Los Angeles - August 17, 2009

Something Wheely Special

Roller-Skating Lessons with Coach Blade

(Cue music.) Alpha kick into toe jamming; here comes a hurricane; now a jazz split; stall and then spin, spin, spin.

Hey, that’s just how you roll.

Or it will be if Coach Blade has anything to say about it.

At his hour-long jam skate class, you’ll get comfy on four wheels, practice new moves, put together a short dance routine to bust out in the rink, and perfect the art of a good-looking fall (try elbow down, chin on fist a la Cleopatra).

Class commences an hour before the monthly skate party Down & Derby, but skate school is mobile, and available for private or group lessons whether you want to speed like a pro; get the hang of urban trick styles; shape up for the rock ’em, sock ’em roller derby; or simply pick up the recreational basics.

You’ve just got to be wheeling and able.

Down & Derby class, Thursday, 8 p.m., at The Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Boulevard, between Park Avenue and Reservoir Street, Echo Park (213-413-8200 or attheecho.com). For more information about the event, go to downandderby.org. To sign up for a lesson, call 888-880-7655 or e-mail info@skateschool.com.