Hot Rolls

SAT 11/13
Women in kneepads, helmets and tight T-shirts cruising around a skating rink at top speed? That’s hot. And the new Kansas City Roller Warriors know it. They wear their sex on their skates. Think Heather Graham in Boogie Nights, without the porn-world tragedy. The Roller Warriors, an all-female roller-derby league, are strong of heart and hamstring, and they don’t mind looking spicy as they push and shove across the floor. The league, which starts rolling this spring, is looking for skaters as well as referees, production crew members, halftime entertainers and sponsors. See, it’s not just a sport — it’s a show. The phenomenon known as Neo-Derby already has strong contingencies in Austin, Tucson, Seattle, Madison and New York City, and the Roller Warriors hope to build their own formidable pack of speed racers.

The league holds a recruiting party from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Westport-Roanoke Community Center, 3601 Roanoke. The event includes a live demonstration of all things derby as well as videos, refreshments and a chance to talk with current roller girls.

League members practice three times a week at Winnwood Skate Center (4426 North Winn Road) and plan to hold a January exhibition bout. Practices cost $5. For more information, call Princess Anna Conda at 816-931-4928. — Sarah Smarsh

Ice, Ice, Baby
Need skating lessons?

FRI 11/12
Friday is opening day for Kansas City’s most prominent public ice rink, Crown Center’s Ice Terrace (2450 Grand). That raises the annual question: Is this the season we’ll finally learn to skate? Winters past have seen us flat on our ass while our best friend dazzled the masses with figure eights, looping back and peering down at us every so often to make sure we were “still having fun.” And as we limped off the ice, bound for our flask-concealing, cigarette-laden purse, we repeatedly considered taking lessons. Although we aren’t sure if we’re ready to surrender, we did find out that Crown Center offers a seven-week skating program for $75. We’re totally tempted. Call 816-274-8411 for details. — Annie Fischer