Keeping Skate Culture Alive
Social media has been proven to be a powerful tool for community building. During the pandemic, we were reminded that even though we were apart physically we were all still connected, even it if was virtual. In this time of isolation, people worldwide dove into new endeavors like learning how to roller skate. According to an NPR article, in 2020 roller skating was in such demand that there was a global shortage of roller skates.
As more individuals had access to spare time and a new pair of roller skates, they were also looking for avenues to learn how to become better skaters. To meet the demand and fill a void, the Step and Skate Movement was created to teach people the basics of roller skating. The movement has garnered 89,000 followers on its Facebook page, further showing the high interest in the activity and culture.
Step & Skate Movement is a roller skate instruction company based in Memphis, TN owned by Ebony Lemons, a.k.a Coach E to her students. Most classes are usually hosted in Memphis unless the company is out on tour giving skating lessons around the country in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Dallas. The next stop on the Fall list is Fayetteville, Tennesse on November 16, 2024.
The company specializes in teaching beginner moves while other skating groups may focus on spins or group choreography.
“I’m about introducing people to the skate community,” said Lemons.
The Woman Behind the Page
Lemons has a degree in civil engineering where she travels the country full-time in the sales department for a civil engineering company. Most of the time, the Step & Skate Movement tour city selections are based on the cities Lemons has to visit for work.
In February 2017 Lemons started skating for fun. She moved back home after college in Knoxville, TN, and was trying to figure out what adults did for fun. She eventually started posting videos of her skating on her social media stories which led to people wanting lessons.
“It took me a few months to get over myself and say I can do this,” she said.
Lemons will continue to work full-time while teaching her classes. She plans to expand in the future, including buying her own studio to host lessons.
“I turned my hobby into a lifestyle,” Lemons said.
Keep up with the Step and Skate Movement here.