How Low Can You Go:  Adolescent Interactions in the Social World of Skateland

							By: Michelle Colton &Jerrie Bodin
							Qualitative Research Methods
							Prepared for Dr. Vigilant
							February 14, 2007 
					
	As you arrive at the Skateland establishment, located at 3302 Interstate Boulevard S.W. in Fargo, North Dakota, the first thing noticeable is the virtually empty parking lot.  The lot is large, close to the size of a high school football field, and it looks even more vast by the absence of any more than about 10 or so vehicles parked there.  The grey concrete building is low and squat, somewhat resembling an old warehouse.  The only things that detract from this image is the glare of the neon sign, depicting nothing more elaborate than the establishment name, and the pastel pink and green stripes encircling the top of the utilitarian building, encasing, once again, the establishment name.   There are no bright, garish lights in the parking lot, just a couple of standard security lights which, considering that only an open field and a drainage ditch separate it from the Cass County Jail building is somewhat alarming.  As the building draws near, two simple glass-paned doors become visible, “this is where you want to be” they seem to beckon, as is evidenced by the fact that as a car pulls into the parking lot, it is barely able to come to a complete stop before the doors fly open and two children emerge, sprinting for the building with only a cursory goodbye to the person driving.  Upon opening the doors, it becomes apparent that the empty parking lot is deceptive, for the entrance foyer is crammed with adolescents.  The foyer is a large, square room with multi-purpose carpeting on the floor, now covered with melting snow and slush from the herd of young feet that recently tread there.  The room is divided by a metal fence creating an ‘in’ line to access the only one of the three doors present that possesses a handle to open from the outside – the other two doors are quite obviously only for exiting the building.
It is early, not quite 7:30 – the opening time is 7:30, no sooner, and no later.  The line of students packing the gated chute from the payment window stretching back to the exit doors resemble cattle at the loading docks awaiting departure – with frequent jostling and vocalizations about who they hope will make an appearance at the establishment tonight.  Directly in front of you as you enter is an easel-like pegboard with a notice and a pen on a string.  The notice is proclaiming that anyone over the age of 21 must sign the waiver holding Skateland harmless in the event of an accident.  At the top of the wall, close to the ceiling are numerous plastic signs with black lettering enunciating everything from the dress code – no tank tops, jeans are allowed unless they are excessively  ripped, faded or torn, etc. – to the type of inline skates that will be allowed to be used at Skateland – the basic requirement seeming to be the bolts that hold the wheels on must be either sunken into the bottom of the skate, or at the very least, flush with the ‘blade’ of the skate.  This I am told is to ensure the preservation of the hardwood floor of the roller rink, and avoid gouges and scratches from protruding hardware.
	Soon, the barrier behind the window scrapes open indicating the beginning of the evening for most of the adolescents present.  The rise in tension and anticipation caused by the faint scraping sound of the window is almost palatable, as the participants view the amount of cash they have on hand for the evening – mentally calculating what they will have left after entrance fees and skate rental are paid.  One youth, approximately 13-15 years in age, is obviously discontent with the spoils for the evening acquired from, I suspect, his mother exclaims “That bitch only gave me $50.00!”  This was the first indication of the role monetary rewards would play throughout the evening.
	Entering the establishment as observer with insider status by bringing her children, Michelle is obligated to fund the cost for the evening of her ‘insiders’, this begins with the cost of the entrance fee of $6.00 per person, which includes the ability to skate from 7:30-11:00 PM as well as the rental of traditional 4-wheel roller skates, reminiscent of the 1980’s roller-derby-style skates.  These are aesthetically neutral; beige with standard wheels placed on the four corners of the foot.  If these skates are not to your liking, one is able to rent a pair of orange and black rollerblades for the evening for an extra $3.00.  Most however, have a pair of rollerblades slung over their shoulders, obviously personal skates brought from home for the evening.  Jerrie, entering as complete observer, is waved through the entrance with only a minimal exchange of pleasantries, since no entrance fee is charged to adults that are not skating.
