Out of this World Skating in Rhode Island

"Forward Glide,” “Backward Swizzle,” and “Backward Crossovers”: when you hear these words, what comes to mind? For some, it might be something your Grindr date talked about wanting to try last weekend. For many others, it brings back memories of tying a pair of skates to your feet and gliding across a wooden or concrete floor or watching the local roller derby match. Roller skating has seen a resurgence in recent years, and someone in our community has started a business, breathing new life into the activity. Ainsley Forness, owner of Galactic Roller Disco and the Best of Rhode Island 2025 winner from Rhode Island Monthly, has been working tirelessly for over two years to ensure that roller disco is here to stay, especially in this galaxy.

From her upbringing in Texas and Arkansas to her move to Rhode Island, roller skating and roller disco have been her dream and passion since childhood. Having witnessed her efforts firsthand and helped out when asked, I have become a believer in all things Galactic Roller Disco. We were thankful to ask this rolling galactic entity a few questions about her upbringing, where she got the bug to lace up a pair of skates, and where the seed of Galactic Roller Disco LLC started. Hopefully, you will read this and want to lace up some skates and have some fun this summer, which is great for all ages!

Options: What is your history with roller skating? Is this a lifelong passion or something you picked up recently?

Ainsely: I started rollerblading when I was very young, maybe 5. After school, I’d always go to Sims Skateland. Growing up in rural Texas as an only child, there wasn’t much else to do. Once I moved to the Dallas area, I continued being a “rink rat” at Interskate through middle and high school. My first job was at Sonic Drive-In, where I had been a roller-skating carhop for over 5 years, and while in college, I worked at Starlight Skatium in Fayetteville, AR, as a skate guard, DJ, and party hostess. I think working at Starlight was what really ignited my passion and desire to someday own and operate my own indoor roller rink - that’s the dream.

Options: Where did the name “Galactic Roller Disco” come from, and what motivation behind the creation of “GRD”?

Ainsley: I’ve always been fascinated with space, and astronomy has always been a favorite subject of mine, so I have tried to create branding so that in the future, my rink can be adequately space-themed. I went with “Roller Disco” because, as a relatively mobile operation, I’m not always working in a “rink” format or venue. Plus, I generally love all things disco.

Options: How long has “GRD” been in operation?

Ainsely: I registered as an LLC in January of 2024 and have been operating since!

Options: What would you say are the easiest and hardest aspects of owning a roller-skating business?

Ainsely: I’m going to be honest, none of the process has been easy; it’s been an uphill battle, and probably the most difficult thing is rooting myself in the community, where people recognize that there is another place to skate in Rhode Island. Reaching new local skaters and increasing attendance have been the hardest parts so far.

Options: If someone is interested in roller skating for the first time, what is the best way to get started? Do you offer beginner classes?

Ainsely: I do offer beginner and first timer classes! I’m between two locations right now. Classes for Intro to Skating run on Wednesdays, 4-5 pm at the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza rink.

Options: Is there a working partnership with the Providence Roller Derby league?

Ainsley: We actively sponsor PRD and provide DJ services for their events! It’s important to us that roller derby has the resources and support they need to thrive. We look to provide a permanent home for local roller derby teams to practice and have indoor bouts in the future.

Options: Is “GRD” open to all ages, or do you have an age limit based on your current location?

Ainsley: All activities are all-ages unless listed otherwise. This season, we have fewer “adults only” events, but we will be planning to continue the 18+ series again in November.

Options: Do you currently have themed events, or is that something you are looking into after you get adjusted to your current location?

Ainsley: We have many upcoming events! Every Wednesday is family night, where we offer 50% off rentals for families of two or more, and Thursdays are Teen Nights, where teenagers receive 50% off rentals, both are 5-9 pm at the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza. Upcoming events also include collaborations with iHeartRadio, roller-skate giveaways with Impala, and more! These will be listed on our website as well as the Warwick city plaza website, as each event gets closer.

Options: If someone wanted to stay up-to-date on all things Galactic Roller Disco, what would be the best way for them to stay connected with you?

Ainsley: Follow along on Instagram @galacticrollerdisco, our Facebook page “The Galactic Roller Disco LLC”, or our website galacticrollerdisco.com