Spotlight: Rollz
THIS is DRAG - SPOTLIGHT 013 / OCTOBER 2024
Rollz
Curated by Kevin Blondin
Rollz, known for her captivating charisma and ever-changing looks, has been a staple in the Windsor drag scene. With a history rooted in her hometown, she’s gained a reputation for her classic drag style with unpredictable twists. Whether she’s bringing out the old-school vibes or surprising the audience with something fresh and new, Rollz keeps everyone guessing. As our October 2024 Spotlight Artist, we explore what makes this queen truly shine and how her journey has evolved over the years.
Rollz: Classic Drag with a Twist
Representing Windsor with pride, Rollz embodies the essence of classic drag while continuously refining her craft. Her drag journey began under the name Rolles Bakery, but during a personal transformation and weight loss journey, she decided to reinvent herself. Now, as simply Rollz, this queen is all about self-expression and audience connection.
“I love the feeling of being able to express myself freely and to see the audience smile, laugh, gag, and participate,” Rollz shares. For her, it’s all about making her audience feel something—whether that’s through laughter, surprise, or just pure enjoyment.
Inspirations and Aesthetic
Rollz describes her drag with three words: classic, unpredictable, and improving. Her love for old-school drag shines through her admiration for icons like Alyssa Edwards, Shannel, and Angeria Paris VanMicheals. However, she doesn’t just stick to the classics. Her ability to switch things up and keep audiences on their toes sets her apart from others. “I love to change it up,” she says, keeping her performances fresh and engaging.
Her aesthetic leans towards classic drag, but she’s never afraid to add a twist. Rollz loves to challenge expectations, blending old-school glamour with surprises that keep audiences coming back for more. Whether it's a bold new look or an unexpected song choice, this queen ensures every performance stands out.
Achievements and Personal Life
When it comes to achievements, Rollz is most proud of her family, especially her biological daughter, whom she calls her greatest accomplishment. This personal touch is reflected in her performances, where love and connection always take center stage. It’s this deep appreciation for her loved ones, friends, and life itself that fuels her work.
Her drag inspiration comes from Shannel, a queen she has admired since the very first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Rollz also draws motivation from her best friend and fellow performer Daisy, who she credits with supporting her drag journey every step of the way.
“Life can get rough, sometimes you just got to Rollz with the punches!”
The Power of Audience Engagement
What truly sets Rollz apart is her ability to connect with her audience. Known for engaging the crowd and making every performance interactive, Rollz thrives on the energy exchange between herself and the people she entertains. “I love to involve the audience and interact with them,” she shares, and it’s this charisma that has made her a beloved figure in the local drag community.
Rollz is a force to be reckoned with. Her talent lies in her audience engagement, and that ability to create an inclusive and fun atmosphere is what keeps people coming back for more.
Looking Ahead
As for the future, Rollz is excited about the possibilities ahead. Whether it’s more performances or collaborations, she’s eager to continue growing and sharing her love for drag. “I see myself hopefully still performing with the amazing artists I’ve been blessed to work with,” she says. And while Rollz is keeping things under wraps for now, you can always keep an eye on her Instagram for updates on upcoming events and performances.
Catch Rollz at her upcoming Halloween house party and stay tuned for more performances. You can follow her on Instagram at @rollzthedragqueen for the latest updates and booking inquiries. This Windsor queen is always evolving, so don’t miss the chance to experience her unforgettable performances firsthand.
BIO
Rollz is a drag artist from Windsor Ontario. She started drag a few moons ago at a Halloween house party and with encouragement from family, friends and local artists she started to bring her drag to the community. Rollz does not do it by herself, there is an amazing team that works side by side to help make Rollz who she is! Her drag mother, Daisy, her amazing designer Laurie @highdragdesigns and her back stage dresser and one of her besties Brie, and of course her manager and husband Steve.