Team Jumps At Chance To Show Stuff

Phil Collins’ 1985 hit “Sussudio” marked the start of a new era.

But, the fresh era wasn’t in music, it was in physical fitness.

In 1986, 11 girls choreographed a fast-paced jump rope routine to the song for the Girl Scouts Jubilee ‘86 held at Farragut State Park. Little did they know they were starting a trend that would stretch a decade.

At the Jubilee, the girls met the Hot Peppers, another jump rope team from Eugene, Ore. The Peppers invited the Spokane team to attend a workshop in Oregon. Twenty Girl Scouts made that trip, and came back to form the Side Steps jump rope team.

A non-profit organization, Side Steps is in its 12th season. Things have changed since the days of hopping to Phil Collins.

That first year, the girls practiced out in the street; now they train at Lidgerwood Elementary School. Their leader, Deborah Wittwer, who originally had no idea how to coach the girls, has since become a certified jump rope instructor.

Boys are now part of the group, which has increased in membership from 11 to 25 people. The youngest member is 3, the oldest, 22.

As Eastern Washington’s only jump rope demo team, the community-oriented group gives frequent performances and hands-on workshops.

In addition, they serve as the demo team for the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart fund-raiser. Their performances motivate other children to jump rope and raise pledges.

And although they enjoy and excel in competitions, the team’s first priority remains community service.

Perhaps the most important aspect, though, is what the kids gain from Side Steps. Jump roping isn’t an activity solely for athletes.

In fact, it encourages coordination and motor skills in anyone. Kids get healthy, too. Five minutes of jumping rope is equivalent to running one mile, said Wittwer.

And if jumping rope at a brisk pace isn’t enough, imagine doing flips into the speeding, twirling twine - Side Steps also promotes creativity by incorporating gymnastics and dance steps into routines.

The team is available for performances and workshops at no charge.

Donations are put back into the team, but for the most part, Side Steps raises funds for competition by holding car washes, hot dog sales, candy sales, and the like. This ensures that even low-income kids can participate.

Wittwer is also looking for kids in wheelchairs to turn ropes.

“Turning rope is just as important as the jumper. You can’t have jumpers without them,” she said.

What if you’re interested in Side Steps, but don’t have the skills?

Wittwer opened Deborah’s Jump Rope Academy last week, offering classes to people of all ages. Her students will be eligible to try out for Side Steps.

Side Steps allows kids “to increase their abilities, give back to the community and have fun,” said Wittwer.

For information on Side Steps membership or performances, or Deborah’s Jump Rope Academy, call Wittwer at 487-5567.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: Created in support of the Spokane County Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), Discoveries highlights people working to improve community health and well-being. If you have a discovery that deserves recognition, call 742-3660. Or visit their website at www.hipspokane.org.