	Once your fee is paid, you’re handed a paper ticket blazoned with “Admit One” is bold, black letters and, if renting rollerblades, a plastic card with your shoe size, and allowed to proceed into the building with the reminder that once you’re in, you must stay in or pay the entrance fees again – a rule that is rarely, if ever, enforced.  The single door opens into a rather cavernous room subtly divided into various ‘sections’. Upon fully entering the room, one is inundated with sensory data:  the low rumble of children’s voices, a rolling sound, bright lights, music and the overwhelming smell of popcorn.
	To the left is a low counter in front of a wall of well organized skates, where one is to present either the paper ticket for standard skates, or the plastic card and the shoes on your feet if renting rollerblades.  In the center of this section is the snack bar where one can purchase a slice of Red Baron or similar brand pizza, and a slightly-larger-than-Dixie-cup-size glass of soda for $1.00 each from one of the two young girls working behind the counter.  The snack bar also offers popcorn, candy, chips, soft pretzels, humongous garlic dill pickles as well as a plethora of other ‘teen friendly’ foods.
	Further to the right is the ‘prize counter’, where any number of items, from Chinese finger games to the ever-popular glow stick can be purchased with either money or tickets won from the numerous video games around the perimeter.  These glow sticks figure prominently into the hierarchy of the evening and will be discussed more in depth later.  Directly in front of this counter, and extending the length of this section on the right side, is a row of fiberglass, bright yellow picnic tables for use during the evening. These tables are currently inhabited by two couples that appear to be the only adults in attendance, and a small group of younger adolescents at the far end.  Also present in this section on the far end of the skate rental counter is an air hockey table surrounded by a group of young people consisting of 6 girls and 5 boys almost as intent on the game in play as they are their cell phones.  They notice an unknown adult and instantly leave their spots to find a new place of refuge further away.  At the far end of this section is a ‘party room’ that is somewhat separated from the rest of the room by a low wall and ‘windows’ created by wooden rails.  This room is used during the frequent birthday parties that are held at Skateland and is partitioned off to offer a modicum of privacy to the birthday crowd.  On this night, it remains dark and chained off.
	Take a small step down and to the right, and you’re greeted by the highly polished hardwood oval of the skating rink itself, currently occupied by 20 or so adolescents, intent on having a good time while still appearing ‘cool’, and even a few adults seemingly trying to recapture the glory days of their youth  On either side of the rink are benches covered in red indoor/outdoor carpeting and strategically positioned to offer brief respite to those hurtling around the rink, and large speakers, hung at two-foot intervals around the ceiling of the skating rink are also observed.  In rows across the rink are bright, multi-colored lights evocative of Chinese lanterns providing the only light on the rink.   Behind the benches on the left side of the rink, are large banks of small lockers that can be used during the evening, but only locked if a key is purchased.  The banks of lockers are segmented intermittently by the aforementioned video games blinking and pinging for attention from the all too eager crowd of youngsters crowded around – quarters at the ready  The rental of a locker key is not mandatory, but does play a significant role in the evening; for at the beginning of the row of lockers, a large, brightly lit plastic box stands.  Inside this box, quaintly named the “Tornado Tumbler”, are various coupons for free skating, free food, and even cash amounts.  At a selected interval during the evening, a locker number is selected and the person with the key to that locker is allowed to go into that box, the staff closes the door and turns on the air inside the box, effectively causing the paper coupons to fly around the perimeter.  A large crowd of adolescents gather to watch the individual inside attempt to catch as many coupons as they can in the allotted time.  Amidst much good natured laughing and calling of encouragement, the lucky person exits the box and is immediately the center of attention of the large group.  On the far end of the rink is a large movie screen where music videos and advertisements for the various services offered by Skateland run throughout the night.  Although advertised as a ‘family’ event, the videos that are run can become alarmingly risqué considering the fact that approximately 99% of the clientele is within the age bracket of 6-15 years old.
