Description
I made this documentary in 1984 when the sport of Double Dutch was evolving and experts thought it would become an Olympic competitive sport.
You can see the whole documentary here. --https://youtu.be/MfAPc3Kr3A8
United Technologies in Hartford Connecticut sponsored a competition and gave me the funds to follow the winning team to England to jump in front of the Queen. This film won the Blue Ribbon at the 1985 American Film Festival. The team Black Magic were charming young women & I have kept in touch with them ever since this story was recorded 50 years ago.
Double Dutch is a jump rope game in which two ropes are turned in a crisscross manner while one or more participants jump over them. It can be played both competitively and recreationally.
The exact origins of Double Dutch are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in the United States, possibly in New York City. It is a game that has been played by people of various backgrounds and communities and its popularity has grown globally over the years. While it has been played in inner-city communities and has a strong presence in African American communities, it is not limited to any specific demographic.
It is likely that Double Dutch developed organically as a variation of traditional jump rope games, with people experimenting and adding complexity to the activity by introducing two ropes turned in a crisscross manner. As it gained popularity, it became a distinct form of jump rope play and eventually a competitive sport.
While Double Dutch is not part of any Olympic program, it remains a beloved and popular recreational activity and competitive sport in many communities around the world, with international competitions and events dedicated to it.
There are national and international Double Dutch competitions and events. As my film shows Double Dutch has teams competing in various skill and speed categories. These competitions often feature intricate routines, teamwork, and impressive jump rope skills.
While Double Dutch is a popular and well-established activity in some regions, it may not meet all of the criteria required for Olympic inclusion, particularly in terms of having a recognized international federation and a widespread, organized competitive structure at the global level. Additionally, the Olympic program has limited space, and there is competition among various sports seeking inclusion.
I want to thank the four girls we followed in this documentary, especially one who was past time, Phyllis United Technologies, in the city of Hartford without whose cooperation this film could not have been made.
Please support my efforts to present more complete documentaries on my YouTube channel by clicking the thanks button below the video screen or by donating to my efforts via PayPal at the username www.paypal.com/me/davidhoffmanfilms.