Cameron Nye, Contributing Photographer

Grab your jump ropes and lace up your sneakers because Jumpin’ at Yale is presenting a night of celebration in its Black History Month show, “Jumpin’ Across the US.” 

The Double Dutch group, co-founded by Kayla Samo ’25 last year, combines dance, acrobatics and jump rope skills to showcase the movement-form popularized in 1950s Harlem. Shows are scheduled for Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. in the Off Broadway Theater. 

“Double Dutch, throughout history, has been a way for Black women to connect through an activity,” Samo told the News. 

Jump roping, specifically Double Dutch, has deep roots within the African American community. Black women found companionship in the activity since it was inexpensive and required little space.

The aerobic movement blossomed into a tradition that brings together song, rhythm and friendship.

“Men stereotypically have the sports they play,” Samo said. “Double Dutch is a way for Black women to express themselves.”

Jumpin’ at Yale started last year to celebrate Black culture while providing a space for students to find community through the playground tradition. Some students felt that there were not enough groups that celebrated Black artistry; the ones that did were far too competitive, Samo said.

Students like Samo wanted to create an outlet that was “open to all.”

Deja Dunlap ’26, had never Double Dutched before coming to Yale. Now, she is ecstatic to have the opportunity to “heal her inner child.”

“There’s not a lot of spaces for Black people, especially Black women, to get together and express joy. It’s been like a community for us, just being together, having fun,” she said.

Double Dutch has a lot of connections to hip hop, tap and other core aspects of Black performance culture. The sound of the rope hitting the floor combined with the jumping creates a unique sonic experience that takes root in historic traditions.

According to Dunlap, Jumpin’ strives to continue “Black artistry and movement.”

“Jumpin’ Across the US” will take audiences from coast to coast in its journey through Black culture. From New York to Chicago to Los Angeles, each stop is an examination of that city’s unique history through meticulously choreographed Double Dutch. The show will spotlight the contributions of Black artists and incorporate dances and songs enshrined in each city’s culture. 

Finding inspiration from TikTok and YouTube, the group found city-specific dance content that could be performed through Double Dutch.

Putting a show like this together is no easy feat, said Samo. Every performer brings their own unique ideas, culminating into a vibrant display of agility and creativity.

Katherine Johnson ’26, describes this collaboration as the highlight of the group. It’s what makes Jumpin’ “so unique and fun,” Johnson said.

Jam-packed with modern takes on traditional activities, audiences will leave with a new appreciation for the rhythmic jump rope phenomenon.

The Off Broadway Theater is located at 41 Broadway.