Taking Down the Disco Ball

Photos by Jenn Stoneking

The Electric Roller DiscoTech turned a vacant East Side warehouse into a vibrant, happening space for one evening. More than 400 people skated, boogied, socialized, checked out the views, watched Xanadu and retro pop commercials and listened to great music..

In the days leading up to the event, I was trying to imagine how many people would attend, but I never dreamed the turnout would be so large. I can only guess that the event resonated with Clevelanders who remember how fun skating is, or who were just looking for something funky to do on a Friday night.

The best part of creating this event was all the great people we worked with: St. Clair Superior Development Corporation, Pop Up City, Alexandra Underhill, All Go Signs, Plant Kingdom Bakery, Hooper Farm and Progressive Arts Alliance.

Countless people have asked when the next roller skating party is going to happen. People want to know if we can host a weekly skate in the Leff Warehouse, or if we'll pick a different vacant spot next time. We've officially "graduated" from the Cleveland Exeuctive Fellowship; this was the final 2008/9 event, but we are considering doing another skating event indpendently. In the future, I think we'll need some financial sponsors, and to provide skates to lend to those that don't have a pair. I'd love for the event to remain free and family friendly so that all Clevelanders can come and join in the fun.