NYC Series 1 - Street sports In New York City
Has your mobility program taken you to the streets of New York City? Well lucky you! Not only can you enjoy the most iconic features of NYC like The Statue of Liberty, The Brooklyn Bridge, or The Empire State Building; but I encourage you to get off the beaten path to discover some of NYC’s other iconic, yet little-known gems. Street sports!
Double Dutch? Is that a language?
Nooo... I'm not talking about the language! Hahaha!
Handball and Double Dutch are two of the most popular street sports in NYC. While handball is played on a court with a concrete wall; Double Dutch can be played using everyday household items like ropes, clothes drying cords, or electric wires.
Born in the streets of NYC around the 1970s - confirmation about the exact date is still uncertain; it was invented by black girls who wanted to have a sport they could enjoy on the very streets of the city. At the time, a lot of sports did not include girls, required being accepted onto a team, and often had to take place in a gym or field away from home. With Double Dutch, girls could simply find other girls to play with, an empty space on the street, and then play. At least three players are needed – two rope turners and a jumper. Each person takes a turn jumping.
Because Double Dutch and Hip Hop music emerged and blossomed at the same time, today the beloved sport is often enjoyed with music playing in the background or the players singing songs that determine what tricks the jumper does within in the ropes.
Double Dutch enthusiasts and professional athletes can be found all over the world. There are even leagues or ‘crews’ in France and Japan. So, even if you’re not in NYC, you can still find a crew and get that blood pumping! Don’t miss out on international competitions because they feel like high-energy concerts.
Even though a lot of street games have declined in recent decades due to digital technology and staying inside the home more; Double Dutch is making a resurgence and gaining more and more popularity due to how easy it is to simply start playing.
It’s also a very low-equipment sport that can be played anywhere- even in an airport! So, if you see Double Dutch happening, don’t just walk by or film it with your phone; jump in! Literally! Even former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama has done it. :)
Ready to give Double Dutch a try? Have you already tried it? If so, tell us about it. What are some unique, cultural sports in your host country? Tell us all about it in the Living Abroad forum.
Curiously,
Iya, OLS Community Manager - English