ANY GIVEN SUNDAY...is very accurate. Of course, it could have been WED or THUR! The BEST flea hop crowd is the star of this track...as BROOKPARK SKATELAND shines in Feb 1989. Archive video from Johnny Sharp, 35 year roller rink Organist in northern Ohio. LOVE THE ACTION!
Some of my fondest memories involve watching the flea-hoppers at the Euclid Skating Rink circa the 60's. Never did learn how to do it but I loved watching it.
jkennedy312 2 years ago
If you watch skating session videos on YouTube, you'll notice one striking element of the Flea Hop- The music's rhythm naturally generates "speed" amongst the skaters. The "boogie" style was tailor-made for skating.
Other things I miss about skating in N. Ohio: 1) "Fast skating" in general was never discouraged during the "all skates." 2) Before the session, instead of waiting in line outside to be let in the building, you're inside with skates on, waiting to be allowed on the floor.
Music2Die4 2 years ago
It was depressing when I found out, by skating at rinks around the country, the "flea hop" was confined to roller skating in Northern Ohio. Elsewhere, skaters never even heard of the "flea hop."
Whenever I tried the "flea hop" elsewhere, the floor guards put a stop to it. "Too daring."
I think the "flea hop" was by far the most-exciting roller session "specialty" ever conceived. It also inspired a skating music style that bucked the "boring" stereotype. Too bad it wasn't more widespread.
Music2Die4 2 years ago