May 2005

Good Jammin' News

Q&A with Bill The following are Bill Butler's [BB] responses to reader questions. Q. Bill, my name is Jerry and I am a part of a skate group called "Beck's Family Rollers". We are a family of freedance skaters with routines. I would like to have our skate troupe perform professionally but I am not exactly sure how to go about doing that. I am hoping that you have some insight.......Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you. BB - In reference to any type of performing of the arts, you have to have something exciting to show people; have to be dedicated in your work; get commitment from your team; and no one, including yourself, is bigger than the sport itself so you have to always try to realize that you are going to entertain.  If you don't have anything that's entertaining, don't take it out there.  That's why I wanted to see your tape [but] without that, all I can say is, have something that people can appreciate and something you can respect and you should be just fine. RST - Where would you recommend he start out getting gigs? BB - If he hasn't got a manager, he should get one that is good at doing this sort of thing and he has to have a reputable product, something to show and he has to be responsive to people, i.e., if he comes up with a good piece and they want him to work or skate some more, he has to have some nice stuff to show. Also [Jerry], try to put a clinic together, something to inform skaters as to what you're going through, what your intentions are - I think we we need more of that these days.  That's something that's lacking, skaters need to be inspired, especially the ones who've been doing it awhile.  They would just as soon keep doing what they're doing as opposed to saying, 'I should knuckle down and try to learn what skating is all about.' If you don't want to take that step, you're not going to be convincing and people who are satisfied with what they're doing, they could be less interested.  You've got to bring them to their feet, otherwise, just go skating, have a good time for yourself and forget trying to entertain people. Thank you for your question. Posted 05/06/05 Do you have a specific question on the above information or the Jammin technique?  Ask Bill Back to Top