Today in Lansing: Learn to skate with the Derby Vixens

2:45 to 5 p.m.

$15

The Summit Sports and Ice Complex

9410 Davis Hwy., Dimondale

Click here for more information

Curious to test your mettle as a derby player? This event will teach you the basics while providing derby equipment for free. Just don’t forget to bring your mouth guard and water, said interleague coordinator Eve, also known in the rink as Evasive Species.

Included in admission, an RSVP will guarantee the roller skate shoe size for new skaters.

“The most fantastic thing about roller derby is its accessibility to people who may not see themselves as an athlete, or have the potential to be an athlete,” said Eve. “We have players from 18-years-old, to somebody who is 52. She stomps a lot of us.”

Eve said the Derby Vixens don’t expect people to come prepared with a lot of roller skating experience. “Since it is not taught in schools, we realize there’s not a population rolling around out there that knows about roller skating,” said Eve.

Playing for three years on the Vixens, Eve said her own ability is testament to the training. “When you first start, people hit you and you fall down all the time,” said Eve. “Now some of the best people can hit me and I’ll stand in the same spot.”

Today’s derby isn’t mindless violence where anything goes, said Eve. “There is no punching, pulling of the hair and throwing elbows, though it is full contact,” said Eve. “At sanctioned games, there are seven referees and they make sure things are safe.”

For those interested in derby, there are other ways to get involved besides becoming a player, said Eve. “We need refs on skates; we can also use nonskating officials like coaches and trainers — people on the board.”

Derby and its governing body, the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, is very inclusive to all skaters.

“Roller derby traditionally has been a safe haven for LGBTQ community,” said Eve. “Maybe people who haven't found acceptance in other sports, find acceptance in an athletic outlet with roller derby. It has been awesome to watch that.”

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