If you have ever watched kids (and adults) double dutch jump rope and wonder how to do it, the
New York City Park and Recreation Board will present
Modell's Double Dutch Jump Rope Clinic on April 30th beginning at 10 am. This event is for youths aged 8 to 17 and is free of charge. Registration is required and begins at 9am. This event will take place at the
St. Mary's Recreation Center and at Recreation Center Fifty-Four.
This clinic will teach the basics of a type of jump roping that was introduced to New York City by Dutch immigrants. Most often a song is sung in rhyme while jumping. During World War II it became a favorite pastime of children on the sidewalks of New York.
Double jump rope consists of two ropes that are turned in an egg beater fashion by two people while a third person jumps. Not only does the person have to jump two ropes, they must run into the turning ropes. This sport requires quick feet and good eye perception.
The sport became almost extinct in the 1960s but in 1974 a New York Detective developed it into a competitive team sport. Since 1974 championships events have been held in many cities throughout the United States.
New York City Schools began to offer it in schools and the school system has endorsed it as a non-traditional form of physical education. The sport has even made a comeback to the streets of inner city New York and has spread out to many urban and suburban area of the nation.
Adults are getting in on the fun of double dutch jumping as well. In New York a group of women in their 40s and 50s have formed a group that performs shows for different events and groups. Some of the group has even made a trip to Italy. Many of the women have been jumping since their childhood.
What better way for your child to get exercise and learn a new sport. They will also have the opportunity to meet new people and have fun at the same time.
