JEAN-MARC GRAVIER: A HISTORICAL AMBASSADOR

JEAN-MARC GRAVIER: A HISTORICAL AMBASSADOR

Roller instructor, event creator, and dancer, Jean-Marc Gravier has extensive experience in the "roller" sphere. He has been following the development of the Flaneurz concept since the project's inception and offers his expertise to the Clique.

With Chloé et Poupa, he is one of the iconic ambassadors of Flaneurz.

© SkateXpress

 

/A LIFE DEDICATED TO ROLLER

/Can you introduce yourself and explain what your connection is to roller skating?

I have been a roller skating enthusiast since childhood. I made it my profession. I started out as a professional skater for major brands like Tecnica et Rollerblade. I have been teaching for about twenty years and I focus on 3 main activities :

• Education

This is my core profession. I introduce an audience aged 3 to over 70, whether they are beginners, improving, or in a situation of disability. I train in the practice of roller dance and urban mobility techniques, on inline skates or quads. The Fédération de roller asked me to develop a training program and prepare future instructors.

• Artistic production

In 2011, I created the troupe Skatexpress which brings together skaters from all backgrounds: circus artists, dancers, and passionate amateurs. We perform in France and across Europe, offering artistic shows lasting 2 to 3 minutes. We are fortunate to be accompanied in our productions by the only marching band on skates. Roller Brass Brand. In the image of the group of Miss’ile, our goal is to become a professional organization.

• Event creation

I develop festive projects that reflect the image of Paris Onwheelz Festival, to which Flaneurz participated in 2017. Skaters can thus come together around their passion. The goal is to unite this community to develop the world of roller skating, and more specifically quad skating. We often compare ourselves to the Skate Love Barcelona, the largest roller dance event in the world.

 © Eddy Lamazzi

 

/AN ENGAGED AMBASSADOR

/How did you come to know Flaneurz?

I am closely connected to the Clique. Florian contacted me when he was looking to practice roller dance. Then he joined our crew Skatexpress.. Laurence Sabas, one of my sources of inspiration for roller dance is also a member of the group and an ambassador for Flaneurz. There are real connections between us. When the concept of removable roller skates went from drawing to reality under Florian's influence, I was really interested in his projet. That's how I became one of the first Flaneurz ambassadors. 

Anecdotally, Florian and I have the same name, the same passion for roller dance, but we are not from the same family.

 

/What is your role as an ambassador?

I promote roller skating as a means of intermodal transportation. I consider myself a "rebel" because I try to skate everywhere. I only unclip when I'm told it's prohibited. I enjoy seeing the reactions when I separate my foot from the rolling part..

In addition to being an ambassador, I am a beta tester like Poupa. I take part in the development of Flaneurz products. I have put the first prototypes to the test with the intensity of my practice: nearly 30 hours a week. Now, Flaneurz products have reached their maturity. Even though there is normal wear on the shoe, the system and the rolling part are intact.

 

/What do you like about the concept?

I still have my ankle boots from JB skating and I have to admit that my feet hurt. With my Nike Air Force One, I am in slippers while maintaining perfect ankle support. For my roller dance practice, I can perform technical movements while having a "smooth" style. I also execute certain figures that are impossible in boots.

When I was younger, I would get up in the morning and put on my skates right away to roll all day long. I didn't have any shoes at home. All skaters have the desire to separate their shoes from their roller plates. I have some Nike Air Force One en blanc et en noir, des Docs Martens Newton, des Veja V-10 et des Jordan 1. I have never been so "trendy." Flaneurz has changed the way I think about roller skating..

 

/Do you want to discuss a topic that is close to your heart?

Yes, the price of Flaneurz skates. Quality comes at a price. Entry-level brands offer accessible skates. However, they do not last over time. They provide comfort and a skating experience that is not very pleasant due to their poor quality. As a teacher, I add that it is accident-prone. There is a possibility of sprains and injuries. It is important to invest in your safety. Flaneurz skates are priced similarly to high-end skates, but they have the advantage of being detachable and innovative. Therefore, they are not too expensive in my eyes. Below 200 euros, I consider the product to be a toy that is reserved for very occasional use..

© Reebok Classic

 

To meet Jean Marc, follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram et LinkedIn) You will learn about the program of the Onwheelz festival, centered around roller dance... but not just that!