Grease is the word at derby

IT takes a lot to faze a Roller Derby girl. They’re used to suffering bruises and the occasional fall, and any derby athlete will tell you the sport is not a figurative but a literal case of the school of hard-knocks. Last November, KZN’s first roller derby league, Durban Derby, was born. Fast forward a year later and the league is gearing up for its first Grease’ themed bout.

We caught up with two Berea athletes on opposing sides to find out more about the roller revolution that has taken over the city.

Maggie Krogulec from the Pink Ladies.

Roller Derby name and inspiration behind it?
Mad Magz. My name is Maggie so it’s inspired by the movie Mad Max.

How did you get involved in the whole Roller Derby scene?
I started skating on the beachfront with some friends, when we found out there was a group of girls starting roller derby in Durban, I decided to join, and here I am today! I’ve been skating with Durban Derby for a year and half now, pretty much from the start.

Are you looking forward to your first bout?
Definitely, we have been working towards this for so long now, but I must be honest, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit terrified too!

What profession are you in?
I am a fashion designer for a well known surf brand and make my own handbags which I sell at places like I Heart Market.

Besides roller derby, what are your other obsessions?
I’m an obsessive reader.

Roller derby girls are known for their rad outfits, what is the inspiration behind yours?
For this bout it’s “The Pink Ladies from Grease” So its going to be pretty pink with some 50’s swing thrown in.

What is your favourite thing about roller derby?
I don’t have any one thing, it’s literally all of it, the whole package, from the people involved to the game itself. It really is like becoming part of this awesome world where you meet some really amazing people and get to take part in the most exciting sport I have ever played!

Any advice for those wanting to take up the sport?
Roller Derby is amazing, all consuming and most of all fun. Anyone can do it and anyone can be good at it. Come try it out and you’ll most probably get hooked. For now we only have an over 18 ladies’ league, but a junior and a men’s team are on the horizon.

Alex Massey from the T-Birds

Roller Derby name and inspiration behind it?
Rusty Cutlass – the Dread Pirate Roberts bestowed it on me at the crossroads at midnight.

How did you get involved in the whole Roller Derby scene?
A friend and I had gotten wind of the modern revival as far back as 2003 and thought it was the kiffest thing ever, so when Whip It came out we were already primed to be smitten. When my partner brought me a clipping he’d torn out of the paper about a Durban league, I started the next day! That was going-on a year ago, and my man is a referee (and will be a player once our men’s league kicks off next year!)

As far as kick-ass sports go-how kick-ass is Roller Derby?
On a scale of 1 to kick-ass, it’s off the motherflaming charts!

Are you looking forward to your first bout?
I am simultaneously incredibly excited and worried that I’ll vomit at the starting whistle.

What profession are you in?
I’m a writer and editor for a design, advertising, and magazine publishing company.

Besides roller derby, what are your other obsessions?
Can I say books more than once?

Roller derby girls are known for their rad outfits, what is the inspiration behind yours?
Due to our bout theme (I’m skating as a T-Bird), it’s fifties glam meets greasy rock n’ roller.

What is your favourite thing about roller derby?
Everything from how amazing it feels to get stronger, faster, and smarter on skates and the track, to the genuine, loving, hilarious people in our league. It’s also the best antidote I’ve ever found for stress and anger management.

Any advice for those wanting to take up the sport?
Don’t be scared! Everybody starts from scratch, everybody falls a million times, and everybody will support and encourage you to the absolute end. Guaranteed.

Bout Deets

The bout will be held on 16 of November at Hillcrest Primary School. It will be the first bout ever held in KZN and only about the fifth in South Africa ever! Doors will open at 6.30pm and tickets are R60. The bout will have a Grease theme with the two teams skating as the Pink ladies and the T-Birds. Those attending are encouraged to get into the 50’s spirit and put on their poodle skirt and leather jackets.

To book tickets, visit the Durban Derby Facebook page and send them a message indicating how many tickets you want. Or you can email Durban Derby on durbanrollerderby@gmail.com

Tickets are limited so book soon!