Northwest Double Dutch

Summer Camp 2012

2012-01-18T18:48:00.000-08:00

Hey Jumpers~

Summer Camp 2012 Schedule is posted and registration is open! Get it while it's hot!

Love,
Aj

http://www.nwdoubledutch.com

Fall 2011 Update

2011-09-19T10:13:00.001-07:00

Hey!

Thanks for a great summer! Over 150 students came through our summer camps and we launched the NWDD Junior Coaching program for teens. We also trained Katie and Jenni to teach the full schedule of Fall after school clubs while AJ is off being super pregnant and having a baby girl in early January!

Thanks so much for your support, as always, this small, local business relies on your support to continue offering great programs that promote health, fitness and positive self esteem for your growing children.

AND a quick request: we think we offer totally awesome programs, help us by voting for us at Red Tricycle's "Totally Awesome Awards!"

Just click this link, take two seconds to vote and together, we will make jump roping in the Northwest even more awesome!

Thanks,

2011-04-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

Adult dutch opportunities: Thursdays on Capitol Hill 6-8pm and Sundays location varies 10-12pm
text me if you're coming and I'll give you more details. No experience, free and super fun. 206-992-8663

Summer camps are filling up fast! Register soon. . .

That's all I'm saying for now.

Love,
Aj

Summer Camp registration is OPEN OPEN OPEN!!!

2011-02-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

The sun is coming! And along with it, summer fun. . .registration for jump rope summer camp with Northwest Double Dutch is officially open. http://www.nwdoubledutch.com/summer

Check out our awesome new website and our collaboration with The Women in Sports Foundation (the one week of "Girls Only" summer camp. . .SO EXCITING!)

I'm off to get my marketing and promotion on, I'm hitting it HARD this year, I want all these camps FULL so register early. Here's my teaching equation: 1 teacher + 8 students = awesome jump ropers. Seriously, no camps with 50 students in a gym here. . .we keep it small and you get awesome instruction and confidence in return. Yes, I know. It's totally amazing.

Holler with any questions, I can't wait for this gray weather to hit the road. . . and outdoor jumping to come back!

For the love of the 80's,
Aj

Happy New Year

2011-01-06T13:52:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

It's finally 2011! Time to get back on the jumping and teaching! I've been busy galavanting around Mexico, whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon and most noteworthy earning a Masters in Education. . .but alas, I am back and ready to get jumping! Hope you had a great holiday season.

Here's the scoop:
After school clubs for Winter 2011 are as follows (often you can join, even if it's not your school!):
Monday: Community Fitness
Tuesday: McGilvra Elementary (and the King County Youth Detention Center)
Wednesday: Emily Dickinson (East Side, yo!)
Thursday: Stevens Elementary
Friday: Thornton Creek Elementary

Also adding to the mix this month is a one shot ADULT Double Dutch Workshop! Saturday January 15th at Community Fitness.

It's fixin' to be a busy few months, so join me in the craziness and get yer jump on!

Love,
Andrea (Aj)

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

Wow! 2010 is almost over. . .time to get jumping!

I've got a bunch of camps and workshops lined up for the coming months, you can register online at the NWDD website.

The kid's vacation camps are $50/day, at Seattle Center and are always a blast. A great way to keep your kids entertained, busy and tired at night during school breaks.

As always, we have limited scholarships available, email me for information.

Last but definitely not least: For the grown ups in this city. . . monthly workshops! 3 hour intensive, learn the basics of double dutch in one morning!

AND as if all that weren't enough after you've enjoyed a basics workshop, you are welcome to join the group! I am putting together an adult double dutch group, we will meet twice a week, for fun/fitness-the only thing you need for a key to the door is to show up to 90% of the practices. :)

Looking forward to jumping with you!

Love,
Andrea

Is summer really over?

2010-10-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that the summer is really over! Northwest Double Dutch had almost 200 jumpers work their way through summer camp this year! We jumped, danced and hula hooped all over the Seattle area and had a great time!

We are excited to be offering a few Saturday workshops for adults and a vacation camps for kids in addition to the ongoing lineup of after school clubs and teams.

Also, I'm planning ahead this year and I hope to have the summer camp schedule solidified in February so if your organization, church, school or community would like to have NWDD join your program, contact me early!

School auctions must be in the works? Hit me up now for donations, I love being involved and NWDD auction items are always a hit!

That's it for now. . .holler at your Northwest Jump rope girl with questions, information, random requests or just to say hi!

Keep Jumpin'!
Andrea Jean

Register NOW!

2010-05-14T11:09:00.001-07:00

Camps are filling up. . .register now to secure your spot!

I've got a couple partial scholarships, email me if you NEED help with tuition.

www.nwdoubledutch.com/summer.html

Keep Jumpin',
Aj

REGISTER NOW!

2010-03-15T12:57:00.001-07:00

Summer camp registration is open!

Register now!

AND

OntheDouble (dutch) earned first place in all 3 events at the Bainbridge Island Jump Rope Competition on Saturday! YAY! We rock!

Love,
Aj

Summer Camp!

2010-03-08T13:22:00.000-08:00

Wow, I am so excited about this summer!

I've received a ton of emails and phone calls about summer camps. We ARE offering camps this summer, they WILL be fun and registration opens on MONDAY March 15th. The tentative schedule is online now (www.nwdoubledutch.com)so you can start thinking about which camp you're interested in.

