Interview with the Swarm's Bonnie D. Stroir - Tix on sale now for Cookies vs. Swarm 11/14

Bonnie D. Stroir tries to evade capture from Officer P.I.T.A. Photo by Stalkerazzi

Though they might be the newest team to the LADD, the Swarm have had no trouble adjusting to the punishing banked track, stinging all opponents to remain undefeated. The tight, strategic team in yellow and black battle the evenly-matched Tough Cookies on Nov. 14, when only one team will walk away undefeated, and all fans will walk away delighted. We spoke with Bonnie D. Stroir, the happiest skater in derby, about why she's always smiling and how she fears no one. Get your tickets to see if the Cookies can wipe the smile off Bonnie's face on Nov. 14. Tickets on sale now at www.derbydolls.com/la

Q:         Tell us why and how you started the San Diego Derby Dolls.
BDS:     Well, I just fell in love with the Derby Dolls right from my very first practice. I loved it so much I continued to commute from Oceanside,CA to Los Angelesfor 2 years. I would travel to the ends of the earth for derby (I've proven that) but after my truck got repoed from missing all the work I used to do, and the train being so unreliable, it just seemed to make sense to bring the style of derby that I love to the county that I actually lived in! Fortunately LADD's founders Demolicious and Thora Zeen agreed, and supported the decision to start a sister league in San Diego. So, a few Craigslist posts later, the San Diego Derby Dolls were born in June 2005.

Q:        What do you think of the Tough Cookies? That Krissy Krash is pretty damn scary.
BDS:    I love Krissy! And I love the Cookies, that was my old team when I was an L.A. Derby Doll. But you should know that I don't fear anyone in derby. I come at this sport with lovelovelovelove. I'm not afraid of it. Or anybody my team has to face.

Q:        We talked a bit with your captain [Isabelle Ringer] about the recent addition of some flat track heavyweights on the Swarm (Ivanna S. Pankin, Trish the Dish, Dahmernatrix) - how concerned were you with integrating their style of play into the Swarm and how excited were you to have these personalities joining San Diego?
BDS:    A good skater can take on any surface. They only concern we'd have with them is the same as bringing on any new team members: building up the trust and chemistry that creates a cohesive unit. Our hive-mind mentality has really helped make that a smooth one- but true intuitive chemistry is something that builds with time.

Q:        What's with you always smiling when you're skating?
BDS:    I love roller derby! I lovelovelove it. I love hitting, dodging, being hit... Every aspect of this sport makes me happy!

Q:         The Baby Doll Brawl is the day after your bout against the Tough Cookies. What words of advice do you have for aspiring skaters?
BDS:    The Baby Doll Brawls are fun to watch because what the newer skaters lack in skill- they seem to make up for with sheer brutality!
I guess my advice is just enjoy yourself, and then watch the footage in slow mo and take it in. Sometimes it feels cooler than it looks, but that's how we learn!

Q:        What will it mean to you and your team if you can go undefeated and win the LADD 2009 Championship?
BDS:    It will mean that there will one poster of each of the great teams on the Doll Factory Champs Wall. And I'll break out my very best smile for the picture. = )

L.A. DERBY DOLLS BANKED TRACK ROLLER DERBY ACTION ON OCTOBER 3 PREPARES FANS FOR RELEASE OF DREW BARRYMORE’S “WHIP IT”

Undefeated Champions Tough Cookies Prepare to “Whip It” Good To First-Season Varsity Brawlers; Tickets On Sale Now For Saturday, October 3 Event

LOS ANGELES – The L.A. Derby Dolls (www.derbydolls.com/la), Southern California’s premiere all-female, banked track roller derby league, anticipate the chance to demonstrate the thrill of the spill to new and seasoned derby fans as the Tough Cookies take on the Varsity Brawlers on Sat., Oct. 3 at the Doll Factory (1910 Temple Street, Los Angeles CA 90026).  This event threatens to be a fierce and competitive bout as it arrives on the heels of the much anticipated movie, “Whip It,” directed by and starring Drew Barrymore.

The 2008 champions, the Tough Cookies, under the brute leadership of captains Iron Maiven and Gori Spelling, are currently undefeated and with the quickness and agility they’ve been exhibiting they have no plans to let this title slip away. Their aggressive, no-holds barred approach to scoring points establishes them as a formidable opponent. The team also features co-stars from the film “Whip It,” Iron Maiven and Krissy Krash.

The new gals on the block, Varsity Brawlers, have done their homework over the summer break and are coming off a huge win against the Fight Crew, a major feat for a first season team.  Led by captains Long Island Lolita and Razorslut, the outstanding and outlandish women in purple have proven their mettle. This tenacious team is known for their teamwork and heart.

The energy at the Doll Factory is at an all-time high.  With roller derby exploding onto the big screen, these two teams have the guts and the glory to show Southern California that not even Hollywood could script anything as exciting as roller derby.

The youthful and vibrant band, Kitten, will perform at halftime, with DJ Kasey Bomber supplying the tunes. Derby Dolls events offer a full range of entertainment off the track, with the Vendor Village featuring art, jewelry and clothes, food from Garage Pizza and Hot Dog on a Stick, and beer from Tecate and Alex’s Bar.

Tickets are now available to purchase at http://www.derbydolls.com/la. General admission tickets are $17 online and $20.00 at the door; VIP tickets are $40.00. The Doll Factory is located at 1910 Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90026 (between Alvarado and Union). Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and closes at half time. General parking is available for $8 at Silver Lake Medical Center, 1711 West Temple (near the intersection of Temple and Union), one block east of the Doll Factory. This is a 21 and over event, featuring beer and wine. Please have your ID, leave your cameras/recording devices at home, and note that all concessions and most vendors accept cash only.