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Houston Roller Derby

Skating queens hit the rink -- and each other

A A A Comments By Bob Ruggiero Thursday, Jul 12 2007

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The roller derby exhibition match “In Quad We Trust” pits Houston teams Psycho Ward Sirens against the Burlesque Brawlers and Machete Betties against the Bayou City Bosse$. While Houston has emerged as an unlikely city for the thriving revival of roller derby, local skater Pvt. BeenJammin’ wants you lily-livered girlie-men to know one thing: These skating sirens aren’t just lookers -- they can also probably kick your ass. “Hey, this is not the unruly, staged, theatrical performance from the ‘70s. We are strong, competitive athletes that train hard!” she says. And while there is, of course, a punker/Bettie Page sex appeal to these wheeled women, their miniskirts and fishnet stockings show off not just skin, but plenty of scratches, bruises and blood. For these derby queens, that’s just part of the game. The fact that the ladies take on personas and have fun with the “show” part of it adds to the appeal. While a venue that’s seen more rock shows than rink action might seem a funny location for an exhibition match, Pvt. BeenJammin’ says the League’s portable “Sport Court” fits in nice and snug -- just like a competitor’s head in the crook of her muscled arm.
Sun., June 17, 5 p.m.; Sun., July 15, 5 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 19, 5 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 16, 5 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 21, 5 p.m., 2007

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