ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Each week, a group jumps back in time.

“It's nostalgia,” participant Rayenda Lennon said. “It's fun. It makes me remember that I missed it. I actually used to do it for the old Lewis Street Rec back in the day. So this is our childhood pastime that we've had for years.”

Working women and men, ending their day like the kids they once were at the YMCA on Rochester's Lewis Street. 

“It's like a kid, you know, you go to school all day when you get home, you are ready to play,” Scott said. “So this Thursday is my play day. I look forward to my Thursday.”

They're getting in a good workout and meeting new people they now call friends.

“I believe it as a sisterhood,” Scott said. “You know, getting together with your friends and stuff like that, even if you're beefing or something. When they come together, play double dutch, you double dutch.”

They're hoping both double dutch, and its location, doesn’t become a lost art.

“Maybe this neighborhood may not have a great reputation,” YMCA Lewis St. Executive Director Joseph Carter said. “But as you can see, this park is beautiful. This building is beautiful. Started off with one person, now we're up to 10. So it's a beautiful thing to see them coming back and you see them laughing. They're encouraging each other. So the feedback has been awesome.”

The group is inviting everyone of all skills to learn the ropes.

"Going through the rope for the first time, not getting smacked in the face,” participant Melvin James said. “Other than that, it was fun.”

Double dutch reminds them that aside from work, there is always time for play.

“To see these young ladies encourage each other, or neighbors walking by, the kids come in, this is only going to encourage more people to come down,” Carter said. 

Carter will continue to host free double dutch classes every Thursday at 6 p.m., along with the newest addition of adult hula hoop on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the YMCA on 53 Lewis Street in Rochester.