One of the BRSF's roving reporters
has submitted the following report on the return of
Social Roller Dance Skating Sessions,
at the Pier, Herne Bay, Kent.

This event was deliberately planned along the lines of the Ballroom "Tea Dance" which are now back in fashion as a result of "Strictly Come Dancing" which appears to have raised the profile. (additional history)

There were over 100 roller skaters from across Kent and Sussex, with some travelling from as far away as London, who shared the experience!

The sight of a Roller Rink full of people skating to DANCE music was a blast from the past, I can tell you.

These skaters of all ages, are all familiar with each other but normally they only meet at Roller Hockey or Artistic Skating competitions when they are segregated by their club colours and the fact they are opponents. At such meets whilst being 'friendly' to each other there is a natural distance and tension because of the competitive atmosphere.

Saturday was brilliant because it was so relaxed - no club jackets/ colours in evidence, no competition, no judges, no winners, no losers, just friendly people who all have a love of roller dance in common!

The music tapes were compiled to include some of the older dances no longer on the current lists - eg Staircase Waltz, Old Barn Dance, The Cutaway and many others. It was great to see youngsters following older skaters learning a 'new' dance! Lots of skaters came off saying they hadn't danced so much for years and what fun they had!

To see people like Ron Barker, President of HBU RH&SC relearning the Collegiate with Margaret Newman who runs another artistic roller skating club in the town - one of the very best trainers - was great to see. It must be at least 20 years since Ron had done that dance and he wasn't the only one!

Later in the evening Ron was skating with Kym, Senior HBU Artistic Coach, enjoying the atmosphere of a Social 'Dance' skate  that was both nostalgic and 'new' at the same time!

A club spokesman commented:

"Twenty minute blocks of dances broken up with periods of general skating worked well though we think tweaks to the programme will be made for future sessions. We also served refreshments for the skaters and all for £2 a head!"

"Many asked to be kept informed as to the date of the next one and I am sure we will do it again when even more will be tempted to dust off their boots and have some fun dancing again."

Aileen

Link to Herne Bay United Roller Hockey Club
Link to Herne Bay United Artistic Skating Club
Link to Roller Hockey Photos
Link to The Pier, Herne Bay, Kent