookin is a style of dance that originated in Memphis, Tennessee. It is characterized by fluid footwork, gliding, and popping and locking movements. It is often danced to hip-hop or rap music and has gained popularity in recent years.

Eli Skate God rhythm skating in a soul train line

Conclusion

Memphis skaters are amazing. To prepare for my history video on Memphis, I made a reaction video using clips from the skaters I mention in the history video. Each skater I mentioned in the reaction taught me about a piece of Memphis history that helped make the video and blog special.

That’s why I want to shout them out and say thank you. This video and blog will help you get started on your journey through Memphis Skate culture.  Please comment down below if you have any questions or anything to add !

 

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What Is JB Skating?

What Is JB Skating?

 The next stop on our roller skating history train is Chicago, the home of JB. 

JB stands for James Brown. Chicago skaters are know as such, because they skate to Chicago grown tracks remixed with James Brown samples.

The first style I wanted to learn growing up was JB. I used to go to the Saturday family session at the Golden Glide and follow my favorite JB skaters around all session. I started my journey as a Youtuber to make videos like the JB skaters I used to watch growing up. 

Although I have been exposed to JB, I’m far from an expert. In order to learn more about the history of Chicago skating I spoke to several Chicago skaters.

James Brown performs at the rock festival held at Roosevelt Raceway in New York on August 12, 1972

Who created JB?

 The first skater I spoke to was Reggie Brown, a native Chicagoian and JB master featured in the documentary United Skates of America. Brown told me,

The roots of JB go back into the 1930s. The roots of JB skating go all the way back to the Savoy Ballroom during the Lindy hop era. The Savoy was the rink where African Americans had their own skate nights in Chicago. They used to dress up and show they had class along with skill. The skate guards at the Savoy were some of the best skaters in the world. 

The Savoy had multiple bands that played non stop music all night.  Those adult black sessions would laid the foundation for JB and what would be known as the midnight ramble. 

 

Group of people roller skating at the Savoy Bathroom in Chicago
Couple roller skating at the savoy ball room

The Moves

Brown went on to say that some of the foundational moves in the JB stye are the “Gangsta Walk, Bucket Walk, Short Step, Long Step, Cissy Strut, Godfather and Big Wheel.”  

To find out what each of these moves looked like, I researched another JB master, Calvin Smalls. In the New York Times YouTube video about titled “Dance in Chicago: Skating With James Brown James Brown’s Style”, Smalls describes the history of JB and the creation of several foundational moves that he and his friends created.  

The Equipment 

So, what do JB skaters use to skate? The answer varies. In the past, skaters used high cut flexible boots like the Hyde’s. 

As times change, skaters are beginning to use different boots. Some new school skaters have transitioned to stiff high cut boots. 

 

While the stiffness of the boot may vary,  the wheels, toe stops, and moves remain the same. JB is a legacy built. 

a chart describing the basics of the jb roller skate style

After learning from Smalls, I collected all of my favorite JB videos on Youtube and created a reaction video. To see examples of JB from different eras, check out my whole reaction video. I’ve been watching JB videos since I was 16, so there’s some classics in there.

Conclusion 

“JB skating” stands for James Brown skating and it’s a smooth style of skating that originated in Chicago. JB skaters are known for their distinct skating vocabulary and smooth footwork as well as the homegrown and mixed tracked they skate to.

If you want to continue your journey down the JB rabbit hole, check out the skaters I mentioned in the blog today or watch my whole video on JB history. Until next time, see ya Boss Tweezy!.

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