Conversations with Frances McGee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Frances McGee.

Hi Frances, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a professional roller skater and massage therapist. I started skating in my early twenties. The process of coming to skating and my development within it shaped me to the person and skater I am today.

I left college after a short period. Feeling pretty dejected and unsure of where I fit into my hometown. I was falling behind in my ideals of what I was pegged for.

When I started skating I was living in Honolulu. At the perfect time, I was in my 20s and working my butt off. And dreaming of what else I could do, and who else I would be.

I started skating as a way to escape, where nothing else mattered. It helped that it wasn’t easy. The key that skating reveals is the power of risk, the twinge of fear that vulnerability gives is an opportunity, to have more patience with yourself and see things from another perspective.

Originally, training for roller derby I skated by the name Abominatrix. A nickname I still go by. The training, teamwork and routine guided my ability to connect with what brings joy and feeds my creative curiosity. I quickly fell in love with street & bowl skating as well as freestyle flow jamming.

I love being there for the ah-ha moment with a skater. I know its mystery, the elusiveness and frustration of pushing the boundaries to learn something new. I think that’s what makes me a great teacher & fluid skater.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Apart from becoming a Moxi sponsored skater. I’d say just getting a hold of skates was and continues to be a big challenge. Simply affording a pair. Only the boot, all eight wheels and double the bearings is PRICEY (that’s without a plate and mounting fees)!

I started in a pair of thrift store chicagos, next a thrift set of roller derby skates — Not a great skate for durability, upgrades or adjustments. But I didn’t care, I skated everywhere I could get away with it. Until the duct tape couldn’t hold or a bearing exploded.

It took me months to feel stable and years to build agility. I loved what I learned about myself in the process. Alone, together with other learners learning, playing derby or feeling free to communially vibe in a rink — All that’s given and taken, transmutes back to your life beyond that moment on skates. To be humbled by it.

Beyond any failure within the grit of a challenge there is depth, and a wider range of awareness. All elements that require resilience and adaptability. Two fruitful life skills!

Adventures are never dull and in the world of roller skating, There is no such thing as a smooth road.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My website launches in February 2021. I am currently creating a lot of fun online tutorials! For skaters learning from home. I also continue to host small batch classes and work with groups like Sista Skate providing monthly workshops. While also navigating growth of Rise & Skate community skate enrichment events. Where we hope to bring more learning opportunities on skate far and wide.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Remain adaptable and flexible, skating is a long term investment in more than the wheels that get your started. It can be a life changing experience for those willing to explore it. You are power, you are grace.

Pricing:

• Small Batch Group Class: $40/ hr – $140 /four sessions
• Sista Skate Basics Monthly Workshop: $40/ hour

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: abominatrix.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/abominatrix/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/03hp29Ntyy4

Image Credits
Photo credit to Pete Kotzbach Marshall Garlington Joanna Edmison J. Connelly Kamry James