Black Magic

This is an excellent documentary (in the Masters of Disaster fashion) about four black girls whose superior efforts in Double Dutch competition win them a trip to London to compete internationally. Phyllis, Rashi, Lisa, and Connie are the junior high students that, under the tutelage of coach Pam Smith, perform some of the most electrifying footwork this side of Michael Jackson. Double Dutch, which consists of two people swinging two ropes in opposite directions, while one or two additional members "skip", became a competitive sport about ten years ago. Today, there are over 250,000 teams nationally. In Connecticut alone, home of the four girls comprising "Black Magic", there are over 30,000 teams. In addition to watching the girls compete, viewers are given a glimpse of the day-to-day activities of the girl's lives, as well as an extended tour of their stay in London. While in London, they join a parade, meet a town crier, talk to British students, and demonstrate Double Dutch. They end up placing third in international competition. Following the docu­mentary, there is a short section on "how-to" do Double Dutch, giving mea­surements, showing slow-motion steps, and demonstrating by way of a botched--but good-hearted--attempt by the film's director that it's not very easy. Highly recommended for larger school and public libraries. (Available from: Varied Directions, 69 Elm St., Camden, ME 04843.)