Skate 101 is a system to help people learn to roller skate and is the brainchild of Jen "Jenny Jen" Goldstein based on her realization that beginner roller skaters make mistakes which can easily be prevented. With a motto like, “Save ya ass, take a class!” Goldstein put together rhymes that included how-to instructions for her students. Paired with the one-man band, Taki76, the two formed Phat Sk8trax and churned out a number of tracks, including “The Boogie Back Rap,” which became the top ten single of the year in The Village Voice. The Boogie Back is the world’s only “how to skate backwards song.” They can be heard on the radio, in skating rinks and clubs throughout the world.
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History
Goldstein grew up in Gainesville, Florida. Although roller skating was a favorite childhood sport, it wasn’t until a trip to New York City in 1989 that Goldstein became hooked on rolling around town. After skating a loop through Central Park, Goldstein purchased a pair of roller skates and became a self-taught skating junkie. Skating influenced several aspects of her life, including her career at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where Goldstein used her skates to get around town during the 1998 SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) strike. Goldstein even convinced her professor to allow her to write her thesis – titled “The Development of a Product: In-line Skating” on the activity. After graduation, Goldstein became a certified skate instructor and opened Philadelphia’s first and only skate school.
Famous Students
Goldstein has worked with thousands of students, including a few famous faces, such as actor John Cusack, basketball legend Julius Erving (Dr. J) and five-time Olympic Gold Medal speed skating champion Bonnie Blair.
Media appearances
Goldstein’s television appearances include Discovery Channel's "The Learning Channel," Comcast SportsNet, NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox news affiliates. She has also been featured in the world's biggest hip hop magazine, XXL Magazine, in addition to Health Magazine, Metro Newspaper, The Village Voice, Philadelphia Inquirer, Working Woman, Inside Magazine, Rinksider, USA Roller Sports, Art Museum News, Girard Home News, Philadelphia Magazine, Jewish Exponent, Business Philadelphia, Philadelphia Business Journal, Daily Pennsylvanian and Gazette Magazine. Book contributions include Connecting in Philadelphia, by Ruth Harvey, Ph.D. and In-Line Skating: The Ultimate How-to Guide, by Albert Fried-Cassorla.