In July of 2009 friends Joei North and Sabra Bunger saw that there was more than enough interest for an additional roller derby league in Kansas City. Going with the rule set for the Old School Derby Association (OSDA) they were ready to offer Kansas City derby fans more variety. That's because with OSDA you have the option of offering four types of derby games. 1-Women's Game, where strictly women compete; 2-Men's Game, where strictly men compete; 3 - Co-ed Game, where mixed teams (men and women) compete; 4 - Old School Game, where men and women alternate periods on the track. Truly a unique concept when it comes to roller derby.
By September Joei and Sabra had decided on what to name their league and Dead Girl Derby KC was born. Following their love of zombies these girls may stylize the dead, but they are very much alive. With 40 skaters and 20 crew members their league is off to a good start. With hopes of someday going co-ed and skating on a banked track, these ladies are working on building a solid foundation for their league to grow on. Under the direction of Queen B from Chicago, Illinois Joei and Sabra have become certified derby instructors. They hope to begin offering Derby Lite classes soon. "Think of it as Jazzercise on skates, " says Sabra. These classes teach you basic skating skills as well as conditioning and strengthening the key muscles for derby.
Being certified isn't all that is unique about these ladies. They switch up players each game, by drawing names at random to assign or reassign them to the team that will play with that game. "It creates a sense of unity," remarks Sabra, "leveling out the playing field." When leagues are just forming there is the opportunity to learn different things from different skaters. By changing up their game rosters, Joei and Sabra feel the skaters in their league will learn from each other better.
If you'd like to see Joei (aka KiKi Yoasis) and Sabra (aka Stormy Trooper) as well as the other ladies of the Dead Girl Derby KC in action you have an opportunity this weekend. Their May Day, May Day! game is this Sunday May 23, 2010 at the Northland Rolladium. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Hope to see you there!
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