YES! It does exist!  It’s a unique experience that will remind most of us of just how old we really are – and how out of touch we are with the abilities of our younger years.  That is, unless, you’ve maintained your roller skating skills all of these years.  I attended 2 of the 3 Down & Derby parties hosted by Good Units that were held in the basement of the Hudson Hotel.  For $5, I was granted access to the party and a set of roller skates.  The optional knee-high tube socks, short shorts, neon tops and fros were just a basis to the outfits that everyone came in. 

I figured since I was in descent shape, I’d be able to hold my own.  Quickly I realized that I no longer had the skills and that it wasn’t about being in shape.  I had my fair share of falls, which were very apparent the next morning by my aches and bruises, but I left my pride out on 58th Street and had a blast!  Dressing up was optional but of course, it only added to the fun.  The hardest part for me was making the turns around the small “dance” floor and stopping when I approached someone too fast; all the while keeping my drink steady in my hand, trying not to spill it.  Being that it is a dance party, drinks are available at a reasonable price and you can bring them with you as you skate.  Unfortunately, skaters like me were spilling their drinks, making the floor easier to slip on. 

It’s a great time.  The music is fun, it’s a fantastic place to people watch and you can burn a few calories doing something you may not have done in a VERY long time.

If you want to attend a party, keep checking the below link for upcoming dates and the place as it announced that the party will no longer be promoted through Good Units and my guess is that it will no longer be held in the Hudson Hotel.  http://www.skatedrinkdance.com/skate/?page_id=209

Hopefully I’ll see you there! Happy Skating!