April 2006
Bill & Crew to be Featured on Canadian TV ShowThis article highlights a recent visit Bill and crew were paid by a television crew shooting footage for the Canadian show "Things that Move."
The film crew for the Canadian TV show “Things that Move” paid a visit to Bill Butler, Apr. 9, to film a segment about roller skating. The crew caught up with Bill at Golden Glide Skating Rink in Decatur, Georgia where the skating senior holds weekly lessons with his students, a number of whom were present for the filming. Also on the set were a few dedicated skaters who traveled long distances to be present. Michael Johnson, who Bill calls his protege, traveled from New York along with Noriko, another long time student. Also, 'J.D.” from Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Brian Mullins from Columbus, Ohio came to be part of the action. On Bill's invitation, Mullins drove more than seven hours to participate in the filming which he said took place from noon to 4:00 p.m. that Sunday afternon. The 41 year old recalled that the show host questioned Bill about his style and how he became interested in skating, then wanted a demonstration of the 22 moves that are part of the Jammin Technique. “They wanted to know about trio and double skate and how everybody skated together,” Mullins said in a phone interview. “I really liked it because even though we had different styles, we could skate together.” Born and raised in Columbus, the father of two said he is a practitioner of the “pearling” and bouncing that skaters from Ohio are known for. Although similar to the Jammin bounce, he said the two styles are different in that pearlers bounce “down into the beat,” while skaters of Bill's style bounce up on the same beat. The 6'7” skater was in Georgia this past January for a New Year's Eve skate event and he thinks his height and style are what grabbed Bill's attention causing the teacher to approach him and introduce himself. Mullins said that taller skaters are a bit clumsier on skates than others and therefore, have to make sure they are better coordinated. After years of practice, he is confident in his ability and that his style and stride definitely make him stand out from the crowd. He is very zealous about skating, not for competition's sake, but because he finds it to be a therapeutic exercise that is relaxing and very fun. Although he has great love for the activity he has enjoyed for over 30 years, Mullins said his enthusiasm pales in comparison to Bill's. The guy's passionate about his skating,” he said. “For him to be 73 years old and rolling like that is incredible. He proves everybody wrong who says [when] you're old you can't do [anything] but sit down in a rocking chair.” When the TV program airs, (at a date yet to be determined), Canadian viewers will be given a glimpse of Bill's skate love and also a glimpse of how skating is an activity for all ages as exemplified by the many students who showcased the Jammin style for “Things that Move.” - Adeeba Folami - - Posted 04/22/06 - |