Looking for a great Kentucky Derby hat? Look no further than Aspire Arts, 611 North 6th St., in LowerTown. Owners Janet and Jay O'Rourke have a collection of gorgeous hats by designer Patricia Shypertt.
And who better to model them than the gorgeous members of Paducah's own Meltdown Town Derby Dames? These women are serious about roller derby, wearing their wrist guards, knee pads and fish nets, and
whipping around the floor of the Salvation Army two evenings a week as a tightly knit pack and countless times around Kingsway Skateland on their own.
They're athletes. They're tough. They're artists. They're pierced and tattooed. They're beautiful. And, after they achieve a certain level in practice, they get to have super cool roller derby names, to boot.
Here are the Meltdown Town Derby Dames demonstrating the correct way to combine a Derby hat with roller derby style!
Blitzkrieg Bettie, Evilyn A. Heathen, Aaron Agony and Valanthe Nai'lo love being competitive, knocking people around and hanging out with the girls. "I love being aggressive," says Blitzkrieg. "I'm never aggressive outside roller derby!"
Dorothy Horrible, Sugarann Anthrax, Heidibusa, Suzanna Nicole Smash and Kitty Hatchett appreciate hanging out with a bunch of girls they "don't hate," the awesome exercise and skating really fast. "I like looking cute and kickin' butt," Kitty says. And that she does!
The two gals on the left are coming up with their roller derby names. They're joined by Mean Mean Mississippi Queen, another gal yet-to-be-named and Jaded Hades. "I absolutely love to skate," says Hades. "My mom and dad met at a skating rink, and I grew up skating almost before I could walk. It's exhilarating. I love these girls. Every one of them!"
Another gal working on her roller derby name and Aaron Agony – with att-ti-tude!
Dr. Frankenhurter and Scream Queen are experienced pros when it comes to skate fashion!Pretty. Fast. Girls. In Action!
For almost a year now, the Meltdown Town Derby Dames have been mixing their fabulous sense of style with tough, athletic workouts at least twice a week. "It's amazing exercise," says Dorothy Horrible. "I'm in the best cardio shape I've ever been in my life!"
On Saturday, July 19, the Dames will be ready to devastate in their first official bout. The competitors: the Black-n-Bluegrass Rollergirls of Covington. The bout takes place in Lexington, so the Derby Dames invite us all to travel with them and show our support!
In the meantime, coach Dave Diggler has been training the team with some serious strength and speed workouts. "He has us operating at two speeds: fast and faster," says Jaded Hades.
Here's a look:
