By Elizabeth Boyle
It was a cold gray day outside on Saturday, but inside Jewish Home Lifecare on West 106th, crowds of kids sweated it out in front of a full house in a fierce Double Dutch jump rope competition. Competitive Double Dutch involves two rope turners turning interlacing ropes, and either one or two jumpers competing in dazzling 25-second Compulsory rounds and two-minute Speed trials.
Competitive Double Dutch Jumping is a home-grown sport that’s been around since 1973, with sassy street style, Break Dancing moves and gravity-defying feats of coordination and endurance. Howling, laughter, and the craziest socks and sneakers known to man were all part of the show. This is the first time that such an event was held at Jewish Home Lifecare, and many of the participants arrived by subway. The crowd was riveted.
The team names were as colorful as their uniforms: Jazzy Jumpers; Electric; Mix It Up; Double Dutch Canons; Baby Jazzy Jumpers; Jammin’ Jumpers; Jersey Jumpers; and Slammin’ Jammin Jumpers, to name a few of the 29 teams that competed. “If you’re a champion, you have to have it in your heart,” the Pink Panthers team t-shirt reads.” These girls and boys are on their way to the City and State championships, which take place in May, and many will someday compete around the globe.
The day began with a moment of silence for Sandy Fortune, a woman whose life passion was jumping rope, and who worked tirelessly to keep the sport alive in New York City. Sandy died last year, suddenly, and the group publicly spoke of their struggle to maintain coherence and longevity in Sandy’s absence. It was a touching moment.
There’s more at work here than sportsmanship. Judges also watch for respectful language, cooperation, and teamwork. Many of the residents of Jewish Home watched from their wheelchairs, as they ate cake baked to raise funds so the kids can keep it all turning. Let’s hope they will. I want to be there to see it.
Here’s a little taste from the day:
Photos and video by Elizabeth Boyle.
