by Jennifer Macon-Steele

Created on: October 11, 2009

If you haven't heard about "Whip It," you may be living under a rock. The new movie comes out on October 2nd and is the project of a very busy Drew Barrymore. She is the producer and director of the roller-derby flick as well as one of its stars.

The excitement about this upcoming film has caused a lot of interest in the world of women's roller derby. Potential fans are drawn in by the idea of tough, beautiful women beating each other up on roller skates. The sport is fast, rough and provides plenty of action. Once fans get caught up in the drama and violence, they tend to be hooked.

Where, you ask, can I go to experience this phenomenon for myself? It turns out that Philadelphia is a great place to see these roller derby stars up close and personal.

The Philly Roller Girls have been skating their hearts out since 2005. The Roller Girls are 50 skaters strong and made up of three home teams, Philthy Britches, The Broad Street Butchers and The Heavy Metal Hookers. They also have a travel team, The Liberty Belles. The Belles are currently first in their division. The skaters themselves own and run the organization, making it a labor of love for all those involved.

These ladies offer a fun night for fans each time they take over the 23rd Street Armory for their match-ups. (See the website for their schedule.) This year they will host the Women's Flat Track Derby Association's National Championship tournament November 13th through the 15th at the Philadelphia Convention Center. They will also be competing for the Hydra Trophy.

If you aren't content to be a spectator, you can try this thrilling sport for yourself. Try-outs for the Philly Roller Girls will be held Sunday, November 22nd at Millennium Skate World in Camden. No previous roller derby experience is necessary, but participants should know how to skate and be at least 21 years old. More information can be found on the Philly Roller Girls website.

Of course if you just want to get a taste of life on wheels, you can always try your skills at one of the Philadelphia area's many roller rinks.

If you live in Philly, you can have the whole "Whip It" experience. See the movie, see the real thing and then try it out yourself. Who knows? You might be the next big roller derby star.

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