How Philly Girls Jump is bringing back double Dutch in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Two best friends are putting double Dutch on the map in Philadelphia with Philly Girls Jump, and thousands of people are following along.
It's the fancy footwork, staying in sync with the ropes, people watching and anticipating the tricks of more experienced jumpers. That's the excitement that comes along with double Dutch.
In 2016, Tanisha Rinehardt and her best friend Della Burns started Philly Girls Jump.
It all began with Rinehardt and Burns talking about ways they could start moving and be more active. Burns put up a Facebook post, hoping some of their friends would join them to jump rope.
"We were hoping to get five or 10 of our friends in a park to jump for fun," Rinehardt said, "and over 2,000 people showed up."
What began as just an idea and form of exercise soon blossomed into a movement, attracting dozens of spectators and jumpers at weekly meetups throughout the city.
Growing up in West Philadelphia, Rinehardt attended Philadelphia Girls High School.
"I met some beautiful people I'm still in contact with today," Rinehardt said.
Burns relocated out of state in 2020, and Rinehardt's best friend Rashedah McLean jumped into action to help to continue the mission of Philly Girls Jump.
Now the two of them are teaching younger kids how to enjoy the nostalgic sport.
Thanks to Philly Girls Jump, a declaration signed by the Philadelphia City Council recognizes every first Saturday as "Double Dutch Day."
"Double Dutch has been an integral part of Philadelphia's cultural fabric, reflecting the city's creativity and resilience," the declaration says.
The group hopes to jump one day with Philly native Jill Scott, who also went to Philadelphia High School for Girls.