And here is every skate spin that I can do (sorta). I have a lot more to learn. But I wanted to remind myself of how far I’ve come in 18 months. I wish you all the best in your skate journeys!
Category: Dancing / Music
A Map of All Open Roller Rinks in California
Only 34, by latest count! Based on data originally compiled by Robert Ruiz. For additions and corrections, email rikomatic-at-gmail.com.
Night Jamming in the Park!
Skate buddy Bob shot and edited this dope footage of myself and my friends jamming in Golden Gate Park on January 14. Such a fun night! Featured skaters and dancers: Terrence Deep Zak HK Kendra Leyla Jess Jake
Unlocking Myself at the Skating Rink
I started roller-skating because I missed dancing. But it might be making me a better person. Because of the pandemic, all of my usual outlets for social dancing were suddenly closed to me. No lindy hopping on Thursdays at 9:20. No late night clubbing at New Parish. No dance classes, no street parties, no music…
2021 in Review: New Name, Skate Dancing, Tropical Trippin, and Lots of Bakes
The year 2021 was not quite the dumpster fire that 2020 was. There’s a lot that I am thankful for about this year – my supportive family, good friends, my health, meaningful employment, quad skating, baked goods, and so much more! Here’s some of the best bits. Rik to Riki This year, among my friends…
Skating at the Soon-to-be-closed Golden Skate
I had a blast skating at my first proper skating rink, the venerable Golden Skate in San Ramon, which has been open since the 1970s. Sadly, the owners announced that they will be closing it after the holidays. It’s a lovely old rink with a quaint, old-timey feel to it, from the country town motif…
Ice Skating in Union Square is Delightful
I had forgotten what a joy it is to ice skate. Even better when 20 of your skate and dance buddies show up to skate with you! My heart was so full from this evening of fun at the Union Square rink. I mean look at these happy faces! Here’s a little compilation from the…
A Warm and Lovely November Sunday at the Skating Place
This is November in San Francisco! Such a glorious day in the park with beautiful people — including my Facebook skater friend Caroline who I actually met in person for the first time! Good times!
Why I Love Waacking: Manifesting the Diva Within
I embrace various dance styles — from lindy hop to house to rhythm skating. I try and remain curious and open to various dance forms I may not know much about. That said, it took me awhile to warm to waacking. There’s something about this style that was hard for me to grok for years….
Lindy Hop + Rollerskating in Harlem in the 1930s!
My friend Albert Boulanger brought this awesome factoid to my attention: to compete with the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem in the 1939, the Golden Gate Ballroom also featured roller-skating. Can you imagine getting to lindy hop AND rollerskate in the same lavish ballroom? Sigh. SOURCE: The Birth of Bebop, By Scott DeVeaux · 1997