Pretty sure I'll have to settle for Derby Dame groupie though, I could never cut it in that league!

Some friends and I went last night to see "The Dames" at the (little) Enormous Room in Central Square. WOW those women are tough and PROUD, and so very inspiring.

There were so many precious 'moments' in the film it's hard to pick a favorite! One of them though was definitely during one of the bout scenes. The camera was fixed on two coaches intently observing the action until the action came to them - literally! All at once several competitors came tumbling into them, well, ONTO them, taking one of the women out entirely. In seconds she was back up on her feet. "Are you ok?" asked her partner. The coach's focus already back on the game she dead-panned, "Yes. That was exciting." After a moment's reflection added, "I should have worn my knee pads." It's a serious sport when even the coaches are at risk!

That may sound tongue in cheek, but it isn't. Roller Derby IS a serious sport. "The Dames" gave me a new appreciation for a sport I knew little about and sincere respect for the women who manage a serious business, deal with some pretty bizarre fans, and strike fear into their competitors once their skates are on. My friends I left the Enormous Room as new fans of the Boston Derby Dames. What a great film, and what a great idea to host it at such a fun venue!

(image courtesy of flickr user s.a.matsumoto)