Jam skating. You might have heard the term before, but exactly what is jam skating? It’s a dance-infused, exciting form of roller skating that has been gaining popularity worldwide. Rooted in the roller disco era, skate grooving combines dance, gymnastics, and roller skating to create an energetic, exhilarating performance.
Table of Contents
Understanding Jam Skating
Definition of Jam Skating
So, what is jam skating exactly? Jam skating is a dynamic style of roller skating that blends dance, gymnastics, and freestyle roller skating moves performed to music. Skaters creatively improvise their routines, synchronize to specific beats and rhythms, and participate in competitive team jams where individual skaters take turns freestyling centerstage.
The Basic Elements
Jam skating incorporates elements from various dance styles, including breakdancing, gymnastics, and modern dance. Skaters often form circles, called “jams,” and take turns showing off their moves in the center. It’s a vibrant, dynamic sport that requires agility, rhythm, and creativity.
History of This Skating Style
The origins of jam skating can be traced back to the 1970s roller disco era. As roller rinks surged in popularity, skaters began freestyling and improvising dance moves to disco music, blending their expression and athleticism. In the 1980s, this creative style became known as “jam skating”.
Pioneering jam skaters developed signature power moves like the “shoot the duck” one-footed glide and the “grapevine” cross-step. Groups formed “jam circles” where individual skaters would take turns soloing and battling. Competitions emerged judging jam skaters on criteria like creativity, rhythm, and difficult tricks.
Over time, regional jam styles developed – the fluidity of the West Coast, precision footwork, and house music influence in the UK. Key skaters like Tony Zane pushed the evolution to incorporate breakdancing, hip-hop, and gymnastics. Continued innovation, viral media sharing, and a welcoming community spirit have fueled skate grooving’s recent global resurgence.
The Mechanics of Jam Skating
Techniques Used in Jam Skating
What is jam roller skating if not a display of skill and style? Skaters use a variety of techniques, including footwork, spins, jumps, and slides. They may perform individually, in pairs, or groups, often improvising moves in response to the music.
Equipment Needed for Jam Skating
The equipment needed for skate grooving is similar to traditional roller skating. Skaters need a pair of quad roller skates, which have two wheels in the front and two in the back. Some skaters prefer to remove the toe stop for increased mobility. Safety equipment, such as knee and elbow pads and a helmet, is also recommended.
Common Moves and Tricks in Skate Grooving
Some common moves in skate grooving include the Downtown, which involves cross-stepping and turning, and the Crazy Leg, which is a series of quick, complex foot movements. Skaters also use slides, jumps, and spins to add flair to their performance.
Styles and Variations of Jam Skating
Jam skating has evolved a range of styles across different countries and regions, often incorporating local dance and musical influences:
- US West Coast Style – Known for fluid, gliding movements, choreographed arm motions paired with footwork and emphasis on musicality. Common moves include the Shoot the Duck, Panther Walk, and Dance Skater’s Waltz.
- UK Style – Precision and complexity of footwork paired with uptempo house music. Jumps/leaps seamlessly blended low flowy transitions. The popularity of 30-beat jam circles.
- Brazilian Style – Blend of salsa, samba, and hip-hop rhythms. Flair and vibrancy through rapid heel-toe transitions, kicks, and body rolls timed to driving beats.
- Asian Style (Japan/Korea) – Smooth, controlled style fusing b-boy/breaking moves with techno electronica music popular in the scene. Emphasis on arm-leg wave transitions.
The Culture of Jam Skating
Role of Music in Skate Grooving
Music plays a critical role in skate grooving. The beat, rhythm, and mood of the music guide the skater’s movements and expressions. Everything from hip-hop to disco to electronic music can be used, allowing skaters to express their tastes and styles.
The Community and Social Aspects
Jam skating is more than just a sport or hobby—it’s a community. Skaters often form groups or crews, practicing together and supporting each other during jams and competitions. It’s a welcoming and inclusive culture, with skaters of all ages and backgrounds participating.
Media and Popular Culture
In recent years, freestyle roller dancing has also made its way into popular culture. It has been featured in music videos, films, and TV shows, helping to increase its visibility and popularity. Social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, have also played a significant role in promoting jam skating, with skaters sharing their moves and inspiring others to try the sport.
Health Benefits of Jam Skating
Physical Benefits
As an active, physical sport, jam skating offers numerous health benefits. It’s an excellent form of cardio, helping to improve heart health and burn calories. It also strengthens various muscle groups, improves balance and coordination, and promotes flexibility.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Beyond the physical benefits, jam skating also offers mental and emotional benefits. The combination of music, movement, and community can boost mood, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being. Plus, learning and mastering new moves can build confidence and self-esteem.
Learning Jam Skating
First Steps for Beginners
The best way for beginners to start learning is by taking intro lessons at local skating rinks. Here instructors teach proper stance, balance, stops/starts, and basic footwork to music. Some also provide protective gear during lessons. Check listings for “jam skating lessons” or “roller dance lessons”.
Finding roller jam sessions meetup groups in your area through sites like Meetup.com also connects you with a helpful community to learn. More experienced skaters often provide tips and lead beginner-friendly group lessons.
