Dancing Queens: Ridgewood rolls into spring with popup disco party

Hundreds of roller skaters took advantage of warm weather to party at a pop-up disco in Ridgewood Saturday. Photos by Dave Jeffers Courtesy of Harry Martin Alias (Studio50H) @rollerwavenyc

By Rachel Vick

A roving roller disco took Ridgewood to Funkytown Saturday, turning a quiet hockey rink into a party on wheels.

Roller Wave, a company that hosts pop-up roller discos around the city, drew hundreds of skaters of all ages to Mafera Park for its second event of the year.

Roller Wave founder Harry Martin said pandemic isolation and anxiety inspired him to found the project.

“I went through depression and anxiety at the beginning of 2020 and for me getting out there, roller skating in the park got me to feel better,” Martin said. “Now I'm starting to see the public is feeling the same way I felt.”

“It’s a great feeling,” he added.

Martin started the outdoor skating events in 2020 “to get people outside, working out, getting some sun and helping out with the daily stresses and anxiety that the pandemic has caused,” Martin said.

The bash featured a live DJ and refreshments to keep skaters’ spirits high and bodies loose.  Martin said the events pay homage to the city’s roller skate culture and disco legacy, while offering a fresh spin for younger generations.

Martin said he organizes events based on community interest, and he is already starting to look at the best spots in Queens to secure more permits and host  more parties in the borough.

“In NYC there aren’t a lot of opportunities to have these roller skate gatherings or even rinks to skate in,” said Jackson Heights resident Monica Patton, who skated with a group of friends. “I was really excited to see a skate party specifically in Queens set up and wanted to join in on the fun.”

Old school rollers took advantage of the warm weather to practice their moves alongside younger fans, with dancers decked out in technicolor skates and fresh fits. Experienced skaters were happy to lend a helping hand to those looking to learn, Patton said.

“It’s a much needed aura of positive energy while skating to fun jams,” Patton added. “It was an amazing experience… and it is a great way to build community and meet new people.”