We are excited to be expanding into lots of new neighborhoods this summer. The trade off being that we are offering less camps so be sure to register on Monday!

We are also pumped to offer a couple of the camps in collaboration with FRINGE FITNESS in order to expand our "Fitness as fun" philosophy and add hula hoop to the curriculum.

Please email with any questions! Looking forward to a warm sunny summer!
Andrea (Aj)

New Adult Classes Starting January 30th!

2010-01-05T13:16:00.000-08:00

Please join us at the Century Ball Room's West Hall for the new 5 week series, in partnership with Fringe Fitness!

Grand Kick Off Event: January 30th 10-12, workshops & demonstrations, $5 cover at the door

5 Week Series' begin monthly:
February 5-March 5
9-10am: Beginning Jump Rop
10-11: Hula Hoop Fitness
11-12: Intermediate Double Dutch (previous experience required)

Email nwdoubledutch@gmail.com or call 206-992-8663 for more information.

Visit: http://www.nwdoubledutch.com to register

Keep Jumpin'!
Aj

2010!

2009-12-22T07:37:00.000-08:00

Watch for Fringe Fitness in 2010! NWDD will be joining forces with other awesome sports that keep you fit and entertained. First event on January 30th, followed by a 5 week series of Saturday classes. Single rope, Beginning Dutch, Intermediate dutch and Hula hoop will be the first classes on the roster.

Check out this news video from the National Double Dutch League's Holiday Classic at the Apollo which was on 12/19: http://www.nationaldoubledutchleague.com/

Belgium's competition is in May, I'm hoping to attend...Check out this video to see why: http://www.ddcb.be/EN/?page_id=21

Happy New Year, see you on the 30th!
Andrea (Aj)

January Double Dutch

2009-12-08T17:22:00.000-08:00

WOW! Twenty Ten is upon us. . .hard to believe!

NWDD is expanding, collaborating and looking for exciting new ways to bring more jump rope action into your life!

January Saturday classes for adults will be at a new location and will be set to a Latin-inspired sound track. I am encouraging those of you who love Latin dancing and music to come to these classes. You don't have to have any experience with dancing or jumping but be ready to for a great workout and a ton of fun!

Stay tuned for details!

Love,
Aj

Make Room For Turkey: DOUBLE DUTCH!

2009-11-19T14:35:00.000-08:00

Hey, yo!

The first adult Saturday class was pretty fun, the next ones are going to be even better! Enrollment is up and we actually have a beginner and a beginner beginner class running and full! I've kept a couple spots open for those of you afraid of commitment, feel free to just drop in! We're on the 4th floor of the Center House (do me a favor call/email to let me know you're coming). www.NWDOUBLEDUTCH.com to register for the complete 5 week series.

$60 gets you five 1.5 hour classes, a t-shirt and bragging rights. You know you want it.

Oh, by the way, guess what? Jumping is the best exercise you can do for healthy bones, according to the NYTimes! Check it out.

Keep jumpin'!
Andrea (Aj) Gardner

Because you're never too old to turn a new trick...Double Dutch!"

2009-09-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Website updated with adult classes, 5 week sessions start in mid-October and cost only $60! Conveniently located at Seattle Center in the shadow of the Space Needle and offered at the same time as the kids' classes.
www.NWDoubleDutch.com to register

Yours in double dutch love,
Aj

Fall Update

2009-09-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all:
I'm on a hiatus until October 8th but have updated www.NWDoubleDutch.com with information about fall before/after school programs. Feel free to register or email with any questions!

I'm jumping with my single rope a lot and hope to come back with lots of great moves and mini-routines to share with all y'all!

Keep Jumpin'!
Aj

The Heat Wave Isn't Over Yet!

2009-08-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

Last week was HOT but not as hot as this week! We are seriously rockin' this week in the shadow of the Space Needle at Seattle Center. Both of these camps are super small and we the kids are learning a ton due to lots of one on one instruction. It's perfect. The morning camp for jumpers entering grades k-2 have learned a ton and it's only been 2 days:

Forward/backward jumping

catch/pose/smile

walk-the-dog

scissors

straddle cross

kartwheels & mountain climbers

The afternoon class (jumpers entering grades 3-5) have excelled through the above tricks and are working on long rope and double dutch trickery:

egg beater

tripple rope

partner jumping

double dutch

rapid fire

It's awesome! We will have informal demonstrations on Friday for friends and family, location to be determined (either in the studio or on the outside stage):
Morning Class at 11:35, Afternoon Class at 3:35.

You will also have the opportunity to purchase ropes and t-shirts
Dutch ropes: $20/set, Single Ropes: $8, t-shirts: $15
Black w/ sparkly red print and read: "I heart Jumping!"
Blue with bright orange print and read: "(dutch)2"

Just for the Summer of it:

2009-07-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Yo,
Check out the awesome NWDD summer camp students, we are well under way! The kids have been circuit training (sit ups, push ups, triceps dips, jumping, plyometric-ing and oh so much more), jumping, dutching and learning all about teamwork. Camps run through the 3rd week of August email me (nwdoubledutch@gmail.com) for last minute registration opportunities. Oh, and if you like the shirts...you, too, can be cooler than awesome and buy one: have your people call mine.

We have a sweet new double dutch song:
CC Martini: "Double Dutch" get it on iTunes and get your jump on with a ridiculously rad soundtrack. Check out this sweet video of CC Martini.

