‘Spreading joy through two ropes’: Rondo Double Dutch shares skills with new generation

“Strawberry shortcake, blueberry pie. Rondo Double Dutch got a team, and we know why,” a group of young voices chant on a track the St. Paul organization made with artist Bionik.

Rondo Double Dutch is the brainchild of Mercedes Yarbrough, an educator who wanted to bring Double Dutch to a new generation in her community. She joined up with Jelahn Prentiss, who goes by Coach Twist, to expand her vision for the program.

Rondo Double Dutch now includes a class at 825 Arts in St. Paul as well as a team that participates in events around the metro. They are booked Monday for Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration in south Minneapolis.

Mizz Mercedez and Jelahn Prentiss joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the event and their passion for getting people of all ages on their feet.