How and when was Liberte Skate and the roller disco’s created?
“Well, 2021, a year most of us would like to forget, was a year when my sister suddenly past away and I wanted to do something in honour of her. I knew she loved to roller skate. It was one of her outlets.
After watching a video of her flying down a massive hill on her skates with a huge grin on her face shouting ‘Bring back the roller skates!’ - I knew in that moment, it was my mission to spread the love of roller skating and she’s been the driving force inside of me making it all happen.
We grew up roller skating as kids in the 80’s. I remember my sister broke both of her arms at the same time at a roller rink in New Zealand. She wasn’t wearing wrist guards and hadn’t learnt how to stop properly and naturally held out both arms as she ploughed into the wall.
In the 90’s, roller blades became the thing and I was part of an in-line skate dance group where we performed skate shows around the beaches. We were sponsored by the first ever skate shop in Manly called Inline action.
After the 90’s, I stopped skating altogether until 2021…
The pandemic hits. My sister passes. And we’re in Lockdown for 4 months.
Just when things couldn’t get any worse my daughter dislocates her knee and given crutches and a brace for 4 weeks.
It was a strange and heavy time. My daughter had been so incredibly resilient and optimistic during lockdown. ‘At least I can still surf and skateboard in lockdown’ she would say. But suddenly, with her injury, even those things were impossible. Temporarily impossible, but even so, it felt like a lockdown on top of a lockdown for her.
She hadn’t actually tried roller skating before, however, it had been a topic of conversation since we saw my sisters video and so I promised my daughter I would teach her once her knee healed.
After many weeks of what felt like eternity for her, she was ready for some wheely fun! I purchased 2 pairs of Impala skates and off we went. A little wobbly at first but it didn’t take long before she was zooming around Avalon Beach courts doing tricks I’d never even seen before.
How is it that I taught her how to skate and she’s better than me? :)
What I noticed with rollerskating, compared to anything else my daughter had tried, was how much it lifted her spirits. The difference it made in her general well being compared to any other activity was really amazing to me. Even after a skating session had finished and we were back home in lockdown she was still on a high.
She didn’t need to be with friends to Roller skate. Sometimes she would take her headphones and listen to music while she practiced her roller dance moves. Other days we would skate together until sunset.
No matter what, when she roller skated it was always a good day. It’s definitely been her saving grace during the pandemic.
I understand now why my sister enjoyed it so much. And knowing the impact it has had on my daughter too, I wanted to be part of my sisters goal to ‘Bring back the roller skates!’
I wanted others to feel the freedom you feel when there are wheels attached to your feet and your gliding along the path in your groovy outfit - because you know dressing up is all part of it too! ;)
Pink Flares, dolphin shorts, sequin tops, whatever your style, you wear that! Because you can get away with it on skates.
And for the discos you go all out!”
Why did you choose an outdoor venue?
My sister loved the moon. When I think of her now, I look to the sky at night. I wanted to create a special event outdoors, beneath the stars and the moon, not only to be covid safe, but also as a tribute to her. It would be as if she were watching down on us, engaging in what she once loved… Roller skating.
How did the name Liberte Skate come about?
Liberté - freedom.
“Liberté was my sisters Roller Derby name and a word she had tattooed a few years ago.
Roller skating offers a profound sense of freedom. Not only on a physical level, but also mentally. The positive impact it has on ones mental health, self esteem and confidence couldn’t be overstated.
Roller skating also serves as an outlet for self expression, fostering personal growth and providing a sense of fulfillment.
We organise weekly roller skate meetups which are completely free. Anyone can simply turn up with their skates and join in practicing dance moves together so no one ever has to skate alone. Then, once a month, at the disco’s, you have the opportunity to show off your moves on the dance floor”
So Skate Under the stars was born. Where once a month, the community roll up in their skates and their groovy outfits and hit the dance floor.
Skate under The Stars is an all ages, all levels, all inclusive event celebrating community, diversity and positivity. Even as a bystander on your picnic blanket, it’s a fun filled night for all!