Come check us out! OntheDouble practices at Volunteer Park every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 in front of the Asian Art Museum. Bring your ropes and get your jump on, it's awesome.

Upcoming Shows:
We'll be jumping after a big, rowdy down hill bicycle race on Friday August 7th, probably around 9pm, check out more details at their website. This event is best for grown ups...don't let the name scare you when you get to the site; it's awesome.

Tuesdays in Ballard: we're working on getting the crew lined up for a public practice at that huge intersection/park across from the movie theater in Ballard. Probably from 6-8 next Tuesday. The NWDD kids' team, The Sweet Steppers, will mos def be rockin' as well.

Grown up class is coming soon, I swear. You'll jump, you'll turn the ropes and you'll finally dominate the ropes like you always wish you had in grade school. Why join the class? Because you're never too old to turn a new trick. Details this week.

Love always,
Aj (Andrea Jean)

Fremont Solstice 2009!

2009-06-20T21:05:00.001-07:00

Well, folks, The Sweet Steppers have officially entered the scene and will be a permanent fixture with OntheDouble (dutch). They are SO awesome and we entertained, taught and had a super fun time at the Fremont Solstice Festival today. Thanks for coming or too bad you missed it, suckah.

But wait, there's more! If you enjoyed today's show or missed it, you can see us again in all our jumping glory, next weekend at Georgetown's Artopia at 7pm!

I love double dutch. Oh and check out Ropeworks tomorrow at the Fremont Solstice Festival: Waterfront Stage 1pm...super rad rope jumping!

Word.
Aj

Jump Start your rockstar summer!

2009-06-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

Back to reality after another whirlwind trip to Mexico, California and Maine! A bit of jumping took place in Todos Santos, Mexico...although it was so hot, we had to stop and eat paletas (fruitylicious popsicles). Other than that it's been a jump-free couple of weeks for me. I'm looking forward to getting back into the groove with my team, the Sweet Steppers and the NWDD summer camps.

Come check out OntheDouble (dutch) and The Sweet Steppers at the Fremont Solstice Festival on Saturday June 20, Waterfront Stage 3:30pm! Try jumping, watch jumping and rock on!

Registration for Northwest Double Dutch summer camps is officially closed as of Friday June 19th. Email for late registration availabilities.

Adult classes coming soon!

All my jumping love,
Aj

Welcome Sweet Steppers!

2009-05-20T13:34:00.001-07:00

I'm super excited about this:
http://sweetsteppers.blogspot.com/

It's the youth team that I'm going to work with in the coming year to bring to glory and super awesome stardom in future competitions: The Sweet Steppers.

They are rad, enthusiastic and have what it takes to be a strong, devoted double dutch team.

Yes!
aj

WIN $100!

2009-05-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

CALL FOR ART: You could be $100 richer and wicked famous
you know you want it.

(view the current entries here)

Some past designs:

What's the deal?
I had a dream last night (for real) about a really rad double dutch shirt. Problem is, I can't remember what it looked like. SO, I'm leaving it up to you: all my awesome artist, rope jumping, money and fame seeking students, friends to come up with a rad new image for Northwest Double Dutch.

This sweet art will be used for a new 2009 t-shirt for students, friends and fans. Double Dutch is awesome, the options are limitless and I'm ready for something super fresh (or as the kids say, "filthy"). Bring it.

Winners will be chosen by a team of double dutch rope jumpers by May 27th, 2009.

Guidelines:

1 or 2 color only
12" x 12" 300dpi cymk (or something)
Keep it clean, kids and "grown ups" will be wearing your work
No need to (in fact please don't) put the words "OntheDouble" or "NWDD" in your design
Your design should convey awesome.
DEADLINE: May 22, 2009 midnight.
All ages are welcome to submit but if you're under 18, I need some kind of permission to use your work...from your parental units.

By entering this contest you are permitting use of your design for Northwest Double Dutch/OntheDouble (dutch) advertising, marketing and promotional items. I won't change it or mess with it and you will always get credit/fame for your awesome work.

Please send questions and final designs/links to uploaded work to: nwdoubledutch@gmail.com and remember May 22nd at midnight is the deadline.

Love always,
Aj

May News

2009-05-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

<-- Me & 2 members of the Seattle Circus and Acrobatics team enjoy the wait at the Tournament of Champions on Saturday May 2nd; they earned 4th place!

--------------------------

In other news:

It's jump rope season!

Summer Camps:
There is less than a month to register for Northwest Double Dutch summer camps: There is still space in a few, check the website for availability. The morning Sammamish camp and the 8/17-24 Seattle Center camps are both full and the rest are rapidly filling up: jump on it and get registered, y'all! Register here!

Competitions & Kid Shows, general radness:

Emerald City Step Show: UW Hec Edmunson Pavilion, May 9th, 3-7 info here This is not a double dutch event but seriously, a step show? I went last year and was blown away: goosebumps for days.
Hot Dog USA Community Jump Rope Show: Community Show at Kamiakin Jr High School in Kirkland: May 9th, 6:30-9pm info here
Jump Rope in Your Jammies: Jump Rope in Your Jammies: Hot Dog USA Fundraiser, Friday May 15th 7-9pm. Music, jumpin', performances and awards for best jammies, bedhead, stuffed animal slippers etc! Helen Keller Gym
Canadian Rope Skipping Championship: Abbotsford, BC (near Vancouver), May 15-17 info here

Adults only(!):
OntheDouble (dutch) is performing as part of "The Gong Show" at the Columbia City Theater on May 16th. This is a 21+ show and it's going to be seriously fun. We are nervous to be judged and gonged, please come show your support. We will have sweet outfits and a great routine for this show... tickets here. This show is going to be crazy, super fun and entertaining, for real.