	The overall atmosphere created by the blue carpeting splashed with red and yellow geometric designs, the Mylar metallic banners in bright colors, and the caricatures on the wall surrounding the rink is festive.  At the start of the evening, the DJ begins to review the rules of conduct and the dress code.  How many of those present are actually listening is hard to determine because the din of conversation does not die down, nor do the skaters slow their pace.
	There is a nightclub atmosphere that permeates the evening, and the young males in the group seem intent on impressing the girls with their prowess on skates; often skating much faster than allowed, skating backwards, or trying to complete tricks to impress without drawing the attention of the owner that is making the rounds to ensure safety, or the floor guards, dressed in black pants and a black and white striped referee shirt, that skate around the rink alongside the youth to maintain order.  Looking around it becomes apparent that virtually all of the youth present are wearing a glow stick; some of them have a large number of them around their neck.  This is very quickly noted to be a significant status symbol whose purpose becomes clear with the first ‘blackout skate’.  During this event, the lights are turned very low and only those who have purchased a glow stick – a small, clear plastic cylinder, approximately two to three inches long, that is filled with a colored liquid that glows in the dark and hung on a ribbon to be worn around the neck, purchased for the price of $2.00 each – are allowed on the skating floor.  Possession of a glow stick seems to be all-important as a young girl was observed, close to tears, turning her purse inside out to find the appropriate amount of cash to purchase one of these items and others were willing to go without refreshments for the evening to ensure the ability to have one or more around their neck.
	While virtually all of those present are wearing skates of some sort – most have personal rollerblades that appear to vary in cost from the more inexpensive Wal-Mart brand, to high-tech-looking blades with multicolored or glowing wheels, or other amenities to enhance appearance and/or functionality – not all of the adolescents are skating.  Many choose to congregate at or near the benches, lockers, and video games.  This appears to be where most of the socialization occurs, since those on the skating floor are either skating alone or in small groups of two to four people.  While engaging in the socialization process, typical adolescent posturing and language can be observed.  Boys were seen attempting to impress young girls by puffing out their chests and exhibiting an aura of bravado.  Girls seemed to be more intent on socialization and flirting – often giggling and appearing to require male assistance frequently.  The group noted earlier seemed to be particularly active around the lockers; the girls skating around the rink two or three times and then immediately going to their specific locker.  The girls were also often overheard commenting on clothes – they seemed to know designers and approximate price range at a glance – or gossiping on excessively ‘pimped’ cell phones about who was skating with whose boyfriend or who did what at school during the week.  Girls were also noted for yelling greetings to friends, squealing and hugging a new arrival more often than boys were.
	Of those skating the varying skill levels were quite obvious and a testament to whom in the group was a frequent skater.  Those exhibiting the wobbly-legged stance of a newborn foal and were obviously novice skaters, stayed close to the outside of the rink where the support of the low walls and railings were readily available.  In contrast, those who were obviously quite experienced skaters and zipped around the rink like NASCAR drivers during the Indy 500, stayed closer to the center of the rink – this area seemed to be ‘the place to be’ as most in attendance tried to get to, and remain in, this area.
	When the evening first began, there were approximately 20 or so skaters present.  However, as is typical of many social settings, as the evening progressed, additional skaters continued to arrive.  Most were preteen to teen aged and were similarly dressed in blue jeans and t-shirts, with the exception of one couple.  This couple was dressed all in black, sporting black hair and fingernails, and similar “misfits” t-shirts.  Virtually all of the adolescents were unattended by an adult.  It was alarming that, considering the large number of adolescents present there were approximately two other adult couples in the room – not counting the two of us that were conducting research, or the staff of the establishment.  It appeared that the appropriate role of parents in this setting was to provide sufficient monetary compensation to purchase all of the necessities for the evening, provide a ride to the establishment and be at the door with the car warmed up at the end of the evening.  Other than that, it was apparent from posturing and behaviors presented that parental presence was not welcomed, and given the distrustful and almost resentful looks that were given to us for continuing to remain in the establishment, adult presence wasn’t well tolerated  But why would an adult – a parent – agree to such an arrangement?  It was hypothesized that parents may be using the establishment as a form of ‘babysitting’ for their adolescent children.  This was based on the evidence that, at three degrees below zero Fahrenheit, with a wind chill that virtually burned the skin with cold, it was a bitterly cold North Dakota evening and the relatively safe establishment at which parents are dropping their children would ease the conscious of even the most guilt-ridden parent.
