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Step into the rich heritage of roller skating with Richard Humphrey, a true skating legend with over 65 years of wheels beneath his feet. From his first pair of metal skates in 1957 to pioneering the roller dance movement and creating the first lace-free signature skate, Richard's journey offers a rare glimpse into how roller skating culture has evolved across the decades.
Richard takes us back to a time when roller rinks prohibited skating in the center floor and when his dance crew, the Golden Rollers, created their own distinctive style without the influence of social media or cross-country skating exchanges. He explains how they forged what would become known as "roller dance" through disciplined choreography and a determination to always stand out from the crowd.
What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Richard's insights into the technical aspects of skating that often go unnoticed. He breaks down the origin and proper execution of classic dance steps, shares knowledge about skate construction gained from years working in a skate shop, and explains the critical differences between seemingly similar styles. His creation of RollerDance.com in 1996 and subsequent instructional videos established a foundation for preserving authentic roller dance techniques.
Beyond the technical knowledge, Richard shares a philosophy about skating that transcends the activity itself. His emphasis on finding your unique style, putting in the necessary time to master fundamentals, and creating something original rather than simply copying others serves as powerful advice for skaters at any level. As he puts it, "If everybody's just doing that one little step, you don't know one from the other... Set yourself apart."
Whether you're a seasoned skater curious about the roots of roller dance or a newcomer wanting to understand skating's rich cultural heritage, this conversation with the self-described "Roller Dance Man" offers both historical perspective and timeless wisdom from someone who has truly dedicated his life to the art of skating.
“Black Label Supplements. Built for athletes who don’t compromise.”
So go to blacklabelsupplements.com and remember to use the code Howdoyousk8 for your 15% discount at checkout.
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By SeanSend us a text
Step into the rich heritage of roller skating with Richard Humphrey, a true skating legend with over 65 years of wheels beneath his feet. From his first pair of metal skates in 1957 to pioneering the roller dance movement and creating the first lace-free signature skate, Richard's journey offers a rare glimpse into how roller skating culture has evolved across the decades.
Richard takes us back to a time when roller rinks prohibited skating in the center floor and when his dance crew, the Golden Rollers, created their own distinctive style without the influence of social media or cross-country skating exchanges. He explains how they forged what would become known as "roller dance" through disciplined choreography and a determination to always stand out from the crowd.
What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Richard's insights into the technical aspects of skating that often go unnoticed. He breaks down the origin and proper execution of classic dance steps, shares knowledge about skate construction gained from years working in a skate shop, and explains the critical differences between seemingly similar styles. His creation of RollerDance.com in 1996 and subsequent instructional videos established a foundation for preserving authentic roller dance techniques.
Beyond the technical knowledge, Richard shares a philosophy about skating that transcends the activity itself. His emphasis on finding your unique style, putting in the necessary time to master fundamentals, and creating something original rather than simply copying others serves as powerful advice for skaters at any level. As he puts it, "If everybody's just doing that one little step, you don't know one from the other... Set yourself apart."
Whether you're a seasoned skater curious about the roots of roller dance or a newcomer wanting to understand skating's rich cultural heritage, this conversation with the self-described "Roller Dance Man" offers both historical perspective and timeless wisdom from someone who has truly dedicated his life to the art of skating.
“Black Label Supplements. Built for athletes who don’t compromise.”
So go to blacklabelsupplements.com and remember to use the code Howdoyousk8 for your 15% discount at checkout.