Press Release
It started in the US with The Sprockettes and the BC:Clettes , but now
the UK has its very own bicycle dance troupe. And with its amazing choreography,
amazing tricks- not to mention its racy outfits - it's the perfect pastime
for feminists with attitude.
Blurs of green
and black whiz by accompanied by the sounds of whirring bike chains and
cheers from a large crowd. The Spokes' first performance after Manchester
Critical Mass, a monthly bike ride in Manchester, was amazing.
There
is little prancing about and no one could say they were sissy's, instead
they did fantastic stunts standing on their bikes and synchronised moves
that made the audience gasp and cheer.
Nes one of The Spokes says, "We aren't your regular dance troupe
that is all about sex appeal and looking good. We love riding bikes and
riding together and were inspired by the US bike dancers that are able
to have fun on bikes whilst entertaining people."
They may claim not to be about sex appeal and looking good but they definitely do: they are sweaty, talented, passionate women with a definite feminist edge. Not only do they want to entertain they also have a mini manifesto that states their aims to:
*Promote bicycle riding,
*Promote riding bikes as a mode of transport that is safer, more sociable, more rewarding, more fun, less damaging to ourselves and the people and environment around us than car culture,
*Promote positive self image for people no matter what their body shape or appearance, and to celebrate the empowerment of women,
*Encourage health and fun exercise that isn't in boring expensive gyms,
*Encourage more women to ride bikes and enjoy doing so
The Spokes formed in August this year, and they have already done their first performances and getting booking requests for events in Manchester and all around the UK. "I had heard about The Sprockettes, a bike dance troupe in Portland Oregon, and I loved the celebration of bicycles and it looked so much fun. I'd never done any tricks on a bike before. What I love is that it's a do-it-yourself thing, with women at the helm," says Nes.
They
choreographed their own routines and many of them had never attempted
any tricks on bikes before joining, but you wouldn't know! They practise
in Longford Park in Chorlton on a tarmac basketball court where, they
told me, they learnt fast that it hurts to get the moves wrong.
They ride children's bikes "Kids bikes are best because it means
that we need a smaller space to perform in, it also means we can turn
tighter and they're generally better for our routines" says Jane
who rides a lilac mini shopper.
"I love being in The Spokes, it's so much fun to ride bikes in this way that's totally fun and entertaining and new in Britain. But it's also great that it's all women. We have a great support group of amazing women around us," says Kelda
From Pothole Magazine Manchester Autumn/Winter issue 2007
There will shortly
be a feature on The Spokes in the international magazine, Cycling Plus.
The Spokes will soon feature in a film made by Plastic Buddha. www.plasticbuddha.co.uk.