Last weekend, the lovely Ginger Corsair tweeted that she was heading to Downsview Park in Toronto to catch the local roller derby bout, asking for folks to tag along.  I’ve been going through derby-withdrawal since leaving St. Louis, and since Mr. Man had never been (and I informed him that they sell beer rinkside), I snatched up some tickets online and off we went.

It turns out that it was Ginger’s first time at derby, too!  Watching a bout with two newbies was a ton of fun.  We had a great time watching the girls skate and trying to figure out exactly what the rules are.  Sure they give you handouts in the program to explain it and I’m a fairly seasoned observer, but I’m still convinced it’s like Calvinball; they’re just making it up as they go along.

The Ottawa team got utterly destroyed (final score, 199-49).  I’ve never seen a game score so high and so fast!  And these girls were using moves I’d never seen  before.  Ginger and I both agreed that we simply must go back.

There’s a philosophical aspect to be considered here, too.  Mr. Man and I both think it’s weird that there aren’t more dudes that watch derby (the audience was about 75% female).  It’s an all-girl sport played by all body types and looks, anything from round and preppy to skinny and punk, and the object is to roughly elbow your way through a pack to score.  How could guys not like that?  It’s a mystery.  However, I do think that women are so attracted to it because of  the stereotypical-maleness of the sport.  It’s a venue for players and spectators to indulge a deep (often over-suppressed) need to vent aggression, celebrate women being physically tough, and to just have time to relax.  Derby can stand for so many existential metaphors and gender-supportive ideas.  (swoon)

Oh!  And I had a cute outfit, too.  I don’t get to go out to fun events that you should dress up for much, so I really love doing it when I get the chance.  Thought y’all might want to see one of those rare times.

Dress – Armor Jeans, thrifted
Leggings – Wet Seal, v. old
Shoes – Alia, thrifted
Hat headband – Claire’s, $14.50CAN
Pearls – Claire’s, v. old
Eyeshadow – Lime Crime “Primadonna”, $12USD

Have you ever been to roller derby (as a spectator or a participant)?  What do you like best about it?

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