NWDD on the road (holler if you'll be around: I'll let you know where the jumpin's at!)

May 28-June 4: Todos Santos Mexico (H1F1 can't keep us away!). Meet me in the plaza...
June 4-7: San Francisco: SFC Double Dutch and Night & Day Challenge!
June 7-18: Portland, Maine
June 19-August 24: Seattle Summer jumping!!

Questions, comments, thoughts or concerns? Email!

Announcing our first official "Show" of the year. . .

2009-04-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

OntheDouble (dutch) will be gracing the stage at The Columbia City Theater as part of Zenzi's Gong Show. This sexy show is our first staged event with the new roster: Stacey, Stacy, Hollis and old hats Aj and Flat! We've added some sassy moves (thanks Kevin) and kept some of the classics. This entire show is going to be totally awesome, get your tickets early; it's going to sell out!

Description

A variety showcase of Seattle's quirkiest...most bizarre...and twisted talent. Come and witness the man who juggles live rubber chickens! The one-woman ten-in-one, and, of course, the singing bear on a bicycle! Zenzi is also proud to feature..."On the Double," The Savoy Swing Club and Tom Ronney of Ockham's Razor. This is a night not to be missed!

NOTE: No one under 21 years old will be admitted, sorry kids.

Oh yeah! We'll be jumping in Pioneer Square next Thursday for First Thursday, catch us if you can!

Let me know if you have any questions: nwdoubledutch@gmail.com

Love,
Aj

US vs. Canadian Double Dutch

2009-04-27T10:01:00.001-07:00

On Saturday April 25th, I headed north to attend the BC & Yukon Rope Skipping regional competition at Central Middle School in Victoria BC.

My second competition in one week, I am in double dutch heaven. I should mention, I was at both competitions as a spectator/mentor/rope jumper, not as a competitor.

Am I out of the loop on this? I do not understand why there isn't an emcee for these events, music, raffles, etc. Something to make these competitions more fun! They are all day events that are awesome and entertaining. Are spectators welcome/encouraged to attend or are these events primarily for the teams and judges?

Upcoming Competitions:
MAY 2nd: Tournament of Champions May 2nd 2009,Kamaiken Junior HS, Kirkland, WA 98034
May 9: Emerald City Step Show (not double dutch, just totally awesome); UW Hec Edmunson Pavillion 3-7pm
May 15-17: Canadian Rope Skipping Championship- Abbotsford, BC
June 25th-28th: National Tournament, Galvaston TX
July 9-16: PanAm Skipping Championship and Camp - Puerto Rico
July 21-25: National Double Dutch League training and tournament camp, St Leo, FL USA

A few notable similarities and differences deserve mention:

Similarities:

the routines can be no longer than 75 seconds
each league as a specific set of rules/requirements that the teams try to achieve during their routine
the teams involved are serious, awesome, dedicated, focused and disciplined; amazing for kids.
Precision, precision, precision; lots of great turning, jumping and overall trickery
Both competitions have two teams/jumpers jumping at the same time. This is a super bummer. These kids have worked really hard to get to this level, they deserve the spotlight. I understand the necessity, as far as time-efficiency goes but it's HARD to imagine the hours of work that have gone into learning this skill and it's completely under appreciated and disregarded when presented in this format. (Where are the introductions and opportunity for applause?!) Perhaps a Double Dutch showcase is needed, in a more theatrical/show oriented manner in addition to these important and valuable competitions?)

Differences:

BC, Yukon allows music (BIG + that adds to the overall ambiance *fun* of the competition)
The kids in Canada seem to have genuine smiles on their faces and really enjoy their routines. Many of the kids in the US seem pre-occupied with "presentation" wearing false smiles and making such an effort to impress that they forget to have fun.
Teams at the Seattle competition seem to have a great grip on gymnastics and speed; the teams all have very dynamic routines with lots of movement.
Teams in the Yukon do A LOT of Scotch/Irish/outward turning of the ropes. I don't have a list of the rules/requirements yet but I'm guessing it must be a requirement to have this element in their routines. It was awesome.

Overall, I loved the experience of seeing the two competitions and all of the dedicated jumpers. Way to go, keep it up!

See you at the Tournament of Champions this weekend!
Aj

FILTHY!

2009-04-19T00:16:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this great video of the Seattle Cirque and Acrobatics Team's routine from today's regional qualifying tournament in Kirkland, WA.

This video is Tony, Christine and Abdulai: they are in the 'open' category (All ages) and jumped, flipped and rocked their way to qualifying for the National competition in Texas in June 2009.

I'm super impressed and proud of all of the kids who attended this competition today. They all work SO hard and SO diligently. They are coached by PE teacher, Ed Adams at Dearborn Park Elementary who is the most awesome, supportive and positive dude.

Big hugs and smiles you guys are awesome!
love always,
Aj

NWDD: on the road again!

2009-04-08T01:00:00.001-07:00

I just can't sit still, folks. I'm itching to head South of the border but am swimming with OntheDouble team events, Northwest Double Dutch classes/summer planning and my other job directing urban orienteering running events so I'm a bit tethered to the Northwest for a bit longer. Now that the weather is clearing up, it's much more tolerable and I am looking forward to teaching and jumping. . . outside. In order to satiate my unshakeable urge to travel and upon hearing that we were about to have a stellar weekend, I hopped on the Victoria Clipper and floated NW to Victoria, BC--Canada.

