This Saturday is the City’s inaugural “Philly Double Dutch Day,” and the group that helped it come to be is celebrating the best way they know how, by jumping together in a park.
Philly Girls Jump, a group founded in April 2016 by Tanisha Rinehardt and Della Burns, are hosting a Saturday celebration from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Awbury Park.
What started as an idea between two friends to post a Facebook event turned into a meetup that reportedly more than 2,000 people attended. The group that has met since then, even through the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 11, Philadelphia City Council recognised Philly Girls Jump and declared May 4 and every future first Saturday in May as “Philly Double Dutch Day” in the City.
“Double Dutch has been an integral part of Philadelphia’s cultural fabric, reflecting the City’s creativity and resilience,” the legislation reads. “Philly Girls Jump has organically transformed into a movement of community fun and fitness.”
“The come for the Rocky Statue, but they stay for Double Dutch”
Weekly meetups are on Wednesday evenings at Awbury Park and Thursday evenings in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Athletic Recreation Center in Brewerytown serves as a venue in case of rain.
Turnout for the meetups averages around 20 people, though last night’s in front of the Art Museum steps was closer to 40. The age of the jumpers ranges from around 4-year-olds to people in their 60s. Anyone passing by is also welcome to join.
“For tourists, I always say they come for the Rocky Statue, but they stay for Double Dutch,” Rinehardt said. “They see us out there jumping, they’re intrigued by it and they want to see if they can do it themselves. My partner and I have an awesome technique where we can get most people in the ropes in less than two minutes.”
Andi Aguilar, a tour manager from San Diego, took a few tries at the beginner’s ropes.
“We were just sitting on the steps for a really long time and saw what a good vibe it looked like, I just really wanted to learn,” she said. “I love jump roping from when I was younger. It’s harder than it looks.”
The vibe Thursday was fun and family-friendly. Young children lined up to take turns and get feedback from the rope turners at one set of ropes. Next to that, more advanced jumpers attempted elaborate steps and spins, sometimes with multiple people between the ropes.
Rinehardt said she started the group with Burns as a way to be more physically active again. She said the group’s mission “is to not only empower the spirit of fun and joy, but to also build community.”
Any competition is friendly, only for bragging rights and collective cheers after a long or impressive spell skipping. Some even find it therapeutic.
“I just came out to have a good time,” said group regular Sheleaya Bennett from South Philly. “I’ve been going through a lot. Jump rope is really a stress reliever”
Saturday’s event will also have food, vendors and a DJ present. Anyone who wants lessons is advised to get there early.
It should only take about two minutes to learn though.
