The 1970s were a defining decade for roller skating, especially with Black, indigenous and people of color communities, when skating became a powerful form of cultural expression. As roller skating exploded in popularity, Black and Latino communities played a major role in shaping its vibe and aesthetic, turning it into an energetic, creative outlet for self-expression. One of the most significant developments in roller skating culture was the rise of roller disco, which combined the emerging disco music scene with roller skating. While roller skating had been popular in previous decades, it found a new sense of vibrancy and identity within Black and Latino communities in urban areas.
“In the ‘70’s, we skated at Tacoma Roller World. Now it’s a Nissan dealership. They have the original wood floor that we skated on and now they all these different cars are parked in there. I hate that so much.” -Kathy Glennon, Dockyard Roller Derby
Roller Disco Meets the Civil Rights Movement
Roller disco wasn’t just about skating to funky beats—it was a way for Black and Latino youth to celebrate their culture and assert their identity during a time of great social change. The ‘70s saw the rise of the Black Power and Civil Rights Movement, which emphasized pride, unity, and cultural expression. Roller skating, especially roller disco, became another way for marginalized communities to gather and embrace their individuality.
Fashion Vibe
Let’s talk fashion because roller disco was as much about the style as it was about the skating. The fashion was bold, colorful, and full of flair—reflecting the vibrancy of the disco era. BIPOC skaters were front and center in defining this unique aesthetic, making roller skating a visual feast for the eyes. It wasn’t just a sport; it was a fashion statement.
Rinks as Cultural Hotspots
Skating rinks in cities like NY, Chicago and LA became the place to be. These rinks weren’t just spots to skate—they were cultural hubs where you could hang out, be yourself and vibe to the tunes by Donna Summer, Chic & the Bee Gees. Disco and skating were a perfect combo, creating a space where dancing, skating and music merged into one electrifying experience.
New Style of Skating
Roller skating in the ‘70s wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B. Black and Latino skaters were not just participants—they were innovators in the sport. They pushed boundaries in skating styles, choreography, and competition, especially in speed skating and freestyle skating. These skaters developed their own style of freestyle skating, which was a precursor to modern artistic roller skating. This style was a blend of urban street dancing, acrobatics, and smooth transitions on wheels, influencing the way skating evolved in future decades.
Rollin’ With The Punches
Roller Rinks as Safe Spaces
Roller rinks in the 1970s became more than just places to skate—they were hubs of social, cultural, and political expression for minorities community. Roller rinks provided safe spaces where youth, especially from marginalized communities, could congregate and express themselves. It was a place where they could gather away from the challenges of urban life, including discrimination and poverty, and focus on music, dance, and skating.
Challenges Along the Way
Discrimination was still a reality, and many rinks imposed higher fees or created policies that excluded Black and Latino skaters. But despite these challenges, roller skating became a symbol of empowerment. BIPOC skaters fought back, creating their own spaces and carving out a place for themselves in the roller-skating scene.
Legacy Lives On
The legacy of BIPOC influence on roller skating is still strong today. The rise of roller disco in the ‘70s laid the foundation for today’s roller-skating culture, including the resurgence of roller dance and rink culture. BIPOC skaters not only shaped the style and energy of the time, but they also helped pave the way for roller skating to be a vibrant form of artistic expression that continues to inspire skaters of all backgrounds.
Skateworld
Roller skating has a long history in Tacoma with the city hosting a number of popular roller rinks over the years. Skateworld, which opened in the 1980s, was once the most popular roller rink in Tacoma. Thriving for decades, Skateworld’s longevity highlights the appeal of roller skating in Tacoma. One of the last roller-skating rinks in Pierce County, Skateworld announced in January 2024 that it will be forced to close its doors after its landlord decided not to renew its lease. In March of 2024, Tacoma’s iconic roller rink finally closed for good, but not for lack of customers.
“It was just crazy, like, one minute we’re practicing and the next, uh, ‘we’re closing in two weeks’.” -Kathy Glennon
The news of this closure brought a sense of loss to families and patrons who often drove out of their way to come to Skateworld for birthday parties, weekly skate nights, roller derby, roller hockey and classes.
“Access [to practice and game space] is a huge issue for so many roller derby leagues right now. With the loss of Skateworld in Tacoma and Tiffany’s in Puyallup there are literally no skating rinks in Pierce County.” Jenna M, Board President of Dockyard Roller Derby
