Jam skating
Jam skating (or Jamskating) is a combination of dance, gymnastics, and skating, performed on roller skates.[1] 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 is neither aggressive nor speed skating. This form of freestyle skating is referred to by many different names: toe-dancing, spot-skating, shuffle skating, hexing, rexxing, trucking, shadow skating, crazy leg, boogie bouncing, and disco skating. These names strictly describe the style of skating, not the moves.
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 80s, this transitioned into a trend of wearing low-cut speed skate boots with jam plugs in place of the toe stops. This trend continues today, as the low-cut boot allows for more agility with feet while skating.
[edit] Popular culture
[edit] Film
- The 2005 film Roll Bounce prominently featured jamskating, along with some well-known skaters within the jamskating community.
- The 2006 film ATL was centered around a skating rink in Atlanta, GA.
[edit] Music
Jamskating was featured in multiple music videos.
- "Disease" by Matchbox 20.
- "My Shoes" by Murphy Lee.
[edit] Television
- 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 (Season 1).
- The Apple iPod commercial, featuring the song "Feel Good, Inc." by Gorillaz.
[edit] What is jam skating
Jam skating is a mix between skating and dancing. It is also kind of like gymnastics on skates.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Smight, Tim (2009-10-16). "10 great places to let good times roll on skates". ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/Story?id=6053164&page=1. Retrieved 2009-05-16.
[edit] External links
- World Skating Association / WSAJam.com - a jam skating sanctioning body, member association and event organization
- http://www.learntojamskate.net/
- JamskatingOnline - Internet forum, picture and photo database.
