Skater of the Month - Lana del Rage

NAME: Lana Del Rage

NUMBER: 2019

How did you get involved with roller derby?

I had seen the film Whip It and loved it but I didn’t think it was a thing in the UK let alone Dundee until my friend Emily told me about a taster session that was happening. I went along and was immediately hooked. I loved it so much that I decided to buy my own kit straight away.

Tell us about your derby name and number?

I really love music so I was trying to think of a good play on words with an artist that I liked and I came up with Lana Del Rage. I like that it kind of acts as an alter ego because I’m not really an angry person but you’ve got to act quite tough when playing roller derby. My number is 2019 and I chose it because my favourite band, My Chemical Romance, have an album set in that year.

What is your skate gear of choice?

The gear that I have just now is what I ordered after my first taster session when I didn’t really know what I was buying so it’s just a newbie starter kit.

Before you discovered roller derby were you involved in any other sports/exercise, and if yes how has derby impacted on this?

I’ve never played a team sport before so it’s really lovely to be part of something like roller derby because everyone is really supportive and encouraging. Although I’m not involved in any other sports, I love dancing and have been doing contemporary dance for years. I think that has helped with my core strength and also with my ability to pick up new skills and techniques. I do sometimes have to stop myself from referring to half time as ‘the interval’ though…

What is your position of choice?

I’m still getting used to the game and trying out different positions but I find jamming quite fun especially when I manage to get through the pack. It can be quite tiring though! I’m also enjoying learning new tactics and formations that can be used in the game to block the other team’s jammer.

Which teams have you skated with?

So far I’ve only scrimmed with the Dundee Roller Girls and the Newtown Roller Girls. It’s been really good fun though and I can’t wait to skate with more teams in the future!

Do you have a pre/post-bout ritual?

I haven’t played my first bout yet but I travelled to my first scrim with my fellow newbies and we sang along to Taylor Swift the whole way and I think that was a great way to get us ready for the game.

How would you describe your derby playing style, do you have a signature move?

If falling could be considered a signature move then that would be mine! I’m still quite new to derby and haven’t done many scrims so I’m still trying to find my playing style.

What is your day job? How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?

I’m a student and I also have two part-time jobs, as well as other hobbies, which means I’m usually quite busy so I think derby has become a great way for me to let go. It has definitely helped with my confidence in life as well and made me more fearless. Building up my skills and confidence on track and achieving things that I never thought I would be able to do makes me feel like I can do the same outside of derby. I’ve also made some amazing friends through derby which has been really awesome.

Favourite motivational quote?

“Put some skates on, be your own hero” – Maggie Mayhem, Whip It

“If you fall it means you’re trying” – Twiggy (Thistle Blower)

Who do you choose as next month’s Skater of the Month?

I would like to nominate someone who shows amazing strength and dedication to roller derby, who is always fearless and whose skills on track always impress me. Not only is she feisty on track but she’s extremely caring and always looks out for me: Flo Glida #10 (Fiona Singer).