《我眼中的北京非遗》系列节目第五期丨“东方悠悠球”——北京空竹的前世今生

West of Baoguo Temple in Beijing, tucked away from the hustle and bustle, is a modest alley. Entering it, you'll discover a small square housing the diabolo heritage center, "Kong Zhu Yuan." According to Wang Na, a Beijing diabolo master, enthusiasts often gather here to share ideas and hone their skills. If you're fortunate, you might even meet the Master-- Mr. Li Lianyuan, a national-level diabolo expert, who offers instruction here. Under his guidance, both beginners and experienced practitioners can experience the unique charm of the diabolo.

The diabolo is a traditional toy made of bamboo or wood that makes buzzing sounds when rotating at a high speed on a string. It originated from the ancient Chinese spinning top. Over time, it has evolved into a unique form of folk entertainment and performance art. Often referred to as the "Chinese Yo-Yo", the diabolo shares similarities with the Western Yo-Yo, as both involve coordinating hand movements and string tension to execute various rotation and flips in the air. Playing diabolo has been a cherished folk tradition in ancient Beijing for generations. In 2006, it was recognized as part of China’s first batch of national intangible cultural heritage by the State Council.

"Humm—humm—," the crisp, rhythmic whistle of the diabolo echoes through the small square of "Kong Zhu Yuan", resonating in every corner of the alley. Following the sound, you'll find a group of people gathered together, sometimes pulling, sometimes tossing, as the diabolo soars above their heads and weaves between their legs. The diabolo traces a graceful arc in the air and always lands steadily back on the string, almost as if it has a life of its own. Fu Jinyue, a student from Beijing International Studies University, originally from Italy, was captivated by this scene and couldn't resist moving closer to the crowd.

In the crowd, she quickly spotted Ms. Wang Na, who was engrossed in playing diabolo. With her legs in a bow stance and her body leaning back, Ms. Wang Na was playing diabolo around her waist in a graceful and smooth manner. Captivated by Ms. Wang Na’s skill, Fu Jinyue decided to seek her guidance and learn the skills of playing diabolo.

Ms. Wang Na warmly welcomed Fu Jinyue, explaining the history and evolution of the diabolo while demonstrating the basic skills. At first, Fu Jinyue had difficulty managing the strength and rhythm of playing, and the diabolo frequently fell to the ground after only a few flips. However, with Ms. Wang Na’s patient instruction, Fu Jinyue gradually improved. She learned to keep the diabolo retoting and flipping in the air for longer time, and her movements became increasingly fluid.

"It seems that playing diabolo is more complex than I initially thought. There are many techniques involved, such as controlling the strength of the wrists and the amplitude of the diabolo, and it feels like there's a lot to master." Throughout the learning process, Fu Jinyue not only enjoyed the fun and challenge of the diabolo but was also deeply touched by its rich cultural significance.

Through an in-depth conversation with Ms. Wang Na, Fu Jinyue discovered that her journey with the diabolo began in 2003. Inspired by her uncle, Ms. Wang Na started learning the traditional skills. "My uncle's family has been part of an acrobatics troupe for generations, and their diabolo performances are exceptional. Every time they took the stage, the spectators would erupt in applause," Ms. Wang Na recalled. "I was captivated by their skills and became so fascinated that I decided to learn the diabolo myself."

It is challenging to learn playing diabolo as it demands both patience and perseverance. Wang Na started learning with the basic movements and gradually built her own skills through consistent practice. Fortunately, she encountered her teacher, Ms. Wang Liyun. Before retiring, Ms. Wang Liyun was an accomplished acrobat of the Beijing Gardening Bureau's Art Troupe, where she was considered the backbone of the group. With Ms. Wang Liyun's meticulous guidance, Wang Na's skills improved rapidly.

"Ms. Wang not only taught me the skills but also took me to various performances and events," Wang Na said gratefully. "I remembered that

I was extremely nervous at the first time performed on a big stage. It was by watching my teacher's calm and composed performance that helped me gradually find my confidence."

Over time, Wang Na's skills reached new heights. She not only won numerous awards in major national competitions but also attended

multiple international cultural exchange events on behalf of China. In 2008, her diabolo performance team took part in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, performing the very first act at the Bird's Nest and captivating the global audience with the allure of Beijing diabolo.

王娜参与奥运会开幕式

As an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage, Wang Na recognizes the immense responsibility she carries. She often says, "Playing diabolo allows me to experience the depth of Chinese traditional culture, and I hope others can connect with it through the diabolo as well." In addition to performing, Wang Na volunteers her time to teach diabolo skills in schools, communities, and parks, helping more people discover and appreciate this traditional art form.

“Diabolo is more than just a skill; it embodies a culture and a spirit,”

Wang Na said with emotion. “I hope that through my efforts, more people will come to understand and embrace the tradition of the diabolo, helping this art form to thrive.”