Humble Beginnings

Just found this in my inbox.

from: daphne
to: info@blitzdames.com
01/08/2010


Hi!!!

Just wanted to check if it's cool to come along this saturday? totally new and have no experience or equipment, and I think I might get demolished in actual roller derby, but it seems kickass and I'd love to get more involved and see what you guys do.

Thanks!

from: info@blitzdames.com
to: daphne
04/08/2010

Hiya,

thanks for getting in contact with us, sorry I didn't get back to you sooner.

It's fine for you to come on Saturday, we have hire equipment for you to use, but we do give these out on a first come first served basis.

I've attached our induction FAQ below, but please let me know if you have any more questions.

Look forward to meeting you,

Violet Attack

Well done, past self, for being brave and taking your first few steps towards derby. It's more worth it than you could ever have imagined.

A Brief History of Daphne

April, 1990 - Daphne is born.

July, 2010 - Daphne goes to her Blitz Dames induction.

August, 2010 - Daphne goes to Japan where she gets to grips with basic skating, recklessly endangers her own life and jumps over a snake while skating (careening with no control over her actions) down a hill.

January, 2011 - Daphne returns to England and starts skating weekly with the Blitz Dames.

March, 2011 - Daphne passes basic skills

July, 2011 - Daphne skates on an amalgamated Blitz Dames B-team in the Fast vs Furious Smacky Races bout.

October, 2011 - Daphne skates again on an amalgamated Blitz Dames B-team against the Dolly Rockit's B-team, the Raggy Dolls at the Rolling Dead bout. Daphne was voted MVP and had a lovely write up from the Dollies.

November, 2011 - Daphne is skating in the dames A team against the All Ireland Roller Derby in the AIRD vs Blitz Dames bout. See here for more information.

2012 - who knows?

Origins of a Roller Girl

A lot of people say to me, "Daphne, what's a nice girl like you doing in a violent, tattoo-infested sport like Roller Derby?"

Or they would, if they knew what roller derby was.

I first heard about derby from my good friend Ellen Rage, though I had no idea what the sport was and she finally settled for having me watch Whip It. Yeah, I said it. Ellen Page got me into roller derby. DEAL WITH IT.

After that I found the Dames and went along to one of their Saturday training sessions. It was pretty intimidating, but as soon as I put on my skates I felt 100% cooler, and I knew I was on to a good thing.

From there it was a slippery slope.

I guess the conclusion is, thank goodness for Ellen Page.

What Is Roller Derby?

When someone asks me what I did on the weekend I'm always torn. Do I take the easy route (lies) or the honest route (derby)? If you tell someone you did roller derby on the weekend, one of the following will happen.

a. the person will nod and turn away, because they didn't understand what you said but they are pretending they did. (90% of the time.)
b. the person will tilt their head to the side in thought and say "like in that film with Ellen Page?"
c. the person will frown at you. "Huh?"

Then you're faced with the 'how to explain?' because the majority of the time, the person talking to you does not actually want a ten minute breakdown of the rules of roller derby. I generally say "it's like rugby on skates" which is a pretty decent explanation, I feel.

That leads to the inevitable:

"isn't that dangerous?"

Yes. Yes it is.

This is normally where the conversation (and sometimes friendship) ends.

For a better explanation, check out the dames' 'What Is Roller Derby?' page.

Who is Daphne?

Hello!
This is the blog that belongs to Daphne du Gorier, of the Birmingham Blitz Dames.

Q: What is the deal with Daphne?
A: Daphne is a muslim-rollergirl-maniac. She's sort of funny.

Q: Muslims? Like those dudes with the turbans?
A: Yes, exactly like that. (No, not at all.)

Q: What is this 'roller debris'?
A: Roller derby is a sport that leads to extreme poverty and a tendency towards violence.

Q: 'Daphne du Gorier'? Is that her real name?
A: No! It's her derby name. Rollergirls have their skating alter egos to add to the awesome. Daphne du Gorier is inspired by Daphne du Maurier who is a fantastic author she admires.

Q: Should I read this blog again?
A: Yes, read this blog at all times.