Brewcity Bruisers host Wisconsin premiere of “Derby, Baby!”

The Brewcity Bruisers All-Stars in action at the Midwest Brew Ha Ha this past June. All BCB photos by Angela Morgan.

The Brewcity Bruisers are back in training and gearing up for their 7th season, and this Friday, they’ll host the Wisconsin premiere of the new documentary Derby, Baby! A Story of Love, Addiction, and Rink Rash during a special Gala at Turner Hall Ballroom. The film explores the current state of the sport through those living it.

The BCB Micro Bruisers debut exposition bout in 2012.

Roller derby’s modern rebirth began in 2001 in Austin, Tex. Since then, thousands of women have rediscovered their love of skating, learning a full contact sport that is a unique athletic expression of women’s empowerment. Today there are hundreds of leagues in the United States and the number continues to grow. Milwaukee’s own Brewcity Bruisers expanded the league last year and began a recreational league, the Lite Brews, and debuted the city’s first junior derby team, the Micro Bruisers. Derby is expanding internationally, too, as the first ever Roller Derby World Cup was held last year in Toronto, and the sport is even in contention to be in the 2020 Olympics.

Still from the film “Derby, Baby!” directed by Robin Bond and Dave Wruck.

Women’s flat track roller derby is the fastest growing sport in the world, and the film, directed by Emmy award-winners Robin Bond and Dave Wruck, aims to find out why that is. From its inception 77 years ago to the classic televised derby of the ’70s to the modern stars that are pushing the sport to new heights, the documentary looks at the phenomenon through the years, and asks questions about the future.

How much will change as the sport expands? How much do the skaters want change? Can an extreme sport go mainstream—or more importantly— should it? It’s a discussion that will continue long after the credits roll.

Brewcity skaters, Beerleaders and Officials will be in attendance at the Gala and there will be a silent auction and raffle to help support the league. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the screening begins at 8 p.m. Movie snacks and Streetza Pizza will be available for purchase. The party continues after the screening with DJ Dori Zori from 88.9 Radio Milwaukee. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Turner Hall Box Office or from their website.

The BCB Lite Brews practicing a pace line.

Full disclosure: I can speak first hand about the addiction that roller derby can become. My derby name is Gypsy Von Rolla. One year ago I purchased my very own quad skates and gear to skate with the Brewcity Bruisers Lite Brews and will be a Non-Skating Official this upcoming season. Between getting a great workout and learning about an exciting new sport to meeting a whole new community (family) of amazing women, it has been unbelievable experience I’m truly grateful for.

The 2012-13 season was just announced so make sure to put these dates on your calendar now: January 11, February 9, March 9, April 21, and May 11.

For more information on the Brewcity Bruisers or on how you can get involved with roller derby, visit www.brewcitybruisers.com.