Arizona Derby Dames promote ‘Whip It’
Jacqueline Bernatt
“Whip It” hit the theaters, and was locally promoted by Arizona Derby Dames (AZDD). The film showcases what roller derby is all about, it is Drew Barrymore’s debut as a director, and was written by Shauna Cross. Cross was a derby player in California, and her experiences served as inspiration for the story.Roller Derby was invented in the U. S., and in recent years has experienced revival.
This resurrection began in Austin, TX. Unlike the original roller derbies, today’s national movement is self ran by women with feministic ideal, sassy attitude, and do it yourself mentality.
AZDD is a homemade, homegrown, and community based derby league independent of other derby associations. It’s a league known for its entertaining qualities, and hard work in the rink.
“It’s a sport, our girls are athletes. But, other leagues have made it much more of a sport. Our league has worked hard to keep it a mixture of both sport and performance. Fans come to see a show,” Says All the Way Mae, one of four founding females of AZDD.
An Arizona native, she’s been a flight attendant, and works as a substitute teacher in her, “general life.” Along with the other founders she’s run this league.
“We have skill, but we’ve [also] got a little jiggin’, jaggin’, and jivin’ because the crowd loves that.” explained Captain of the Brutal Beauties, Red Rocker.
Rocker is a local business owner, and one of the many personalities that keep fans coming back.
AZDD is not just about skating. These ladies have created a group that is very locally supportive; working with groups like the Mana House and the Boys and Girls Club.
They participate in food drives, and adopt families during the Christmas season. In fact the only money that goes directly to financing the league is earned by ticket sales.
Tickets that will be in higher demand with the coming season.
“Look for a more exciting game. We are going to be skating on a bank track, the way roller derby should be skated in my opinion. It’s harder, faster, and more challenging for our girls,” Mae said.
Rocker agreed, “I’m so excited about the bank track. We played on one in Texas, just getting on that thing…you go like 35 miles per hour.”
AZDD came from humble beginnings skating in parking garages and parks. Now they will be one of five or six leagues in the country to have a bank track. Bank track bouts will start in the new season in March.
But, no need to wait until till then to catch some of the action. Oct. 17 there’s about and free skate at the Skateland 1101 W. Ray Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance, $8 at the door, and as always children are free.
Forget Bob Dylan, AZDD is also a main attraction at the Arizona State Fair this year. The Nov. 5 bout is free with a fair ticket and are half-priced with promo code azdda09.
