You have been skating since you were a kid! You are a pro. You know everything about roller skating…or do you? Here are 5 things about roller skating you may not have known!
A Dramatic Entrance
John Joseph Merlin, the first recorded roller skate inventor, debuted his metal-wheeled roller skates at a fancy masquerade party in London in 1760, while playing a violin. Unfortunately for Merlin, his skates were not equipped for turning, and he crashed into a mirror. Perhaps a rough start for the skate!
People Have Been Married On Roller Skates
1912 saw the first marriage ceremony on skates! It is recorded in the National Museum of Roller Skating in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Cher
1970 saw one of the first modern MTV-style music videos featuring Cher on roller skates in a zebra-print jumpsuit, along with truck drivers and bikers. The video was called “Hell on Wheels”.
The Amish love to Skate!
Although the Amish tend to prefer a simplistic lifestyle, roller skates have been used for years in many Amish communities. In the 1990’s, when rollerblades became all the rage, many members disapproved, as they could achieve very high speeds, and could disrupt their lifestyle.
Skating inspires parades
In June of 2008, Paris saw the world’s largest roller skating parade! 1188 participants skated for 12.68 miles. How cool!
So, even though you may have known these, it is still fun to look back and re-discover some fun facts you may have forgotten! Don’t forget to stop by International Skating and Fun Center of Cherry Hill, and if you want to learn to skate, click here!