Kimberly Cole Rolls Into the Spotlight: Music, Skating, and the Power of Storytelling

If there’s one thing Kimberly Cole knows how to do, it’s make an entrance. Whether she’s gliding across a rink in sequins or belting out a club anthem, the Orange County native is a master of capturing attention. And now, with her upcoming documentary Blood, Sweat, and Wheels, Cole is poised to take the art world—and the roller skating world—by storm.

For Kimberly, skating isn’t just a hobby. It’s where her story begins. Growing up in the sun-drenched suburbs of Southern California, Cole immersed herself in the high-energy world of artistic roller figure skating—a hybrid of dance and athleticism that’s as thrilling as it is underappreciated. “It shaped me in ways I’m still uncovering,” she says, reflecting on how the sport gave her the grit and flair that would define her music career.

And what a career it’s been. In 2010, Cole burst onto the pop scene with her debut album, Bad Girls Club, anchored by the irresistible single “Smack You,” a dance-floor knockout that catapulted her into the Billboard Dance Club charts. With sharp-edged lyrics and a magnetic presence, she stood out as a bold voice in pop, unafraid to take risks. Her most recent track “Bloody Mary” is a shining example of both her music and her skating talents.

But Kimberly wasn’t content to ride the wave of early success. Instead, she doubled down on what made her unique, merging her passion for skating with her music. That fusion reached a high point when she opened for Katy Perry’s tour. “There’s nothing like blending two loves into one performance,” she recalls. “It was a powerful moment in my life—finally showing people that skating wasn’t just a footnote in my story; it’s part of the headline.”

That headline now shifts to “Blood, Sweat, and Wheels”, a documentary currently in post production, that dives deep into the world of artistic roller figure skating. For Cole, the project is personal—and urgent. “This sport deserves its moment,” she says, her voice tinged with the same determination that’s fueled her since her fifth-grade teacher dubbed her “a pistol.” Kimberly isn’t just telling a story; she’s fighting for the sport’s inclusion in the Summer Olympics. “I want this to be more than a nostalgic trip. I want it to be a rallying cry.”

Cole’s knack for storytelling doesn’t stop at film. Her music, too, continues to evolve, with tracks seamlessly woven into the Blood, Sweat, and Wheels soundtrack. Longtime collaborator Michael Eames, president of PEN Music Group, calls Kimberly “a never-ending well of creativity,” praising her ability to stay ahead of the cultural curve.

“PEN has been working closely with Kimberly for over 15 years now and I am always amazed at her never-ending creativity and energy”. says Eames of PEN Music Group, “She always has a great sense of what’s ‘now’ and frankly what will be ‘now’ in a year or two.  The PEN team is honored to be music supervising Blood, Sweat and Wheels – the documentary is so compelling, interesting and timely and brings light to an area of professional roller skating that has been under the radar and under-appreciated.”

In an era of TikTok virality and nostalgia-driven trends, roller skating has found a new audience, and Kimberly is more than ready to ride that wave. She’s part of a broader movement that’s brought roller skating back to the forefront of pop culture, from the neon-lit rinks of the ’70s and ’80s to today’s Instagrammable skate sessions.

But what sets Cole apart is her ability to connect—with her fans, her art, and her purpose. “Human connection is everything,” she says, pointing to her extensive touring history, which includes performances for the armed forces. “I’ve always wanted to reach as many people as possible, whether it’s through a song, a film, or even a quick social media post.”

With a new album on the way and documentary “Blood, Sweat, and Wheels” almost ready to debut, Kimberly Cole is in full stride, skating forward without a hint of hesitation. “I’m not done pushing boundaries,” she declares.

She’s not just rolling into the spotlight; she’s reshaping it, showing the world that music, film, and roller skating can be a perfect trio. Buckle up (or lace up)—this is Kimberly Cole’s moment, and she’s just getting started.