A barrage of disco lights dance in shining rubies and diamonds that twist everything into a shade of purple. Music of a bygone era — retro anthems and '80s pop featured in Casey Kasem's Top 40 — transport those who come across a roller skating rink into the past.

The stale smell of buttery popcorn, faded vortex of galaxy-patterned carpets and slurping of slushies are met with the deafening crash of inexperienced skaters.

For some, this is where their parents taught them how to skate — or how to fall. For others, the local roller rink was where they had their first date or a birthday party or where they escaped after a day of school or work.

Roller skating rinks were once a community gathering place. Now, across the country, so many have shuttered their doors.

The last roller skating ri

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