J.U.M.P. (Jumpers United for the Macy's Parade), previously known as the Team USA Jump Rope Team, is a performance group made uniquely from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It is organized by the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team of Strongsville, Ohio, whom have also appeared in the Parade in years past.
History with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade[]
The group of young athletes first appeared in the 2009 Macy's Parade being credited as Team USA Jump Rope. Comprised of the best jump rope athletes from around the country, the group represents over 45 jump roping teams from across 21 states. During their inaugural Parade appearance, the more than 100 athletes jump roped their way down the entire 2.5-mile long Parade route, donning matching outfits of yellow and black. Upon arriving at the Parade's culmination point on 34th Street, the group performed Anthrax's "Bring the Noise".
In 2013, jump rope athletes would return to the Parade's line of march, with the group now being known as "J.U.M.P.", an acronym of "Jumpers United for the Macy's Parade". Starting at Central Park West, the J.U.M.P. athletes jumped throughout the entire 2.5-mile course, winding their way down to Macy's flagship 34th Street department store, where they would perform a choreographed number set to Calvin Harris' "I Need Your Love".
J.U.M.P. athletes would once again return to the lineup for the 2015 Parade, jumping to their heart's contempt as they embarked down the Parade route, entertaining over 3.5 million Parade spectators who lined the streets of New York City. After jump-roping non-stop down the entire Parade route, the athletes would perform a minute-long, choreographed number in front of the Macy's 34th Street memorial marquee, set to the tune of Saint Motel's "My Type".
Jumpers United for the Macy's Parade are set to make a reprise appearance in the 2021 Parade, jump roping through the long and winding streets of Manhattan for the first time in nearly six years. The group will spread holiday cheer down the Parade route, with a performance on 34th Street to a rendition of the classic Christmas song, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," by Ohio-based band Red Wanting Blue.