A Roller Disco is coming to Dairy Road and we are beside ourselves

Posted on 5 March, 2024

It’s not every day that we hide things from our beloved readers.

But we have been sitting on this scoop for a little while and well, dear readers, it’s worth the wait.

Because today we can announce that not only is Fyshwick’s Dairy Road getting a brand new warehouse venue – The Vault – but it will host none other than a completely retro, totally epic Roller Disco this winter.

Across Friday 5 and Saturday 6 July, Roller Disco will host a groovy selection of roller skating classes, themed rink sessions, roller dance classes and kids and adults roller discos hosted by Roller Promotions – and tickets are now on sale.

Naturally, the retro vibes will be high, with live DJs spinning the greatest hits of years gone by – with a healthy dose of new stuff for the TikTok generation – and you can either BYO skates or hire them on the day for just $6 per session.

A bunker-style warehouse with no internal pillars, Program Producer for Dairy Road Rose Ricketson says The Vault is the perfect location for reliving your childhood roller rink disco dreams – even in the middle of the day.

“The idea for a disco came to us straight away,” she says. “The space has no windows which means we can use light in a fun way. I see a giant disco ball transforming the space into a glittering wonderland.”

Before you ask, no prior skating experience is needed, with plenty of beginner classes for both kids and adults across the weekend and yes, first aid will be present in case of any spills.

“When we spoke with Roller Promotions, we realised there is also scope for an array of classes and rink sessions, and we knew it would be a wonderful offering for Canberran’s looking for something warm and fun to do in the winter holidays,” says Rose.

As for off-rink activities, expect a candy bar, great music and disco lights, comfy seating, warm drinks and good old retro vibes. 

Better still, each session will be hosted by highly skilled RollerFit instructors and Roller Promotions performers to teach you how to skate and show off their skills. 

“My team and I are pumped to be bringing a whole lot of roller fun to Canberra to connect with the existing roller-skating community, teach newbies about the joy of 8 wheels, and encourage folks to dust of their skates and get back in the rink,” says RollerFit director Stacey Short.

“We think this is the perfect winter activity in the perfect location.”

Can’t wait to learn how to move a la Xanadu? Roller Dancer Amelia Wheeler can’t wait to teach you.

“Roller dance is an amazing style, created mainly by Black rink skaters in the USA,” she explains. “It’s heaps of fun both to do, and to watch. Our instructors have travelled to study with some of the best roller dancers in the US and Europe, bringing these moves back to Australia. We can’t wait to take over The Vault with roller dance!”

Outside of The Vault, Dairy Road will be yours to explore, with eateries, bars, galleries, boutiques and more open across the weekend and if The Vault has blown your event-organising mind, get excited because it’s open for bookings from May to August 2024. Click here for more information.