Empire Roller Disco

The Empire Rollerdrome in Brooklyn, opened in 1941, gained iconic status in the late 1970s with a live DJ, state-of-the-art sound and light system, and renaming itself after the nationwide dance craze it had helped to originate. Forbes magazine sent Patrick D. Pagnano to document the Empire and its legendary cast of partygoers in 1980, capturing the vibrant spirits, extraordinary styles, and sheer joys of Brooklyn roller disco at its dizzying peak.

Format: Hardback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Anthology Editions

Brooklyn's Empire Rollerdrome, a hub of recreational and competitive roller skating, opened its doors in 1941 and quickly rose to prominence in the borough. However, it wasn't until the late 1970s that the iconic rink achieved legendary status by introducing a live DJ, installing a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, and renaming itself after the nationwide dance craze it had helped to originate: the Empire Roller Disco. In 1980, Forbes magazine commissioned renowned street photographer Patrick D. Pagnano to capture the essence of the Empire and its iconic cast of partygoers. The resulting photographs, gathered for the first time in TK, encapsulate the vibrant spirits, extraordinary styles, and sheer joys of Brooklyn roller disco at its exhilarating peak.

The photographs featured in TK showcase a diverse range of individuals, from young revelers to older skaters, all embracing the spirit of the disco era. Pagnano's keen eye for detail and ability to capture the raw energy of the moment make these photographs a timeless testament to the cultural significance of roller disco.

One of the most striking features of the photographs is the incredible fashion and style on display. Skaters dressed in vibrant colors, sequins, and outrageous outfits, with hairstyles that ranged from wild and curly to sleek and polished, create a visual spectacle that is both captivating and awe-inspiring. The photographs also capture the sense of community and camaraderie that characterized roller disco, with groups of friends and strangers coming together to dance, laugh, and celebrate life.

The Empire Roller Disco was a phenomenon that swept across the country in the 1970s and 1980s, bringing people together in a shared love of music, dance, and fashion. Pagnano's photographs remind us of the importance of documenting moments as they occur so that we can savor the pleasures of the past and look at the present with fresh eyes. They serve as a reminder of the power of cultural expression and the impact that it can have on individuals and communities.

In conclusion, Brooklyn's Empire Rollerdrome and the photographs of Patrick D. Pagnano capture the vibrant spirit and cultural significance of roller disco at its peak. These photographs serve as a reminder of the importance of documenting moments as they occur and the power of cultural expression to bring people together. They are a testament to the enduring legacy of roller disco and the impact that it has had on popular culture.

Weight: 834g
Dimension: 206 x 268 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781944860448