Roller skating has been experiencing a larger than life revival thanks to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Combining rhythm, style, and impeccable playlists fuelled by disco bangers and a wealth of hip-hop and R&B, agile influencers have been rolling through our feeds at an alarming rate, and we can’t stop watching.

Riffing on nostalgia from bygone eras such as the 70s groovy scene and even the roller skating birthday parties you had as a kid, quad skaters are getting a workout while entertaining us with their moves. Despite its recent uptick online, the truth is that roller skating never went anywhere. If you have the chance, check out the amazing documentary United Skates by filmmakers Tina Brown and Dyana Winkler. Produced by John Legend, the film documents how Black American communities not only made the sport what it is today, but also kept skate culture alive and well despite the fact that the scene is under threat as rinks around the country shutter.

When there isn’t a rink nearby, thankfully, there’s a boardwalk or a skatepark in close distance that many skaters have been using to test their new tricks—while getting a few cuts and bruises along the way. 

We reached out to a few of our favorite personalities who are making waves from coast to coast to find out what lights their disco fire and keeps them skating. Give our Roller Skating Playlist a spin while you read along.

Jasmine Moore
INSTAGRAM

What is your star sign? 

My star sign is a Taurus, but I’m a Virgo Moon and a Scorpio Rising. 

How did you get into roller skating?

I got into skating at a very young age. Everyone in my neighbourhood had some form of wheels that they were masterful at. My wheels of choice were roller skates, but once I grew out of my skates, I didn’t purchase another pair until last summer, and it’s been history ever since. 

What do you do when you’re not skating?  

When I’m not skating, I’m typically focusing on my studies because I’m a college student, despite the fact that we’re on summer holiday. I love to read, tend to my home garden, and play with my cats.

What is your favourite roller skating move?

My favourite roller skating move has got to be either 360s or moonwalking. I remember how desperately I wanted to learn how to moonwalk on skates. The move can be sped up or slowed down for maximum fluidity, and it just makes me feel like I’m walking on air.

If you could skate anywhere in the world, where would it be?  

That’s a difficult question to answer, especially in these times of COVID where it feels like some days I’d rather be anywhere than home. It would probably be either Australia, because I have so many skate friends there, or some tropical island where every breeze feels like paradise.

Do you have any advice for aspiring roller skaters?

Don’t be afraid to fall. The sooner you learn that it is part of the process, you’ll begin to make progress so much faster than you would imagine. Another large piece of advice I have is to listen to your body. Body awareness is so important! The faster you learn to accept the limits you can go to, [the easier] it will be to assess when you can make growth in bigger ways! Also, stretching is very important and wearing protective gear. I need to throw that in there even though I’m a culprit of going gearless at times.

What was the first concert you ever went to?

The first concert I ever went to was actually to see Rihanna in 2010 at the Honda Center for her LOUD Tour, back when she had the fiery red hair. I remember screaming at the top of my lungs as all my favourite songs blared through the speakers. My favourite song at the time was “Only Girl (In The World).” The deep house beat and Rihanna’s unique vocals had me sold from the first four counts.

What was the first album you ever bought with your own money?

Beyoncé’s 4 in 2011. I remember saving my lunch money bit by bit so I could buy it. My favourite tracks on it would have to be “Party,” “Love on Top,” and “Countdown.” Beyoncé has always inspired me as a musician, performer, and overwhelmingly as an entrepreneur!

What lyric would you get a tattoo of?

I will unapologetically say I’m a gigantic Fleetwood Mac fan; it’s seriously the epitome of feel-good music. The lyric that I would get a tattoo of would definitely be from “Dreams” on the Rumors album. The line, “When the rain washes you clean, you’ll know…you’ll know” has always resonated with me on such a profound level.

What album or song is guaranteed to get you dancing?

An album that is guaranteed to get me dancing from start to finish is Earth, Wind, and Fire’s 1979 album, I Am. It’s the perfect soundtrack to put on behind a groovy dance sesh and reminds me of car rides with my mom. Much of my love for oldies stems from both of my parents always playing music around me. 

Marician Dedeaux Brown
INSTAGRAM / TIKTOK 

What is your star sign? 

I am an outgoing Gemini.

How did you get into roller skating?

I was lying in bed one morning and scrolled down my timeline on TikTok and saw amazing skaters, so I got inspired, bought some skates, and have enjoyed it since.

What do you do when you’re not skating?

I am an active duty Marine, and when I’m not at work or skating I enjoy playing Fortnite and spending time with my family. 

What is your favourite roller skating move?

The grapevine, even though I can’t do it yet! I love spins too!

If you could skate anywhere in the world, where would it be?

The Skate Love festival in Barcelona!  

Do you have any advice for aspiring roller skaters?

My advice is to get up and do it! Don’t let outside influences keep you from pursuing something.

