Charm City Roller Derby

The origins of roller derby date back to the 1930s, when Chicago-based sports promoter Leo Seltzer got the idea after he read that over 90% of Americans had roller-skated at least once. He determined that culturally, America was primed to accept a sport like roller derby. It did not survive as a profession support, but since 2003 its revival has centered on all-women teams and a ethos of inclusivity. It caters to the strange and the offbeat, and that’s reflected in its community and culture.

Camera: Charlie Weber, Ashley Avila, Colin Stucki, Gabrielle Puglisi
Editing: Ashley Avila

[Catalog No. CFV11237; © Smithsonian Institution, 2020]

Видео Charm City Roller Derby канала Smithsonian Folklife