Belly Dance vs. Roller Derby

I knew it had to be one or the other before I even left Morocco. It was either my old love, roller derby. Or my new love, belly dance. I wish I didn't have to choose because I love them both. Both for different reasons. But with conflicting practice schedules, not to mention 4 kids whose social agendas impede mine, I must choose.

I thought I had this figured out though. I thought the clear winner was belly dance. I found an instructor here in Colorado I adore. Who teaches both oriental and tribal styles and I'm taking them both. And then something happened.

Photo courtesy of Fred Greenwood

Actually, a few things happened. First, I saw my derby wife, Mama Beast, who has just recently retired from derby herself. And the memories started to flood back. Then last week she was the one who told me about the passing of another derby team mate. We all started derby at the same time. It was sudden and freak passing. A tragic reminder that life is too fleeting. To just do it. Do it now. Whatever your "it" may be.

Then, on Saturday, the wife and I went to the new banked track leagues bout. See, we skated flat track. Most of the country does. Because most of the leagues in the country can't afford the track.

Oh my god. I want to skate it's curves. To take the outside and slalom back down and knock a girl to her knees clean to the inside of the track.

Photo courtesy of Fred Greenwood

I want to be covered in bruises.

I want to wear a really big belt buckle that could really bruise someone else. (But in reality just injures me.)

But, did I tell you at my last belly dance class I got my sword? Yes. Sword. And I freakin' LOVE it? My kids are all like, "Why can't I have a sword?" I tried to explain that they could if they became my personal sous chef with it. But they didn't get it. So I ended with a stern "Don't touch mommy's sword."

I want to dance with a sword on my head.

With really big earrings. (That could seriously injure myself or others. Yes, both the earrings and the sword.)

Look, I'm simultaneously balancing the sword and earrings. And, check it out, no hands. And I'm not the only one who thinks I look like a penguin in this photo right?

So what will it be? Dance or Derby? I don't know yet. Feel free to vote. (Although your voting has absolutely no effect on what I'll actually choose. Do it anyway.)

No matter what I do, I'm definitely keeping my derby wife.

This post is dedicated to the memory of MurdeRita. RIP