Roller derby didn’t go the way of its tube sox-wearing fore sisters. It's here to stay.
I guess one should never underestimate the power of fierce women in fishnets.
Experience the budding Tampa Bay, family-friendly tradition firsthand at the Derby Darlins Kick Off, starting their 2012 home season with a Bruise Crew bout on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the USA Skateplex.
The Bruise Crew, a Tampa B-level travel team, takes on The South Florida Roller Girls from Fort Pierce. Also, give a hearty welcome to recent transfer to TBDD, Jenn “Liquor Possi” Possick.
Possick says she’s “so excited” about her new life as Darlin and Bruise cruiser. “I have looked up to Tampa for my entire roller derby career,” she adds.
If you go, bring folding chairs for close-up, trackside seating. The night’s activities will include halftime entertainment, raffle prizes, a skater autograph zone after the bouts and a surprise celebrity whistle blower.
If you’re a woman who has pined for the rink, the Tampa Bay Derby Darlins is currently recruiting new skaters.
Tryouts are Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. at USA Skateplex. The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins’ 2012 home season will continue with the The Black Widows vs. The Switchblade Sisters on March 3. Sat., Jan. 28.
Also a source of pride in Tampa Bay’s cultural scene, the reputed Moving Current Dance Collective electrifies the stage with kinetic wonders that are at once sensuous, athletic and intriguingly unique. Celebrate MC’s 14th season with an eclectic blend of modern dance.
Artistic directors Shelley Bourgeois, Erin Cardinal and Cindy Hennessy collaborate with guest choreographer George Staib, artistic director of Atlanta’s Staibdance, to present new and restaged works. Staib’s work has been staged in London, Prague and Italy, and critics have bandied about such glowing praise as “magnetic, tense and euphoric” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).
Staib’s “Lullaby”, a work for seven dancers, shows how minor annoyances can affect relationships and begin to destroy them. What’s more is the piece looks at the dynamics between a man and a woman who can no longer coexist and subconsciously crave conflict.
Well, then. Those who can’t relate to the art form of dance can certainly relate to the compulsive dysfunctions of doomed relationships, and if you can’t relate to either one, get thee to a nunnery.
Moving Current performance info: Jan. 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. University of South Florida, Theater 1, 3829 W. Holly Ave, Tampa; $16 general admission, $12 for seniors (60 and older) and $11 for students w/ID, info@movingcurrent.com or call 813-237-0216.
Derby Darlins' Kick Off info: Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the bout begins at 8. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available day of event at the door of the Skateplex for $12. Advance tickets are $10 and can be purchased from your favorite TBDD skater. Students, military, and derby girl discounts are available. info@tampabayderbydarlins.com. Photo by Christopher Weeks.
This article appears in Jan 19-25, 2012.