Jumping, hopping, and acrobatic roping for the top prize.
The Double Dutch Holiday Classic will feature some of the best double Dutch teams from around the world to compete for the title of the best at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. The annual competition will see some new countries participating, and is also reaching a milestone as it celebrates its 25th year since it’s been in operation, said the shows organizer.
“We’re going to see some old teams come back to secure their title and some new teams,” said Lauren Walker, president of National Double Dutch League. “It’s a fun family event featuring world class teams competing, and it’s the 25th David Walker memorial.”
The competition will feature three different categories teams will have to seek to make it to the top. Teams will be judged on speed, the fusion freestyle, which is choreographed dances to music, that was invented by founder David Walker, and the best of the show which awards the best team in the overall competition. Walker says this event comes during a time when families are seeking fun activities to see and enjoy.
“It’s one of the most anticipating youth events in the city for the holidays and one of the biggest,” she said. “Kids take field trips to see this, the audience is filled with families, and we have a lot of people from politicians and radio personalities that come to support.”
One group participating in the competition is Jumpers in Command, an East Flatbush-based double Dutch group that has been participating in the tournament since the early nineties and won the championship in 2004. The team — which has many members of Caribbean descent — teases that they may incorporate some of those cultures styles at this year’s double Dutch Holiday Classic, said a member of the team.
“It’s kind of hard to say, but this year we might be doing something multi-cultural,” said Stephone Webb. “We hope to bring Caribbean flavor and make it real fun and more festive.”
“Double Dutch Holiday Classic” at Apollo Theater [253 W. 125th St. between Frederick Douglass and Adam Clayton Powell boulevards in Harlem, www.natio
