This time of the year, you can feel the constant energy buzzing around the Bouncing Bulldogs gym as the team continues to train for the exciting event held at the Apollo Theater.  Team members have dedicated their time to training for speed and fusion so that they are prepared to compete against the best in the world at this famous competition.  At practice, speed scores are beginning to increase, fusion routines are coming together with that “X-factor” and team chemistry is at an all-time high.  Although only some of our jumpers will be competing at the Apollo this year, all jumpers are in the gym training hard and supporting each other.  We strive to keep up this energy and excitement as we continue our training.

As the Bouncing Bulldogs are in the middle of their intense training for competition, we would like to take a moment to give thanks to a few groups for all of the hard work that they do for our program:

First of all, thank you to all of the parents who continue to support the program and dedicate their time to help out whenever needed.   Next, thank you to the older jumpers (i.e. alumni) that have been through the program for coming back and helping out whenever you can.  Also, thank you to all of the new families for joining the program; we sincerely hope that you have enjoyed (and will continue to enjoy) your time on the team.  Thank you to all team members who continually push each other to be the best they can be.  Last, but definitely not least, thank you to Coach and Mrs. Fredrick for your dedication and passion for the sport of jump rope and of course, The Bouncing Bulldogs, for the past 28 years.  This team would not be where it is without you! This program is truly about teamwork and we could not continue without the support of every single person and group involved so we thank everyone! 

The Bulldogs wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving and we look forward to seeing everyone after the holiday! 

Whitney W. 

The Bouncing Bulldogs have recently started training for a competition at the world famous Apollo Theater.  It has become a tradition to compete at the Double Dutch Holiday Classic every year in Harlem, New York, adding on to an exciting fall season.

The Double Dutch Holiday Classic competition will consist of speed, compulsory, and fusion.  Starting in September, the hardest working Bulldog jumpers are grouped based on skill level, attitude, dedication, and grade.  Speed is an integral part of the training process.  It is very important for each group to pick the two best turners and the two fastest speed jumpers in order to be successful in the 2 minute and Double Dutch pairs speed events (one person jumps speed for 55 seconds, and the other person jumps for the remaining time).  The Compulsory event, unique to the Double Dutch Holiday Classic, is a single and pairs event that combines speed, synchronicity, and technique. However, the highlight of the Classic is its Fusion event.

Also originating in Harlem, David Walker created Fusion: Double Dutch with a WOW factor! Fusion combines Hip Hop dance and jumping skills designed to bring the audience to their feet. It is the highlight of the whole Apollo experience because it allows the Bulldogs compete with, as well as learn from, other jumpers from around the world.

Our Bulldog Fusion groups are in full creativity mode.  They choreograph their own unique routines to upbeat music that appeals to the Apollo audience. We are also developing the fusion skills of our younger jumpers by letting them practice jumping to the beat of music, and doing fun drills that involve dancing and rhythm. Jumping at the Apollo is an experience of a lifetime, and we are excited to prepare all of our jumpers for an enjoyable and successful experience on one of the most widely recognized stages in the world!