Aside from doling out cash and rides, adults were very unwelcome when it came to interaction with the adolescent groups – with the exception of the owner, Bruce.  A 50-ish looking man who was observed walking around, chatting with the clientele in a very familiar manner that indicated they were well known to each other.  At one point, a young man skated off of the step separating the two sections of the building, and the elder gentleman approached him.  In a fatherly, almost gentle tone, asked the young man “How many times do we need to talk to you about jumping?”  The young man instantly responds, “Should be only once, sorry.”  The older man just responded, “No more.  You know the rules.  We are all here to have fun.”  The young skater nods and is off to have more fun while the older gentleman continued on his way; walking around and carefully watching, but with a fatherly smile on his face. 
	Another aspect of the evening that appeared to be a significant status symbol was the ability to “couple up”.  Frequently throughout the evening, the lights were lowered and a ‘couples only’ skate was announced.  While many girls present would simply grab the hand of another girlfriend in order to skate, there were about six girls that were coupled up with boys.  These were the girls who seemed to be amongst the ‘popular crowd’ and were typically surrounded by a gaggle of admiring cohorts who seemed all too willing to do this individual’s bidding.  Another status symbol present during the evening was a ‘dance’ redolent of the “Hokey Pokey” of prior generations.  It is called the “Cha Cha Slide” performed by Mr. C. the Slide Man, and it was apparent that ‘all the cool kids’ skated during this dance, following the rather complicated instructions and moves called out during the song. (See attached lyrics, history and instructions from this song.  See also http://www.aatw.com/video.php?id=86591042 for video demonstration).  Unbeknownst to the majority of the adolescents doing the ‘Slide’, this song was actually an aerobic exercise song from 1996.  
The highlight of the evening for the adolescents present however, was the limbo.  The DJ played the first couple of notes from the song that accompanied this dance and the change in atmosphere was apparent.  This was what they were waiting for.  The skating floor was cleared, and two floor guards rolled a long pole, supported on each end by plastic supports, into the center of the ring.  Anyone not participating in the Limbo was ushered off the floor, while those who chose to compete formed a long line behind the pole.  Each person took a turn skating under the bar while watched by floor guards to ensure that any that touched the bar were effectively ejected from the floor.  The winner of this contest not only received much attention and accolades from their peers, but they also received free skating and food.  There was a noticeable shift in the body language of the young girl who won the contest – she was no longer just another skater, she was the winner – she skated with a straighter posture and was surrounded by many more ‘admirers’ than prior to the contest.  How ‘low you can go’ also seems to determine how high on the social ladder you can climb – at least for the evening.
	The remainder of the evening seemed to flow in much the same manner – the DJ playing videos and songs for the adolescents while they socialized and skated around the floor.  It was apparent that most of these people were ‘regulars’ and that they frequented this establishment – possibly every weekend.  Those who were newcomers were quite easy to pinpoint, as they were usually solo or in a small group for most of the evening, and essentially associated only with each other.  These were also the groups that left much earlier than the end of the evening – many emitting quips such as “This is boring” or “This sucks” as an attempt to justify to themselves and those around their early departure.
	It was noted previously in this paper that the atmosphere seemed remarkably similar to the night club scene frequented by adult contemporaries.  We believe that this is not a coincidence.  From all appearances, this establishment provided the first club-like ‘scene’ available for these adolescents.  The question remains as to whether this is simply ‘priming’ these children for the club scene when they become old enough, or will they ‘burn out’ and avoid the club scene altogether?  I guess only time and additional research will tell.