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Jumping for joy
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These movies require QuickTime.
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What does a woman in her 40s do on a typical Sunday afternoon in New York
City? Jump rope of course, that is, if you are a member of the Double Dutch
Divas.
The Double Dutch Divas are perhaps the only professional
entertainment-oriented jumprope group. They've appeared on several TV spots
and are regularly asked to perform at local events. For about 30 minutes, the
Divas put on a great show, wowing the crowds with quick-stepped jumps that are
an equal mix of athleticism and showmanship. The group formed around 1980,
when some friends began to regularly jump rope on Sundays around 72nd Street
in New York City, near the rollerskating ring in Central Park. As Diva Willie
Sanford (known as Heart) explains, "Back then, there was a large group of
women getting together to jump. We might have 100 on a good day. It was
wonderful experience for all of us women who had learned these games as
children to get together to continue as adults."
Heart said "By the mid '80s, the group had gained a local reputation and then
we were featured in an Italian Documentary about different ways to have fun in
New York City. The documentary stirred up interest about us in Italy and eight
of the members were invited to make an Italian tour. Since then, we've made
quite a number of appearances at different events, but we never really tried
to make it our vocation. If it was our job, it wouldn't have been as much fun
anymore."
Another longtime Diva known as "Lady Di" explains, "it's just so wonderful.
Every week we get to have a good time with each other and whoever joins us and
then, several times a year, we get to perform for a big event. People love
it. And seeing all those smiles on kids and adults makes this truly a
blessing."
You can get more information about the Divas at their web site, www.doubledutchdivas.com. |
