We had the good fortune of connecting with Richard Humphrey and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Richard, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in San Francisco, ca. I am self taught.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I starting skating in 1957 at the age of 5. Skating to me was just special because everyone talents was different. I always liked to dance so it became a perfect fit for me in the early 70s learning all the cool things skating had to offer. As a gifted athlete was able to do some really cool things like the splits. as a hurdler in high school and college it was my move. I worked hard and I put the the time in w hen others were. The big challenges was was raising a family working and skating all at the same time. It worked with no regrets. My skate group we felt at the time was ahead of everyone in terms of dancing on skates. WE called ourselves The Temptations on wheels. WE practiced 5 hours every sunday for 10 ten years and it payed off.
I am original and self taught. I always believed in myself and never let anyone tell me different. I have been in books movies stunt work and traveled the world teaching my craft of Rollerdance. II have produced 10 Rollerdance videos and I am one of the first African American to have their own Rollerskate named after me along with wheels that bear my name. My greatest achievement to date for me is appearing in the October 2006 issue of Ebony Magazine with Janet Jackson on the cover. I have had a great skate life with more to come.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I grew up in San Francisco Ca. one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A great start would be ocean Beach a place with breathtaking views and a great place to simply hangout. Followed by the crookedest streets in the world then down to Fishermans Warf for some great seafood and more views. Always a crowd favorite. Follow that up with a walk along The Embarcedero waterfront.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Rollerdance Academy Skaters. so dedicated. They are there every week to not just skate but to learn the art of dancing on roller skates. It motivates me even more to teach them so they can pass on to the next generation the Humphrey style of skating not found anywhere.
Website: www.rollerdance.com
Instagram: RichardHumphrey
Facebook: Richard Humphrey
Youtube: Rollerdanceman
Image Credits
My own photos