Life Lessons Learned: Double Dutch

A huge part of my childhood was jumping rope. My elementary school was internationally known for their jump rope team. Have you ever seen the jump-rope competitions on ESPN every once in a while; they always placed very high. I was a part of the jump-rope club we had and let's just say, I was a beast. I'm not talking the schoolyard skipping rope for mere fun; I'm talking serious competition. Through the years I have never been much of an athlete, but this was something I excelled in (and I still do) and was serious business.

My favorite jump-rope activity hands down was double-dutch. I have made a connection to that love of double dutch with my love and passion of spoken word performance now, here is how:

• It brings positive attention.
• Other people are scared to do it, and think I am awesome for taking the leap (pun intended)
• Requires multi-tasking to concentration on the "moves" while also engaging your audience
• Must jump in at precisely the right time, BUT if you mess up you can start over again easily
• The rope turners are like the stage and the mic, I need to work with them to make a successful show
• It's hella fun!
  
• I am the sh*t at doing it (tee hee...)

*Durham, NC's own Bouncing Bulldogs*

So readers, how is your life or a passion of yours like the good ol' days of jumping rope?