What was the first concert you ever went to?

My very first concert was a K Camp concert at a club in Mississippi (that’s where I’m from). I’ve seen him twice in concert and was never disappointed.

What was the first album you ever bought with your own money?

I literally smiled reading these music questions. The first album I ever bought was Britney Spears’ album, Britney, in 2001. I was really young when I bought it with my allowance money.

What lyric would you get a tattoo of?

Probably a lyric from a Drake song.

What album or song is guaranteed to get you dancing?

The one and only “Back That Azz Up” by Juvenile!

Deveja ( De-Vor-Jay) Webb
INSTAGRAM / TIKTOK

What is your star sign? 

Scorpio.

How did you get into roller skating?

Skating was a beautiful outlet for me as a child when things became overwhelming. A safe space to learn to be positive and also be around music.

What do you do when you’re not skating?  

I’m a photographer, and that has become my second love. Creating and telling stories through images and fashion. In short, anything that’s positive is where I gravitate. 

What is your favourite roller skating move?

It’s very hard to pick a certain move, but I’ll say technical spinning or jumping. 

If you could skate anywhere in the world, where would it be?  

A beautiful oak floor in the middle of a beautiful modern home.

Do you have any advice for aspiring roller skaters?

Style and self-confidence is important. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the bevy of styles. Finding your style is important and will get you farther than anything.

What was the first concert you ever went to?

Never been to a concert, but I will eventually break that out. 

What was the first album you ever bought with your own money?

I love old music and finding out that my grandad was a DJ. I’ve had the luxury of never having to invest money to enjoy great music.

What lyric would you get a tattoo of?

“I want to go outside in the rain” by The Delfonics.

What album or song is guaranteed to get you dancing?

“Malibu” by Anderson .Paak 

Kaitlin Espinoza
INSTAGRAM / TIKTOK

What is your star sign? 

Scorpio.

How did you get into roller skating? 

I love going to the beach, and I always saw roller skaters and I fell in love with it. I started going to rinks and had dreams of roller skating, so I decided to invest in my first pair, and now here I’m skating through life. 

What do you do when you’re not skating?  

When I’m not skating I’m spending time with my close friends and family. I really value my alone time as well so I love to do yoga, meditate, read, and water my plants.

What is your favourite roller skating move?

Spins. They’re so fun and look really cool!

If you could skate anywhere in the world, where would it be?  

I would absolutely love to skate in Tokyo. The city looks so vibrant and very skateable. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring roller skaters?

My advice for any aspiring skater is to just go for it. Anything involved with skating takes commitment. Skate as much as you can, and you will get better day by day. Be fearless and have fun!

What was the first concert you ever went to?

The first concert I ever attended was actually a music festival. It was the Odd Future Carnival, where I saw artists like Frank Ocean, Mac Miller, and Tyler the Creator. 

What was the first album you ever bought with your own money?

A physical copy of Lady Gaga’s Fame. Still a good album today.

What lyric would you get a tattoo of?

A line from Jhené Aiko’s song, “Psilocybin (Love in Full Effect),” which says, “No fear you are here.” That specific lyric reminds me that there is nothing to fear from the past or the future because the present moment is here and is the only thing promised.

What album or song is guaranteed to get you dancing?

A song that is guaranteed to get me dancing is “One Kiss” by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa. That song is so groovy and upbeat; it’s hard to not want to dance. 

Patricia Plinzke
INSTAGRAM / TIKTOK

What is your star sign?

Taurus. And my food habits would agree!  

How did you get into roller skating? 

I moved to Los Angeles from New York in 2018. I was new to the city, and I didn’t really know anyone. I brought my rollerblades with me and had a deep desire to develop that skill. I decided to go to the roller rink, and while I was there, quite a few people asked me why I was on blades. I told them, “It’s all I’ve ever tried.” They encouraged me to expand my skating horizons and buy some skates. My first couple sessions were a learning process, but once it clicked I never looked back. Roller skates are the best. 

What is your favourite roller skating move? 

I love spinning on my toes. Freest feeling in the world!

If you could skate anywhere in the world, where would it be?  

I would love to skate all around the world, but feeling super blessed that I live so close to Venice Beach.]

Do you have any advice for aspiring roller skaters?

Practice, practice, and more practice. Also do not be afraid to fall. You learn from every mistake you make. If skating speaks to your heart and soul, no obstacle will stop you from becoming great. May all of your skating goals be achieved.

What was the first concert you ever went to?

The Backstreet Boys. 

What was the first album you ever bought with your own money? 

Lady Gaga’s Fame.

What lyric would you get a tattoo of?

“Cause after the storm is when the flowers bloom.” – Kali Uchis 

What album or song is guaranteed to get you dancing?

“Dang!” By Mac Miller feat. Anderson. Paak. It’s a great song to skate to.