The Pulse of Cascade

Let me take you on a journey of a typical night at Cascade in 2025. It’s Sunday evening, and doors open at 8 p.m. The line forms like a snake extending outside, wrapping itself around the building. Generations of skaters, new and old, all wait patiently for their chance to pay admission at the door and be welcomed into a new world.

The big Cascade sign is lit up like stars, where many people take pictures to show that they’ve been at the iconic landmark.

As you wait in line, a video of Cascade Founder and Owner Greg Alexander plays on the screen while you listen to the music that’s booming throughout the skating rink. The music is so loud and enticing that it begins calling your name. Most skaters are so busy getting ready to see the rink and skate that they don’t seem to mind the quick security check.

After clearing security, the tall black DJ booth towers ahead, taking your attention before the rink can. To your left are the skate rentals, which lead directly to the skating rink. You can feel the wind sitting on the sides of the rink as you watch the skaters go by. Those who frequent Cascade often can tell the regulars from the beginners. The weekly skaters all have their favorite days to come and their favorite moves to perform. Like the woman with the big afro who sensually slow-skates backward no matter the beat. Or the three women who show out just like the men with their choreography and speed. And we can’t forget the people who stay to themselves and try out new moves all night long just for the fun of it. No matter the level of the skater, everyone can be found grooving to the DJ’s set, which is heavily influenced by the South.

For 25 years, Cascade has been a space for multi-generations to come together locally and nationally. Cascade became a household name after the release of Chris Robinson’s 2006 movie ATL, starring artist T.I.

According to the Atlanta Voice, Alexander didn’t plan on the major success of his skating rink. But because of his tenacity, he created a hub for skaters to not only enjoy their crafts but also thrive in them.

The Carvd N Stone Team sat down with Atlanta-based professional roller skaters Msss Kamille and Laron Best to discuss their skating careers and Atlanta’s skate culture. As both avid skaters of Cascade, both skaters recently appeared in Ciara, EARTHGANG, and J.I.D’s latest music video for their single Sk8. SK8 highlights Cascade along with other prominent Atlanta-based skating rinks: Golden Glide, Skate Towne USA, and Sparkles Family Fun Center.

Behind Msss Kamille: Superbowl, Trained Usher, and More

Kamille Boyd-Gilmore, professionally known as Msss Kamille, improved her physical health through roller skating. Boyd-Gilmore was nine months pregnant when she was hit by a drunk driver. She was told that she may be paralyzed, but she didn’t let that stop her. During this time, she opened up a dance school and began rollerskating to improve her mobility. She was also going through a divorce, and places like Cascade brought her peace.

According to Shoutout Atlanta, Boyd-Gilmore’s dance studio, Kameo Productions, has been a community pillar for over 15 years, offering programs that help students earn college scholarships and TV and film opportunities.

Because she couldn’t skate fast at the time, the middle of the rink became her stage. Once her physical health improved, she said she used to be one of the only women in the middle of the rink battling the guys. Her skating fused tomboy vibes with sexy, hip-hop, tap, and dance.

“I was able to incorporate all these styles as a Black woman,” said Boyd-Gilmore. “It was changing the way we saw roller skating.”

She’s been paid to travel across the country to skate, and she describes Atlanta’s skate culture as a melting pot of all skating styles.

Boyd-Gilmore’s son is now 21 years old, and throughout his life, his mother’s love for rollerskating has turned into a professional career. She’s been featured in the Super Bowl, Drumline, and more. She’s also given lessons to well-known artists like Usher and Alicia Keys.

But no matter the skill level, she said it’s about having fun.

“Your skating may not look like the next person’s, and that’s okay,” said Boyd-Gilmore. “And that’s what I love about skating, there’s no right or wrong.”

Boyd-Gilmore has a goal of bringing the South to the world through skating.

Behind Laron Best: Roller Jam, Milan Fashion Week, and More

Laron Gigger, professionally known as Laron Best, has been skating since a child. His first birthday party was at a skating rink. Gigger’s mom and grandmother are both skaters, and it was in 2022 when he decided to take skating seriously.

According to Gigger’s website, in February, he became the first Black queer roller skater to walk a mainstream runway at Milan Fashion Week for DSquared2. He’s appeared on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, the reality competition series Roller Jam on MAX, and many music videos, including Hell Woods 2 By Queen Key and GloRilla. 

But before skating came dance. Gigger is a self-taught professional dancer who’s learned multiple dance styles, including Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Gigger uses his platform to uplift and give a voice to the LGBTQ+ world. He admits that when he first started skating at public rinks, he wasn’t welcomed right away. But he stayed confident and never forgot that he was there for himself and no one else.

“Skating was my peace. I didn’t do it for them, I’ve always done it for me,” said Gigger.

Gigger fell in love with the culture of skating right away and hasn’t looked back since.

“It’s very easy to find yourself in the Atlanta skate culture,” he said.

He added that Atlanta has put skating on the map.

Along with his many talents, Gigger is also an artist who just released his first single, Glide.

“Don’t let people control your narrative. Don’t let them put you in a box. Allow yourself to explore and do it for you,” said Gigger.