Roller disco coming to Delacombe

BALLARAT and Surf Coast roller skating groups are joining forces to host a first-of-its-kind event in Delacombe on 31 August.

The Roller Dance Workshop and Disco will be held at Doug Dean Stadium from 3.30pm to 8.30pm.

It has been organised by the Ballarat Roller Derby League and its Roller Skate Fit Club, the Surf Coast Roller Skaters and Ballarat’s No Lights No Lycra branch.

“Our focus of this event is to bring together like-minded communities for a fun night of dancing and social connection,” said Roller Skate Fit Club co-ordinator Brydie Marteau.

“All the organising groups have a focus on inclusivity and fostering a safe space for people to express themselves, free from judgement.”

Surf Coast Roller Skaters chief Laura Issell AKA Goldiehighroller will lead a dance workshop for beginner skaters and one for intermediates, which will be followed by a gold and silver-themed disco. This will be open to everyone, not just those on skates.

There will also be a chill-out lounge with games, snacks and merchandise stalls.

Ms Marteau said organisers hoped participants would learn some new skills if they were already skaters, and have a fun social night.

It may also attract new people to the groups’ respective activities, she said.

Ms Marteau’s own group hosts fitness and exercise activities on roller skates in eight-week blocks, and is an offshoot of the roller derby league.

Roller dancing is simply dancing on roller skates and is a popular fitness and social activity, while No Lights No Lycra invites people to dance with the lights out, free of embarrassment and inhibitions.

It started in Melbourne in 2009 and has spread throughout Australia and around the world.

The workshop and disco is open to anyone from young teenagers to adults and tickets can be bought at revolutionise.com.au/brdl/product/42490.