Whip it, Whip it GOOD!

The upcoming release of Drew Berrymore’s, Whip It, a movie revolving around womens roller derby, is creating some talk. Roller derby, in its full contact sport image, has reemerged to the scene in rinks across the nation. Women from their 20’s-40’s are lacing up and getting tough. Sportsmanship takes a backseat to ‘dirty pool’ or would that be ‘dirty rink’?
I degrees, the current popularity of roller derby surrounds local, all-women teams with names, or alter egos, utilizing word-play to allude to sexual puns, alliterations, or allusions to pop culture. The uniforms cater to the rock or burlesque fashions, frequently featuring tutu’s and fish nets. While the names are clever and the outfits are hot, their mission is to destroy…injuries are frequent and most organizations require an EMT on site at games.
Here is your sneak peak at Whip It:

1. Create a new identity for yourself. Part of the appeal of roller derby is the way it allows average women to transform themselves into blood-thirsty roller demons. Before you can pick an effective roller derby name, you’ll need to understand what you’re trying to convey about yourself through an alternate identity.
2. Pick a name that’s consistent with your team’s identity and any theme it may have with costumes and personas. Your team’s name might be inspired by supernatural creatures, warriors or gangs. Your individual name should be a reflection of your team’s identity. For instance, if you’re team were called the Gunlingers, you might call yourself Jessica James or Wild Lil Hickok.
3. Search for inspiration all around you. Consider strong, sexy feminine icons like Florence Nightingale, Joan of Arc, Foxxy Brown or Pocahontas. Think of famous women throughout history.
4. Put a unique twist on a familiar name. Create a violent or sexual pun with your name. Employ literary devices like rhymes or alliteration to make your roller derby name as clever and unique as possible.
5. Show true commitment to your roller derby team and your alternate identity by getting your derby name tattooed across your bicep. Include your team’s logo for an extra touch of cool.
6. Make sure you pick a name that’s short enough to fit on the back of your jersey. Pick a name that’s punchy and fun. Ideally, you’ll want your fans to be able to chant your name when you make spectacular plays on the rink.