Madison Roller Derby micro dance party

On November 23, I was a guest DJ at the halftime of Madison Roller Derby’s bout. A few brave souls joined roller derby skaters on the floor to “roll out the barrel” and dance to the “Pennsylvania Polka.” 

What MRD means to me

I wrote about why mashing up roller derby and polka was meaningful to me in the Shotski Lodge. Here’s the story:

Madison has been the home of a vibrant roller derby scene since MRD started in 2004. Back in 2014, I needed an outlet. I had gone to lots of roller derby bouts and loved the action. I had heard that the recreational league was a vibrant community of people. I hadn’t planned on roller derby changing my life. But it did.

Then known as the Mad Wreckin’ Dolls, the Wreckers gathered weekly to learn the fundamentals of roller derby. Honestly, I was TERRIBLE at it. But being objectively “good” at the game wasn’t the point. The point was to get exercise with a community of supportive people. I learned about how to get up when I fell down, how to keep my cool when facing a physical and mental challenge, and I learned the difference between being hurt and being injured. Skating helped me be aware of my balance on icy sidewalks too. It was life changing.

That’s why when polka fan Jo approached me at a gig to ask if I could throw a mini polka party at the halftime of a Madison Roller Derby bout, it was an immediate YES. Thanks for hosting me, MRD!