 An ancious group of small kids sat, unpatiently awaiting for the show to began. While waiting, heated arguements about who can jump the fastest were exchanged, and also who can double dutch the best. In recent years, Double Dutch, a sport originated by the Holland settlers that came to America, has become popular yet again in New York. The sport was revived by David Walker, an ex-cop turned program director. Walker wanted to provide a sport, for girls specifically, to be able to take part in competitive activities, since many girls don't take as much interest in the male dominated sports of football and basketball. Double Dutch, a sport played by skipping over two ropes, is played and enjoyed by many girls, and even some boys.  On Sunday, December 7th, the six annual double Dutch competition was held at the world famous Apollo Theater,Double Dutch teams from all over the country came to compete, some as far away as Japan."It's great that these kids get to compete and have fun," said Ms. Lisa Thomas, co-director of the Jazzy Jumpers, one of the competing teams. Teams practice below the stage of the Apollo The Jazzy jumpers were originally started by Ms. Lisa Thomas's husband. The team meets five days a week and six days when they're competing. Kim and Alexis members of the group said the team provides them with not only exercise and fun but it also offers them opportunities to travel. The Jazzy Jumpers are multiple year champions. The group has traveled to Savannah, Georgia, and Virginia State for competitions. Last year, a member of the Jazzy Jumpers broke the step record, 427 steps in two minutes.  As a parent, Ms. Lisa Thomas travels every trip with her child, Shade, a Jazzy Jumper since her early years. Ms. Thomas likes spending time with the kids. Although she feels there are not enough parents involved, she makes it her duty to be there on every trip. The Boogie Down Jumpers was started by Nilsa Rivera. She started the Double Dutch team to provide all kids with an after school activity. Nilsa's Boogie Down Jumpers have been together for five years. Venus, a member of the team, enjoys Double Dutch because she gets a chance to meet other people, and she receives many opportunities such as traveling and performing. "The kids get a chance to exercise and have fun, they learn how to work together as a team, that way they appreciate each other more, Double Dutch has been very positive for my kids" says Nilsa.  The crowd at the Apollo was very excited on Sunday. Cheers came out loud and clear for the performing teams by their teammates.David Walker, founder and president of the National Double Dutch League hosted the event. The competition consisted of a speed test, a team test, where teams demonstrate their ability to work together, and the fusion part, a showcase of lightening fast skills, exciting acrobatic feats all in movement with MUSIC The teams performing came equipped with uniforms and spectacular outfits to match their performance.The music ranked from RAP to R&B and even GOSPEL. The crowd was move and kept at the end of their seat during the whole performance. Perhaps surprising to some, the Japanese team wonDWw again for the second year straight. They were one of the most outstanding performances and the crowd was very moved. Their fusion section consisted of acrobatic stunts, and jumps. Their music was exciting and energetic, and they performed a stunt show using ropes.The crowd was happy and cheering for their performance. In addition everyone enjoy the Double Dutch competition. Their weren't any losers. The teams involve had a spectacular time and so did the audience.
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