View Gallery

I know we are pushing the boundries of arts and culture...Isn't that what art is about?  Maybe I've spent too much time cramped at the desk and the smell of permanent markers is getting to my head, but this growing sport/ cultural experience is something else.

Roller Derby just ain't no roll in the park.  This flat track, multi-reffed fast and furious game is back at the Arena for the start of the 2012 season.  You've seen Whip it (it was reasearch I promise) right? But with less underage girls, underage drinking and plot holes.

Two teams of fiercely fit looking women, in facepaint, hot pants and ripped stockings skate around a ring in packs, with plain, striped or starred helmets and an army of referees watching and calling the game.  The ladies in starred helmets, or 'jammers' are sadly not responsible for the production of tea time preserves, but for the earning of points.  The jammer has to somehow skate her way past the blockers on the other team.  This isn't easy. These women find breaks in a wall of bodies with agility, good timing and speedy skating.

I watched the last game of 2011: Berlin versus London. After two games of an hour each and with some very helpful fans trying to rescue me from confusion when each play seemed to start in an entirely different fashion, I still had trouble understanding exactly what was going on.  It was however oddly fascinating and really exciting.

For a sweaty, lipstick covered adrenalin rush this Saturday afternoon skip the galleries and check out the Berlin Bombshells.  They have some serious bouts with teams from all over the EU for just over a tener with a flyer.  (Hint: you might want to try Hudson's British cake shop and cafe or QUAD roller derby store for a flyer and/or some serious merchandise before the bout.)

There is an also afterparty at Wowsville, if you need to cool off after all the action or go through a blow by blow recount with the players.

For the (health insured and) brave The Bombshells also have beginner lessons, covering the basics of roller derby skating for those just dying to try it out.

Saturday 18 Feb at the Arena
Doors open: 17:30 Game 1: 18:30, Game 2: 20:15
Entry: 14 € With flyer 12 €

Photos are from the London vs Berlin November 2011 bouts at the Arena.  Photography by Elise Terranova