5 out of the most awesome 54 hours I've experienced in quite sometime, were spent dutching with a bunch of super awesome and enthusiastic jumpers. A groggy start to the jumping included the basics: turning the ropes, entering and exiting, chitter chatter with lots of smiles and laughing. By the end of the day, this totally rad group of men and women were turning and jumping with ease and some were doing tricks such as cartwheel, twist, popcorn and trippple rope--and still smiling and laughing. Check out this totally rad video that Erin Rae made: Parents beware the word sh*t (gasthp!) is prevalent in the music. . .but the video is SOOooooo cool, please check it out!

I will be heading North again, very soon. Maybe Victoria will be the next town subject to a seriously viral double dutch invasion.

A couple of upcoming events you should know about:

April 11th: OntheDouble (dutch) at Market Street Shoes in Ballard (art walk) 6:30-7:30
April 18th: NW US Region 7 Qualifying Tournament, Kamiakin Jr HS in Kirkland (All day but team events are probably around noon?)
April 25&26: BC Yukon Rope Skipping, Central Middle School in Victoria BC (9-4 both days). Group events Saturday, singles events Sunday

Giv'er! All my love, as usual,
Aj

Jumpin', Jumpin', Jumpin'!

2009-03-24T22:24:00.001-07:00

The heat is on!
OntheDouble (dutch) is jumping like crazy! We've got lots of shows, appearances and other gigs coming up in the next couple months...stay tuned! We're rockin' a pretty solid 4.5 minute routine. Watch for us at The Columbia City Theater, The African American School, Garfield Community Center, Market Street Shoes and more!

Northwest Double Dutch is half way through this 10 week session of jumping. We've actually got a new 5 week session starting on Friday night. "Ladies Only ("grown ups") 6:30-7:30 and All Ages Family Class 7:30-8:30. Register at www.communityfitness.com

Rock on with yo' bad self and GET UP AND JUMP already.

All my love,
Aj

Summer Camp Registration open March 2, 2009

2009-02-22T15:58:00.000-08:00

The Northwest Double Dutch summer camp schedule is posted online and registration will open on March 2, 2009 at 12:01am! Space is very limited this year. We are offering only a few NWDD camps at Seattle Center. We are looking forward to branching out into communities outside of Seattle including Sammamish and Tukwila!

Last summer was a very successful and fun first year for NWDD summer camps and we are excited to offer these same camps again--on a limited basis. NWDD keeps ALL class sizes very small so register early to ensure your spot in these popular and unique summer camps.

www.nwdoubledutch.com to register

nwdoubledutch@gmail.com with questions.

Thanks!

Mexico Update 2009

2009-02-22T15:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a great photo of my most dedicated Todos Santos Jumpers. We worked hard on learning the basics of double dutch and the kids taught me some great songs in Spanish.

Interestingly, the most interested students were boys. They came 1-3 times per week and enjoyed playing games such as watermelon (sandia in Spanish), snake (vivurita) and even a little double dutch.

Most days we jumped in the plaza which is under construction so the construction dudes had quite a show and were always very interested in the gringa teaching the local kids this unique sport.

Overall, very fun. Less participants that I had expected and hoped for but I'll head down again in May and make it happen again!

2009 SCHEDULE

2009-02-02T13:17:00.001-08:00

It's been a great hiatus, teaching double dutch in Baja for the past 6 weeks but I'm looking forward to getting back in the game and seeing all my students again!

Please check out the current Spring/Summer 20009 schedule and register for a class or camp. Be sure to take note of the adult classes and intermediate options for those of you who have excelled past the beginner level! More information and registration materials here: www.nwdoubledutch.com

Keep jumpin'!
Aj

Awesome news piece!

2008-12-08T19:42:00.001-08:00

Northwest Double Dutch's Ladies Night Out on Friday nights is on a roll! Check out this rad video put together by KIRO7's Michael Fox. http://www.kirotv.com/video/18232138/index.html

We're wrapping everything up in Seattle and heading for the sunshine in Todos Santos Mexico! Word on the street is the kids in Mexico are rockin' the double dutch every Sunday! I hope they are ready to take it to the next level. . .cuz it's SO on!

xoxo and Happy Holidays!
Aj

The Official Update

2008-11-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

It's hard to keep up with all that's goin' on! I'll try to make this to the point:

OntheDouble is SO excited to have two awesome new members: Stacy "Stack(ed)" and Stacey (dutch name tbd). They seriously rock and we are happy to welcome their enthusiasm, excitement and smiles to the team. Watch out Summer 2009 cuz we are SO back in the game!

Club de Salto de Doble Cuerda (CSDC) in Todos Santos, Mexico is rockin' and rollin'! I'm heading down to Todos Santos on Tuesday night (after I vote for OBAMA) and will be jumping with the community on Thursday afternoon at the elementary school and in the main plaza on Saturday morning. If all goes as planned, I will be spending the months of January/February in Todos Santos...hopefully there's enough interest that we can get a totally awesome team jumping! www.CuerdadeSalto.com

Jump Rope Pen Pal Program: in an attempt to unite NWDD jumpers and CSDC jumpers, I am offering this cool option to anyone who jumpropes and wants to get to know another jumper and share tricks, stories, photos, art etc. Email or call for info.

