Author: The Hendenberg

There are fewer moments in musical cinema more iconic than the scene in Grease where Sandy turns up to the fair, clad in unfeasibly tight black trousers, cigarette in mouth, and her hair turned up to 11. It’s not generally that noteworthy when a woman with big hair smokes while wearing black clothes, but in this instance these are visual cues that tell the audience that Sandy has decided she values her relationship with Danny more than the saintly, squeaky-clean nature that she’s been true to for the rest of the film. 

Side-stepping the quicksand that is the debate of how healthy and/or feminist it is that she completely changed her appearance to please her boyfriend, I think Olivia Newton-John does an incredible and subtle (seriously, bear with me on this one) job of conveying Sandy’s transformation. Although she saucily pushes her tongue up to her front teeth and purrs “Tell me about it, stud” at a dumbfounded John Travolta, there’s a still a sense of awkwardness and discomfort in Sandy when she hesitates over what to do with her cigarette and looks back at her friends for help. To me anyway, this says that the “bad girl” ideal is something she’s trying on and adjusting to rather than “it’s totally fine she was always like this deep down anyway and just needed it to be brought out of her.” 

Skate Name
Lazy Susan

Skate Number
15

Why Did You Start Roller Derby?
I had been studying alongside my full-time job and knew that when my course finished I was gonna have ALL THE SPARE TIME and therefore needed a suitable hobby / boyfriend. The hobby was easier to find. I went along with a friend to Swindon roller derby, discovered I could not skate but love love loved it anyway and then got involved in setting up our league in Bath.

Describe Your Roller Derby Career So Far?
It’s been awesome and it wouldn’t be the same if I wasn’t part of such a loving and determined team, I heart BRDG! I have too many highlights, maybe taking part in a couple of public mixed openers (aah!) and a sur5al tournament against 9 co-ed teams with a bajillion times more experience than us.

What’s Your Skate Set Up?
Disappointing! I have my eye on some Riedell Blue Streaks but am currently on my R3s with my favourite Heartless Stalker wheels.

Who’s Your Derby Idol?
Annie Maul of Kansas City Roller Girls… her blocking is incredible and she’s a super-friendly, approachable coach. Also, closer to home Kid Block of Tiger Bay Brawlers is everything I want to be!

Sum Up BRDG In Five Words?
“Let’s make a googledoc!” “Cake?”

Fun Fact About You?
I don’t like cricket.

Player Award 2013
Superlative Secretary Skills with a Smile

Our newest skaters worked incredibly hard over the last 10 weeks as they completed the BRDG Fresh Meat course. They've tackled everything we've thrown at them head on, uncomplaining, enthusiastic and super dedicated in every single session. Now they're all grown up and ready to progress to Rookie level, we wanted to celebrate in style; DONKEY DERBY!

Huge thanks to everyone who came along and made the night so much fun, and well done again to all our lovely graduating freshies!