How Atlanta's Skating Rinks and Line Dances Keep Black Joy Sacred For Dr. Marcus Borders
Dr. Marcus Borders drops by to share how Atlanta's skating rinks, line dance community, and Southern Soul steps changed his life. Discover Black joy, community, and culture through music.
“I might be just standing talking or at the bar somewhere, but you play a certain song and I just kind of make a beeline to the dance floor.”
— Dr. Marcus Borders
That’s the heart of the latest Queue Points episode. Hosts DJ Sir Daniel and Jay Ray talk to Atlanta educator Dr. Marcus Borders, who reveals how roller skating and line dancing transformed him from a spectator to a “floor king,” finding his freedom in the city’s vibrant skating renaissance and Southern Soul movement.
The Path to Joy From the Pandemic to Cascade
The shift began in the summer of 2020. With the world in isolation, Marcus found his release at the legendary Cascade Skating Rink. He hasn’t missed a week since, blending backward cross-skating to ‘90s Quiet Storm slow sets with the rhythm of essential line dances.
“[In] Atlanta, I can literally skate in multiple rinks seven days a week... hearing a very good DJ.”
— Dr. Marcus Borders
The Family Reunion Vibe
These spaces aren’t just about movement—they’re about intergenerational connection. Marcus schedules his life outside of work around skating and line dancing, such as events with DJ Trael Tsunami. It’s an authentic, family-like environment where people from their 20s to their 60s mix, sharing steps and culture. Making mistakes, like when the Tamia Shuffle took Marcus 1.5 years to master, is part of the process that turns awkward first tries into muscle memory.
The DJ’s Wisdom and Sacred Spaces
The conversation also dove into the philosophy of a Black dance floor. Marcus advocates for DJs to “ Just, just let the story breathe, let the music breathe,” reading the crowd instead of forcing blends that don’t land. Ultimately, this movement is a sanctuary for emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness.
This is Black culture’s unspoken school, passing down traditions of movement and rhythm, and rebuilding what the outside world wears down. Pure, unfiltered vibe.
“Keep your safe spaces sacred. Protect them.”
— Dr. Marcus Borders
Don’t wait to hit the floor! Hit play on the full episode now to hear the full conversation. Read the transcript, and grab more content on our website by clicking the button below. Sign up for our monthly newsletter for more content, deep dives, and exclusives!