Sweet Stepper practice on Monday November 3rd, join us! Email or call for info.

Vote

Obama

GO SWEET STEPPERS!

2008-10-31T14:28:00.000-07:00

Hey kids!

We're really going to do it: The Sweet Steppers are jumping on Monday Nights starting in December at AS #1 Elementary School in North Seattle (near Northgate).

We will be having an introductory class/meet and greet/practice to see how many people are interested on Monday November 3rd from 5-6pm. If you are interested in joining us/the team please email nwdoubledutch@gmail.com for a bit more information.

By the way:
The PBS Kids show, Biz Kid$ which was our first gig should be airing the first week of January, but I will know more in a few months. The title of the episode is called 'Money Math'. KBTC, which is channel 12 in Tacoma, airs the show on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm. We will also have copies of this on DVD for all of you who participated in the film shoot.

Come jump with us!!
Aj

New (ish) Videos

2008-10-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

Extra! Extra! See all about it!

Amy Ellen (Flat) of OntheDouble (dutch) is diligently weeding thru all of the old OntheDouble video archives and posting videos from past performances.

You can check out all her hard work here!

Sign your 8-13 year old girls up for Chicks Play Hard: www.chicksplayhard.org

XOXO,
Aj

Anonymous Dutch Booty

2008-10-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

A member (who's booty shall remain anonymous) of OntheDouble (dutch), one of Seattle's oldest (in every way) and most awesome double dutch rope jumpin' team, went in for surgery on her ankle today! She's out of work for a couple weeks to recover. I will post pictures from the surgery when we get them, so you can see the doctors sewing her ligaments and muscles back together.

The dutch-induced injury is the second in a string of wicked crazy jumpin' injuries that we attribute to being ridiculously hard-core. Jen-Dutch is back on the scene after being out for almost an entire year. She was injured last year after I dropped her while doing a stunt that 30-40 year old women should probably not attempt without proper supervision.

Stay tuned for new videos and photos!

xoxo,
aj

Chicks Play Hard 2008

2008-10-05T22:08:00.000-07:00

Chicks Play Hard is a non profit organization that strives to build self-confidence in girls by providing them with a nurturing environment in which they might try different activities and develop self expression.

Our annual event is happening on October 25th at Miller Community Center on Capitol Hill. This free event is open to girls ages 9-13. For more information and to register visit: www.chicksplayhard.org

In addition to being one of the co-organizers of this great event, Northwest Double Dutch and OntheDouble (dutch) will be working with teenage girls to teach a workshop at this event. Please let us know if you are 14+ and would like to teach younger girls the super fun sport we all know and love: DOUBLE DUTCH!

REGISTER FOR A CLASS, SEATTLE!

2008-10-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

The time is here, the time is now, get off your rear don't be a cow!

Register for one of our awesome classes. There are SO many options:

Friday: Kids class in Ravenna at Community Fitness 5:30-6:30, Ladies only from 6:30-7:30

Saturday: Sweet Stepper Practice at Seattle Center 10-11:30, Beginning Dutch at Seattle Center 11:30-1, Beginning Dutch in West Seattle 2-3pm

Monday-Friday: After school clubs! Schedule your winter after school club today!

FULL DETAILS FOR ALL CLASSES AT www.nwdoubledutch.com

Call or email with any questions! nwdoubledutch@gmail.com 206-992-8663

New Goals!!

2008-10-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, in an attempt to make myself follow thru with things I say I'm going to do, my goals for the next few months are:

ONE: Take the steps to figure out what has to happen to make Double Dutch an "official competitive sport" for Seattle schools. NYC announced that they are doing this starting in the Spring of 2009! Read all about it here: NY Times Article

ONE POINT FIVE: Keep NWDD rollin'! Get my Sweet Steppers jumpin', maybe work on getting OntheDouble (dutch) back in action (we could use a new member or two, if anyone's interested...Jaime's leaving, Amy's havin' surgery etc.).

TWO: Take steps toward starting a Southwest Double Dutch in Southern Baja, Mexico. Stay tuned for details on this but I'm going to get a team going for an event happening in January. It all depends on the reception...gauging by what we found out in September though, folk there would love to have the opportunity and instruction.

THREE: I need to hire someone...who wants to teach beginning double dutch/jump rope classes after school. Know someone? Anyone? Please call or email for more information. Just a couple hours a day, must have reliable transportation and be totally awesome. Great pay for the right person!

NWDD on FLICKR!

2008-10-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

Check out some of the great photos NWDD students shot during their Digital Double Dutch summer camps.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nwdd

TreeSwing/Children's Hospital & Dearborn Elementary!

2008-09-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday September 3rd, 2008 OntheDouble (dutch) joined the students at Dearborn Elementary School for a super sweet performance which include the Mariner Moose and the Seattle Storm's Doppler. We ran thru our awesome 3-girl routine almost without a hitch and then proceeded to jump the mascots and the Superintendent Seattle Public Schools among many other totally awesome folks.

It was a super fun afternoon which we ended by hanging out with the Dearborn Elementary students and their rad teacher, Ed Adams. We taught them some sweet moves, like lasso, white knuckles, elevator, popcorn...they are anxious to teach Jaime how to do a backflip and me to juggle in the ropes. We're stoked to have new friends to work with!

