Jam skating
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jamskating is a combination of dance and sporting disciplines performed on roller skates. The style of skating has its roots in traditional roller disco, but has been influenced by breakdancing, artistic skating, gymnastics, and modern dance. Successful jamskaters are well practiced in these different forms and must have the ability to translate these movements while on skates.
Jamskating has many different types of moves and styles and they aren't as easy as they look: toe-dancing, spot-skating, shuffle skating, toe-jamming, hexing, trucking, rubber legging, crazy legging, shadow skating, boogis bouncing, the crab walk, circle spin, the grapevine, back flips, and disco skating. All of these terms still apply to moves that are done, but there are more standardized for the styles and moves. Jamskating is neither aggressive nor speed skating. Although many argue, it cannot be done on inline skates, but good skaters can skate in or on anything. Jamskaters are mostly found at local rinks or outside, on a smooth surface.
In September 2001, the World Skating Association (WSA) became the sanctioning body of jamskating. The WSA was formed to host well organized, skater-oriented events world wide.
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[edit] Skating equipment
Traditionally, roller disco skaters wore an artistic high-cut boot with toe stop. In the early 60's, this transitioned into a trend of wearing low-cut speed skate boots with dance plugs in place of the toe stops. This trend continues today, as the low-cut boot allows for more agility with feet while skating.
In 2006, Jam Skating inspired a group of skaters to design, produce and manufacture a line of skating products. This company became known as Vanilla Skate Co. and is popular in rinks across the United States. Vanilla Skate Co. sponsors skaters such as Tony Zane, Diamond Walker, Jen Leslie and Stephanie Gentz, all wildly known jamskaters and WSA Pro League skaters.
[edit] Jamskating in Popular Culture
- Music video for "Disease" by Matchbox 20.
- The 2005 film Roll Bounce prominently featured Jamskating, along with some other well-known skaters within the Jamskating community.
- The 2006 film ATL was centered around a skating rink in Atlanta, GA.
- Apple iPod commercial, featuring the song "Feel Good, Inc." by Gorillaz.
- Jamskating gained some mainstream popularity when Shannon Anthony, Diamond Walker, Tony Zane, Jessy Nice, and Jordan McQuiston of Team Breaksk8 made it to the top 4 on America's Best Dance Crew.
