The Fantastic Four began participating in the sport of Double Dutch in 1978. They were coached by gym teachers Edith Sheppard and Carol Pope at their junior high school, Corlears 56, on the Lower Eastside of Manhattan.
Known as “The Added Touch” during their first year of competition in 1979, they placed second and third in the singles and doubles divisions. More determined and competitive than ever, and vowing to win future competitions, they re-created themselves as “The Fantastic Four.” True to their word, the following year The Fantastic Four won the World Wide Double Dutch Championship.
This impressive victory attracted the attention of the McDonald’s Corporation, earning them an invitation to audition for a McDonald’s commercial. Riding the wave of their championship win, they were selected for the spot and the rest, as they say, is history.
The Fantastic Four went on to become the first professional Double Dutch team and as such was no longer eligible to compete in American Double Dutch League competitions. They were featured in another McDonald’s commercial and traveled throughout the United States to McDonald’s locations, delighting audiences with their skills, generating interest in the sport, and inspiring kids to learn how to jump Double Dutch. They also appeared in the 1981 Emmy Award winning documentary, “Pick Up Your Feet.”
The Fantastic Four performed during halftime at a 76ers and Celtics game, at the legendary Roxy nightclub in Manhattan, and on “What’s My Line?” among other television shows. FILA sponsored The Fantastic Four who modeled the FILA clothing line while performing and demonstrating Double Dutch in Germany. They toured to Paris and London with artists Afrika Bambaataa, Rock Steady Crew, Mr. Freeze, Donde, and Grand Mixer D.S.T. & Infinity Rappers.
Considered the sport’s ambassador, The Fantastic Four travels worldwide teaching future generations of Double Dutch jumpers.
Meet the Fantastic Four Double Dutch Team…
Delores Brown Finlayson
Her dedication to and passion for the sport led her to sit on the Board of Directors of the National Double Dutch League. She serves as an official for the Double Dutch Holiday Classic at the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem. Certified by The Protocol School of Washington as a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant, Delores also officiated for the New York City Public School Athletic League.
In addition, she is a member of the Screen Actors Guild. A long-time resident of New York, Delores is happily married to her husband of almost 20 years.
Her motto: “Life is not about you but what you do while you’re in it.”
De’Shone Adams Goodson
Has served as an official at the Apollo Theater’s Double Dutch Holiday Classic. She also judged the freestyle event at the American Double Dutch League world championship.
De’Shone resides in upstate New York with her husband and their daughter. Her strong faith in God allows her to continue moving forward and stay true to her motto, “Never give up.” She enjoys exercising, creative writing, solving mysteries, spending time with family and friends, and serving her community.
A woman who strives to be obedient to God, De’Shone seeks to fulfill her purpose in life as she pursues her passion: being of service to others.
Adrienne “Nikki” Adams Howell
Enjoys helping up-and-coming Double Dutch competitors reach their full potential. She officiates for the American Double Dutch League, the National Double Dutch League, and the New York City Public School Athletic League. Nikki has two grown sons and resides in Harlem with her husband.
Robin Oakes Watterson
Officiates the world championship competition for the American Double Dutch League and the National Double Dutch League at the legendary Apollo Theater. She also judges the fusion freestyle competition at the annual Double Dutch Holiday Classic.
Robin, co-founder of the Watterson & Short Double Dutch League, enjoys creating never-before-seen freestyle routines. She’s committed to helping others reach their full potential not only as Double Dutch jumpers but in all areas of their lives. Robin has two daughters and a son, and resides in Fredericksburg, VA, with her husband of 25 years.