The event was the kickoff for TreeSwing's JumpUp campaign. It was "created in partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital, JumpUp will distribute a free jump-rope kit to each of the 4,000 kindergarten students in the Seattle Public Schools, giving them the opportunity to jump for fun and fitness." For more information about this awesome campaign, visit: www.treeswing.org

Pictured in the photo: The Moose, SPS K-12 Physical Education Supervisor Lori S. Dunn, Andrea Gardner, Treewing's Executive Director Tracy Bennett, Jaime Keeling and Doppler. Photo credit: Treeswing 2008

See the video which was featured on NBC King5 news Children's Health Link: Check it out!

Day 4

2008-09-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

My Spanish is getting better! My English is suffering...wierd. It is seriously hot here.

Today we trekked South to Elias Calles to learn how to make tamales with Filomena, Jesus and Sofia. We spent the entire day in the sweltering heat, surrounded by flies, sweating, singing along to Creedance Clearwater Revival and laughing at our lack of communication skills.

The tamales were steamed, the fresh mango margaritas were blended, the table was set and dinner was served! Awesome. This day was even better than the previous, which seems impossible.

After devouring the tamales, we decided it was time to show our new family how we work off our tamales and maintain our legs of rock (piernas de piedras) with which certain people seem so enamored. Sofia, who is 9 years old, took to it immediately. Her older brother, Jesus also had no problem learning the ropes.

We finished the day off by swimming in the 80 degree Pacific Ocean in front of Los Cerritos Beach Club under the setting sun/rising moon & stars. It was muy romantico and a great way to end the perfect day and begin a very long night. . .

Day 3

2008-09-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

Todos Santos, Mexico

The perfect day! Woke up early (I love waking up early with out an alarm clock!) got a bit of work done: secured an Girl Scout Troop After School Club! Drove to the store for eggs, tortillas, half n half and then made coffee and breakfast for the ladies.

Jen and I headed south "location scouting" for our next beach in which to jumprope but were sidelined along the way by my friends in Elias Calles and Salitral. We ended up spending most of the day playing cards and watching the rain come in from the mountains. By the time we left this Southern area, it was time for dinner so we drove back to the casita to find Jaime working...still. So we busted a move and walked to downtown Todos Santos where we checked everything out in the stifling heat. In a small coffee shop, we found relief with air conditioning and iced americanos: perfecto.

It was at this coffee shop which we met a couple new friends with which we made a date to jump with at 9pm in the town plaza in front of the church. We walked back home to find Jaime and we were off to jump in the plaza with Daniel, Diego and a gaggle of pre-teen chicas.

At first the kids were amused as we practiced some jumping and rope tricks. Jen learned some rope tricks with Jaime. I played with the most adorable 4 year old twins and learned that I still can't count to ten in Spanish. I was amazed as I watched Jen pick up the sweet moves that we all know and love: Matrix and lasso with some ducks and jumps, she also learned to jump elevator...maybe she'll join us when Flat is out for surgery in October. . .

Anyway, after A LOT of convincing, the young ladies finally tried jumping with us. By the end, they wanted to know when we would return to jump again. It was really fun and super, SUPER hot. Weirdly though, we noticed that nobody here sweats...seriously, our clothes, hair and everything were dripping with sweat but no one else seems to feel the effects of the oppressive humidity.

Side note...while I was "blogging" this blog entry, Jaime came out of the shower, shrieked, stopped in her tracks and was silent for like 60 seconds. Jen and I were like, "What?! WHAT?!" finally she exclaimed, "SCORPION!" and she was not joking. It was a 6" scorpion, in our casita, still as still could be. It was insane. We all stood and stared at the venomous monster for a few more seconds before I saved the day. I put on my cape and cowgirl boots, grabbed an empty plastic cup and cupped the heck out of the scorpion and then stood back and proudly took pictures of my prey. Satisfied after about 10 minutes of picture taking and admiring the amazing power of something so small (big though, for a scorpion-seriously, we just wikipedia-ed it) we let him go in our beach cooler that is outside our casita. Tomorrow, we will take some more photos and figure out what the heck to do with him. We considered throwing a frog in the cooler just to see how a scorpion works but decided that was sick. We retreated to the casita with our cowgirl boots and jammies and are now settling in to watch a movie....with the lights on.

xox,
Andrea Jean

Day 2

2008-09-05T00:07:00.000-07:00

In search of masses of people with which to jump, we headed to La Playa Cerritos (A very popular local beach where tourists and locals unite to surf, eat and drink). We arrived with minimal fanfare. There were a few cars in the sand parking lot, a couple people at the "bar" and 2, yes 2, people in the water. The water was warm, the waves were big and choppy (no surfing today) and we set up camp. Long story short...no jumping here, just sunshine and swimming. We regretfully submitted to the lack of people and decided we would tackle jumping later in the evening.

Cut to later in the evening:

A bit south on hwy 19 we found ourselves at "Art and Beer" ... not recommended because despite the delicious beverages, it was way beyond expensive(totally busted my $10/day budget for today AND tomorrow). On the bright side: WE FINALLY WERE ABLE TO JUMP in Mexico!

Efren and Benjamin, our friends from local restaurants/stores joined us and we taught them how to jump. Picture this: Sun setting over the ocean, us jumping on a random stage at a random restaurant and teaching two Mexican men how to jumprope. This may not seem like a feat to you but Mexican men are sort of "machisimo" and this isn't really something that they would typically do but in order to impress the American ladies, they did it anyway. And do it, they did! We all jumped together and had a good laugh.

