Double Dutch (jump rope)

There is a lack of consensus regarding the early history of double Dutch, but it is said to have been traced back from Egypt, China, and even Europe, where various forms of skipping rope was quite common.

The sport's immediate origins are a matter of debate, with some believing it was brought by Dutch settlers to America and others claiming it emerged independently in USA in the early 1900s.

Nonetheless, it is widely acknowledged in America that the sport reached its modern form in predominantly black urban areas of New York, such as Harlem in the 1950s.

While it had long been a popular street activity for African American girls in New York City,[2] the modern sport of Double Dutch originated in the early 1970s with NYPD officers Ulysses Williams and David Walker, who formalized the rules for competition.

Based on the "WJRF Judging Handbook" 2019 edition, some of the key elements of Double Dutch include multiples, power, gymnastics, turner involvement, releases, switches and footwork.

[11] The 1981 single "Double Dutch Bus" by Frankie Smith features African American girls playing this game in the video clip of the song.

[13] In the opening credits of the American sitcom Amen, Deacon Frye (Sherman Hemsley) jumps into a Double Dutch game before going into the church.

[21] In his dual title role of the 2011 film Jack & Jill, Adam Sandler gives a demonstration of Double Dutch jump rope on board the cruise liner.