Conversation
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Conversation: Roller Derby Girls |
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Written by Celina Mincey
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No doubt this is a common fantasy: dozens of women dressed in short-shorts and stockings, a physically active group, ready to release some pent-up aggression. It could all be yours for 8,000 square feet. The Charlotte Roller Girls have arrived, adding a unique athletic event to Charlotte’s big-league sports offerings. Thousands of people turned out for their last bout at Cricket Arena, which was complete with music, announcers, half-time shows (in the case of roller derby I guess that’d be between period shows), and crowd giveaways. Cress Barnes, a.k.a. Lucy Kwipment, is one of the league’s founders. Barnes explains that roller derby offers fans the right balance between sport and show. The only thing they don’t have is a practice home right here in Charlotte. The team is grateful for their relationship with Kate’s Skating Rink in Gastonia, but aren’t crazy about the drive or the seclusion. They like to be accessible to their fans. The perks of becoming a ‘derbyite’ include watching the bouts right from the playing floor, talking to the athletes after the games, and even attending the same after-parties (where the stars aren’t locked away in a V.I.P. booth). Charlotteans are responding. The Charlotte Roller girls have larger turnouts than the more established Raleigh team and the number of fans (and league participants) is growing with every bout. Some local fans even traveled to their last match-up to watch the Charlotte girls take Savannah into overtime and come out on top, 88-86.
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