Keep Jumpin'!
Aj

We have arrived!

2008-09-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

Day One

Our journey to Todos Santos was almost without snags. We arrived at SeaTac Airport at 4:22 a.m. Jen and Jaime checked in without any problem. When I tried to check in, it became apparent that I did not have a ticket (!) despite ordering it, paying for it and confirming it online and over the phone! I remained calm while Jen stood by with tears in her eyes and Jaime excused herself as not to swear inadvertently at the (un)helpful airline employees. Anyway, it all worked out in the end $462.43 later and I'll deal with it when I return to the US. Lame. I can't help but feel like I paid for this ticket twice.

Fly, fly, fly to Dallas and then on to Los Cabos. We picked up our rental car, had to negotiate the price (lame, they wanted to charge us $220 extra for insurance?) I was like, "What? That's crazy!" But again, I remained calm, Jen had tears in her eyes and Jaime stood the hard ground and demanded the price we were quoted with minimal swearing...I think today we will have a lesson on Spanish swears so her tactics are more appropriate and fruitful. We won in the end and got an upgrade. Awesome.

---We have come to the conclusion that the 3 of us have awesome-ly different and complementary ways of dealing with conflicts, resolutions and getting our own way. It's the ultimate "Good cop/bad cop" Scenario. I remain calm, firm and understanding, Jaime is strong, demanding and to the point and Jen is empathetic, emotional and honest. With our powers combined, we can and will get what is fair and what we want. Watch out Baja!---

After filling the gas tank, getting coffee and chips and receiving cat calls from very young Mexican boys we were finally on our way to our Garden Casita. Along the way we stopped to check in with some friends I met the last time I was here: Jesus, Filomena and Sofia at the Carnitas Restaurant in Elias Calles and Benjamin and Margarita (who have a new daughter Gardenia) at their restuarant where we ate our first meal of Shrimp/beef tacos with a couple Tecate Lights...$7 meals are the best. Benjamin serenaded us with his accordian for a bit and then we were off to settle in at our perfect casita.

After a quick driving tour of sleepy Todos Santos, we bombed down the dirt roads to find the rental house. When we arrived we were greeted with a sign on the door that read, "The Garden Casita welcomes Jaime Keeling." So cute. The house has a kitchen, living room (with futon), bedroom and loft. All the basic ammenities under a palapa/thatched roof with a couple ceiling fans. It couldn't be any more perfect unless it were closer to the water. I think we area bout a mile from the water. We chatted with Janice (the owner), unpacked, rented some movies drank another Tecate Light and promptly fell asleep.

The weather is humid, very humid, wicked fricken humid...but it feels nice compared to the cool rain of Seattle. Everything is green, everything. In the past, the drive to Todos has been through dry, barren -vultures circling overhead- desert but now it is through lush, green desert--everything smells good, like fresh rain and flowers. There are clouds covering the mountains and in areas to the east it is definitely raining. We were graced with some thunder and heat lighting, nothing major just some sprinkles. We are hoping for some torrential downpours and dramatic storms at some point during our stay...no hurricanes though, please.

Tomorrow we will head to Cerritos to surf and swim and soak up the sun. We will double dutch and wow the crowds with our jumping prowess. Stay tuned.

Lots of love,
Aj

NWDD heads to Mexico

2008-09-02T22:43:00.000-07:00

NWDD is hitting the road! Jaime and I are leaving at 4am tomorrow morning and heading to Baja California Sur, Mexico to teach double dutch to our friends south of the border! Watch this blog for pictures, videos and stories about our adventures in Baja as we demonstrate and teach the magic of double dutch that we all know and love.

Lots of Love!
Aj and Jaime

BUMBERSHOOT 2008

2008-08-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

Luckily, we were able to amend our busy tour schedule to perform at Seattle's Bumbershoot Music and Arts Festival. We were really happy to be able to represent Double Dutch in Seattle, as it is still our home town though we spend most of the time on the road teaching and performing. The plane we chartered from L.A. was met with minimal fanfare (thankfully) as our manager, Jean Pierre, managed to keep our last minute arrival under wraps (Thanks, dude). We were whisked away in a stretch hummer and arrived at Bumbershoot just in time for our first show of three on Saturday.

As expected, the crowds went wild and were shocked and amazed at our plethora of new skills and trickery. It was especially exciting to see some of our younger fans (and students) at the show. They are really awesome at jumping, after learning from the best, of course.

These awesome photos were taken by our number one fan and world famous photographer: Bradley Enghaus who dawned an old school OntheDouble t-shirt especially for the show. Of course, we were happy to autograph it for him as the original autographs have faded with washing and we have a slightly different team roster.

We're headed to Mexico to continue our quest to virally spread double dutch all over the world.

XO,
Jaime and Aj

The Sweet Steppers

2008-07-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

Northwest Double Dutch is excited to announce the formation of our first youth double dutch team: THE SWEET STEPPERS. We had an opportunity to be filmed as Part of the national PBS show, "Biz Kid$"

The show will be aired in January of 2009, we will be sure to let you all know when. We were helping to demonstrate the "Rule of 72" if you're interested in learning more about this intriguing mathematical principle click here

Until then, keep an eye on us here and at www.nwdoubledutch.com

You can see Leila Grant's (an upcoming Seattle photographer and double dutch rockstar) pictures from the filming here:

The Sweet Steppers