TAMPA — The rope skipping exercise "Double Dutch" is a staple in Black communities that goes back thousands of years.
What You Need To Know
- The two-rope version of skipping rope, also known as 'Double Dutch' was introduced by Dutch settlers who came to New York City in 1600
- It's a popular activity in Black neighborhoods especially among Black girls. The aerobic activity influenced dance, music and clothing
- NYPD Officer David Walker founded the National Double Dutch League and turned it into a sport in 1970's
- In 2001, the Tampa Housing Authority partnered with the National Double Dutch League to train Double Dutch teams in Tampa
Jump roping was done in Ancient Egypt, Europe and China.
When Dutch immigrants settled in New York city in the 17th century, they introduced their version, which included two ropes.
According to the National Double Dutch League, this aerobic activity took off in Black neighborhoods during the Great Depression.
Lauren Walker is a Tampa resident and President of the League originally founded by her father, David L. Walker.
She says back then Black girls had fewer opportunities to play sports. They made Double Dutch popular with their creative jingles and moves.
"Double Dutch is ‘Black Girl Magic,'" said NDDL President, Lauren Walker. “Double Dutch is cultured in history of an urban rhythm, ropes and rhyme, an activity that Black girls did in their youth and it has evolved.”
40+ Double Dutch is a local squad keeping that tradition alive in women over 40.
“Jack be nimble and Jack be quick. We’re over 40 and staying in fit,” is their spin on the popular nursery rhyme.
“When we were growing up, this is what we had,” said Cynthia West Love, who says she is re-living her own childhood memories. “We had roller skating, Double Dutch. We just had outside play. We didn’t have any parks that we could frequent.”
A lot has changed since then, but West Lve said participating in those games still bring a smile to her face.
“I received my first Hula Hoop at age 12 and it was amazing,” she said.
She now has an amazing opportunity to fellowship with others who have the same passion with the 40+ Double Dutch Club.
All three of her daughters are also involved. The 71-year-old’s nickname is ‘Mama Love.'
“The sisterhood is amazing. I met so many people from all over the country,” she said.
The 40+ Double Dutch Club has more than 40,000 members around the globe.
Though it officially became a national sport in the 1970’s, the club focuses on fellowship over friendly competition.
Sherina Alexander and Sara Brown are co-captains of the Tampa sub-club. “For me, it’s really rewarding,” said Alexander.
Brown says she was diagnosed with sarcoidosis and arterial hypertension. She says her health has improved since joining the club.
“I jump to keep my lungs strong so I won’t have to have a lung transplant,” said Brown.
Alexander says each lady plays a special role in the club, whether they jump rope or not.
“You do what you can; If you can’t, we’ll teach you,” she said.
The women have found a support system in each other. It’s why the following line was adapted to this nursery rhyme:
“We’re a group of friends. We want to stay in shape and spread the Double Dutch movement from State to State. When we were younger, we jumped all day and retire faster, but that’s OK.”
These ladies are roping in more members with their positive energy to keep the sisterhood going.
In March, the 40+ Double Dutch Club will host a leadership retreat in Clearwater Beach. Teams from all over the country and as far away as Germany, Canada and Israel are slated to attend.