The Square Life

Typical summer past times are coming to an end as the day light is waning and the school books stack your shelves. Not only will your swim suit start looking better in the drawer than on your bod, but that summer time charisma and excitement for life can potentially get sucked into the college tasks that we all know so well.

Take a moment to consider a life changing game that not only swept the underground interests of Provo this past summer, but will continue to stimulate crowds and bring hot boys and fine ladies together well into the fall months. Double Dutch is a sure way to relieve stress, have fun, and bring large groups together in an effort to improve jumping skills.

Formally defined, Double Dutch is a jump rope skipping exercise played when two ropes are turned in eggbeater fashion. While the ropes are turned, a third person jumps in. The early Dutch settlers brought the game to New Amsterdam (now New York City). When the English arrived, they observed the kids playing the game and cleverly tagged the sport as “Double Dutch.”

The game has since grown in popularity, and has become a favorite pastime to sing rhymes to while turning and jumping. Today, it’s a world-class sport with tournaments to test the best of the jumpers. Early in Hip Hop culture, Double Dutch was an element of the time. Funk musician Frankie Smith even brought recognition in with the song, “Double Dutch Bus.” Once Hip Hop started to move into the 1980s mainstream, Double Dutch lost the categorization of a recognized element of Hip Hop, but its popularity remained in urban areas and spread rapidly.

Double Dutch had its own type of local movement this past summer, which appealed to all types of people on the streets. Men and women of all shapes, styles, and genres came together at dusk to flex their skills and learn to conquer the ropes that chased their feet. Some of you may instantly have nostalgic glimpses at a happy playground pass that primarily brings sweet memories of scraped knees and speed jumping contests.
Yet, you may overlook the potential of this game to impact your current college life in a fresh way that will be the answer to your need for an extra pep in your step. Not only is it a game, but a skill that only improves with every jump and spin.

Aerobic exercise of Double Dutch is an added bonus, it is a perk that comes along with the already fun and challenging task of coordinating jumping, timing, and impressing the crowds that naturally flock to watch the sport. Abigail Pfunder, a consistent Double Dutcher, highly endorses the sport and said, “Some friends just started spinning one night and it turned into such a big addiction, we love it.”

The key to achievement is consistency. There are some general tips to help you have a successful entry and victorious jumping rally over the first few spins.

•Start off watching the rope closest to you and focus on it coming up and away from you.

•As the rope passes your face, run towards it as if you’re chasing the rope. This will help you avoid hitting the rope because it’s going away from you; thus contributing to a successful entry!

•As you run into it, make sure you hop over the rope as it comes around and hits the ground.

•After a couple attempts you’ll find your groove, and will soon be able to incorporate gymnastics or break dancing into your jumping routine. (Consequently scoring many dates).

•Everyone has unique techniques as they learn how to begin jumping. As you practice, you too will find your sweet spot.

Before you can start spinning and jumping, you’ll need to visit your local hardware store to pick up ropes (or you can keep it old school with some telephone wires). Either way, measure out about 20 feet of spinning material, then hit the streets with some fresh sneakers and some funky tunes. Jump In!