Photos by Maria Martin
1. A father tries to steady his daughter as she learns to roller skate
2. Aileen Quinn and the Leaping Lizards rocking out
3. Ariana Moini skates with her pup Emma
4. A girl enjoys the inflatable slide
Blame it on Razor scooters, too much screen time or overprotective parents, but on July 16 it became clear that kids today just don’t know how to roller skate.
“No kids are smiling here,” said Yupa Wathanasin, whose own child struggled to stay upright through tears.
Luckily, Caitlyn Ruelas of L.A. Roller Girls — a group of champion roller skaters who put on events and performances — was on hand to help little skaters find their balance.
“For kids just starting out, I recommend quad skates,” said Ruelas, meaning the kind with four wheels and a stopper that you might associate with the days of roller disco. “Hockey skates naturally go in.”
The good news is that there were plenty of other activities to keep tots busy — like a bounce house and free arts and crafts table, where some kids built their own kaleidoscope. Music was provided by Aileen Quinn (of “Annie” fame) and her swing band the Leaping Lizards.
— Shanee Edwards
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