As basics are mastered, tutorials on YouTube and sites like SkateIA and Roller-skating.com offer step-by-step guidance on mastering popular jam moves like crossovers, transitions and Shoot the Duck. Learning how to fall properly by bending knees, tucking chin, and rolling out minimizes potential injuries.
Progression and Learning Advanced Moves
As skaters become more comfortable, they can start learning more advanced moves and developing their style of skating. Practice is vital in freestyle roller dancing, and skaters often spend hours perfecting their movements and routines.
Resources for Learning
There are plenty of resources available for those interested in learning jam skating. Online tutorials, books, and instructional DVDs can provide valuable guidance. Local rinks may also offer classes or workshops.
Competitions and Events
Overview of Jam Skating Competitions
Jam skating competitions feature solo performances or group team battles judged on musicality, difficulty, originality, and execution. Common competitive categories include:
- Freestyle skating: Individual routines with props/theme
- Solo Jam: Cycles of skaters improvising to beats
- Pair Jam: Partner dances or synchronized moves
- Team Jam: Groups of 4+ choreographing together
Judging Criteria and Skills
Judges score jam skaters on:
- Musicality: Movements timed to rhythms and beats
- Difficulty: Execution of advanced footwork, jumps and spins
- Transitions: Smoothly linking complex moves
- Showmanship: Stage presence and audience engagement
- Style: Making moves aesthetically dynamic and distinct
Top competitive skaters master advanced moves like Back Flips, Air Chairs, Death Drops, and complex footwork sequences like the Shoot the Duck grapevine. BLENDING varied movements to fluidly react to music is key. As the sport continues trending, competition mastery demands ever-progressing innovation.
Profiles of Notable Jam Skaters and Champions
Many notable jam skaters have made significant contributions to the sport. These include skaters like Tony Zane, Diamond Walker, and Fallon Heffernan, who are known for their impressive skills and innovative styles.
Tony Zane – Pioneering Innovator
Dubbed the “Godfather of Jam Skating”, Tony Zane is renowned for revolutionizing jam moves and popularizing the sport from the streets to the global stage. His athletic, b-boy-inspired style pushed technical invention – pioneering iconic moves like The Shoot the Duck Walk and Kick Flare Drop in the 1980s golden era.
Zane co-founded regional jams and championships, judged top competitions, and coached successive generations. As both a top competitor and advocate, Tony Zane imbued freestyle roller dancing with legitimacy and crossover appeal from obscurity to an institutionalized sport.
Diamond Walker – Trailblazing UK Phenom
Hailing from Birmingham, teen phenom Diamond Walker embodies the contemporary evolution shaping jam skating’s future. Her precociously inventive routines meld difficult footwork precision, sassy hip-hop swag, and graceful modern dance transitions.
With a supreme social media grasp, Walker has demonstrated jam skating’s huge viral potential – her Instagram displays drawing millions of views. 2022 saw her clinch the world champion title, cementing iconic status. As both a generational talent and digital ambassador, Diamond Walker expands perceptions of who can dominate freestyle roller dancing on the global stage.
The Future of Jam Skating
Emerging Trends
As freestyle roller dancing continues to evolve, new trends are constantly emerging. These include fusion with other dance styles, the use of technology in performances, and an increased focus on inclusivity and diversity within the sport.
Predictions for the Evolution of the Sport
Looking forward, it’s expected that freestyle roller dancing will continue to grow in popularity and visibility. More people will likely take up the sport, and it may even be recognized as an official competitive sport in more countries around the world.
Final Thoughts
So, what is jam skating? It’s a vibrant, dynamic sport that combines skating, dance, and music into a unique and captivating performance. Whether you’re interested in trying it for yourself or just enjoy watching the amazing performances, freestyle roller dancing is a fascinating world to discover. As it continues to evolve and grow, one thing is for sure: freestyle roller dancing is a sport with a bright future.
FAQs
Question: What is jam skating?
Answer: Jam skating, also known as rhythm skating or roller dancing, is a type of roller skating where the skater performs dance moves, freestyle moves, and tricks to music.
Question: What equipment do I need for jam skating?
Answer: You need a pair of quad roller skates, which have two wheels in the front and two in the back. Some skaters prefer to remove the toe stop for increased mobility. Safety equipment, such as knee and elbow pads and a helmet, is also recommended.
Question: What are some common moves in jam skating?
Answer: Some common moves in jam skating include the Downtown, which involves cross-stepping and turning, and the Crazy Leg, which is a series of quick, complex foot movements. Skaters also use slides, jumps, and spins to add flair to their performance.
Question: What are the health benefits of jam skating?
Answer: Jam skating offers numerous health benefits. It’s an excellent form of cardio, helps to improve heart health, burns calories, strengthens various muscle groups, improves balance and coordination, and promotes flexibility. It also offers mental and emotional benefits like boosting mood, reducing stress, and promoting a sense of well-being.
Question: How can I learn jam skating?
Answer: Beginners usually start by learning basic skating skills and simple dance moves. Taking lessons from a skilled instructor or joining a local jam skating group is beneficial. Online tutorials, books, and instructional DVDs can provide valuable guidance, and local rinks may also offer classes or workshops.
Question: Are there competitions in jam skating?
Answer: Yes, there are jam skating competitions where skaters showcase their skills and compete for prizes. These competitions often feature different categories, such as solo, pair, or team performances, and are judged on criteria like creativity, technique, and musicality.
