Hobbies & Special Interest
Adrienne Van Houten had retired when she got a call to come in and help out at California’s Moonlight Rollerway after the owner’s secretary took ill. Now, 12 years later, not only does she run the legendary roller rink, but she is President of Section 2 of the Roller Skating Association International.
The venue has been open since the 1950s and still retains its retro architecture and ambiance, including its original maple wood floor. Its unique character has seen Moonlight Rollerway feature in numerous films and TV shows, including Euphoria, American Horror Story, and Modern Family, as well as a Coca-Cola Super Bowl commercial.
But while the venue pays homage to the past, when it comes to events, having “as much diversity as possible” is key, Adrienne says.
“Most rinks around the country stick to R&B or disco – we try to mix it up. We have Latin music nights, country music nights, 90s boy bands, 80s hair bands,” she says. “People don’t want the same repetitive events, they are looking for new adventures.”
Adrienne believes her biggest achievement as an events organizer is “bringing new people into the world of roller skating”, noting: “It is a community so intertwined it is often referred to as ‘church’.”
Looking to the future, she plans to continue offering mentorships to future rink operators around the US, hoping to see shuttered venues “come back to life”.
“Closer to home, I am hoping to move Moonlight deeper into technology with live streaming events and multiple venue DJ showcases,” she adds.
