Q: Why do the skaters use funny, fake names?
A: (Taken straight from the DNN website)
Quote:
Modern derby skaters customarily adopt an alias, or "derby name." Initially meant to complement the over-the-top spectacle envisioned by the Austin revival's progenitors, the names have stuck even as modern roller derby quickly evolved toward pure competitive sport.
Why? It keeps the whimsy in the activity. It's a way of not taking oneself too seriously, even while taking the sport seriously. In a nutshell: it's fun! Really, if you have to ask, you probably aren't going to get it.
A handful of skaters have elected to skate under their legal name, rather than an alias, often out of a desire to further emphasize the modern sport's legitimacy. That may become a trend; it may not. The young sport of modern roller derby is still very much a work in progress, so only time will tell.
In my opinion, using an alias also allows the women involved in the sport to be let go of their lives out side of roller derby. This is generally a sort of grassroots, do-it-yourself, not-for-profit sport. That means most of these girls have day jobs. They have families. Adopting an alias is a way of telling yourself “When I’m on the track, I am not Sally May the florist or Linda Sue the nurse. I’m The ******** Duchess of Pain! HEAR ME ROAR!”
Also, derby is a very small community. These girls know each other. They are skating against acquaintances, friends, and sometimes even relatives. When you’re about to throw a hip or a shoulder at someone, it’s helpful to think of them as The Wicked b***h of the West rather then your best friend’s sister Amy who once held your hair back while you vomited.
In any case, choosing an alias is totally optional.
