“东方悠悠球”——北京空竹的前世今生

撰稿:朱思迪

北京报国寺的西侧,隐匿于繁华喧嚣之外,有一条不起眼的胡同。走进其中,就能看到一片小广场,这里正是抖空竹技法传承站所在地——“空竹缘”。据北京空竹传承人王娜介绍,京城抖空竹爱好者常聚于此,互相切磋,学习技艺。如果赶得巧,还能碰到国家级抖空竹技艺传人李连元大师在这里传授抖空竹技法,在他的指导下,无论是初学者还是资深爱好者,都能体会到空竹的独特魅力。

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 Master Li Lianyuan, a national-level diabolo expert, who offers instruction. Under his guidance, both beginners and experienced practitioners can experience the unique charm of the diabolo.

空竹是一种用竹木制成,用线绳抖动使其飞速旋转而发出声响的玩具,起源于中国古代的“陀螺”。经过漫长的发展,逐渐演变成一种独特的民间玩具和表演艺术。空竹被称为“东方悠悠球”,是因其玩法与西方悠悠球有着异曲同工之妙:通过双手的协调配合,利用拉绳的弹力,使空竹在空中进行各种旋转和翻滚的动作。抖空竹是老北京一种流传已久的民俗,2006年经国务院批准,列入第一批国家级非物质文化遗产名录。

The diabolo is a traditional toy made of bamboo and wood that produces sound when spun rapidly 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 "Oriental Yo-Yo," the diabolo shares similarities with the Western yo-yo, as both involve coordinating hand movements and string tension to execute various spins and flips in the air. Playing the diabolo has been a cherished folk tradition in old Beijing for generations. In 2006, it was recognized as part of China’s first batch of national intangible cultural heritage by the State Council. 

“嗡唔——嗡唔——”,空竹清脆而富有节奏的哨声从“空竹缘”小广场传出,回荡在胡同的每一个角落。循声望去,只见一群人围在一起,他们时而提拉,时而抛扔,空竹一会儿高过头顶,一会儿穿梭腿间……空竹在空中划过一道优美的弧线后,总能稳稳地落在线上,仿佛有了生命一般。来自意大利的北京第二外国语学院留学生傅金月被这一幕深深吸引,她不由自主地走近了人群。

"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.

在人群中,她一眼就看到了王娜老师。王娜老师专注地抖空竹,只见她双腿呈弓步站立,向后仰身,飞转的空竹从她的腰间盘旋而过,动作流畅而优美。傅金月一下子就被王娜老师的技艺所折服,决定向王娜老师请教,学习抖空竹的技巧。

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

王娜在“空竹缘”表演抖空竹

王娜老师热情地接待了傅金月,向她介绍了空竹的起源和发展历程,并亲自示范了抖空竹的基本动作。起初,傅金月总是掌握不好力度和节奏,空竹常常在空中翻滚几圈后便落地。在王娜老师的耐心指导下,傅金月的技艺逐渐提高。她能够控制空竹在空中旋转和翻滚的时间越来越长,动作也越来越流畅。

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

“看来抖空竹并不像我想得那么简单。这里面有很多的技巧在里面,包括手腕的力量、抖空竹的幅度什么的,感觉有很多讲究。”在学习的过程中,傅金月不仅感受到了抖空竹的乐趣和挑战性,还深深地被空竹所蕴含的文化内涵所打动。

"It seems that playing the diabolo is more complex than I initially thought. There are many techniques involved, such as controlling wrist strength 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 diabolo but was also deeply touched by its rich cultural significance.

在与王娜老师深入交流后,傅金月了解到,王娜与空竹的缘分始于2003年。那时,她受到师叔的启发,开始学习抖空竹。“我的师叔一家几代人都是杂技团的,抖空竹的技巧非常高超。每次他们表演,都能赢得满堂喝彩。”王娜回忆道,“我被这种技艺深深吸引,就痴迷上了,毅然决定要学习抖空竹。”

Through an in-depth conversation with Wang Na, Fu Jinyue discovered that her journey with the diabolo began in 2003. Inspired by her uncle, Wang Na started learning the traditional skill. "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 audience would erupt in applause," Wang Na recalled. "I was captivated by their skill and became so fascinated that I decided to learn the diabolo myself."

学习空竹并非易事,需要耐心和毅力。王娜从最基本的动作学起,一点一滴地积累经验。幸运的是,她遇到了王丽云老师。王丽云老师退休前是北京园林局文工团的杂技演员,是团里名副其实的“台柱子”。在王丽云老师的悉心指导下,王娜的技艺进步神速。

Mastering the diabolo is challenging and demands both patience and perseverance. Wang Na began by focusing on the fundamentals, gradually building her skills through consistent practice. Fortunately, she encountered her master, Wang Liyun. Before retiring, Wang Liyun was an accomplished acrobat with the Beijing Gardening Bureau's Art Troupe, where she was considered the backbone of the group. With Wang Liyun's meticulous guidance, Wang Na's abilities improved rapidly. master“

老师不仅教我技艺,还带我参加各种演出和活动。”王娜感激地说,“我记得第一次登上大舞台时非常紧张,但看到老师那从容不迫的表演,我也渐渐找到了自信。”

"The master not only taught me the skills but also took me to various performances and events," Wang Na said gratefully. "I remember being extremely nervous the first time I performed on a big stage, but watching the master's calm and composed performance helped me gradually find my confidence."mastermaster

随着时间的推移,王娜的技艺日益精湛。她不仅在国内各大赛事中屡获殊荣,还多次代表中国参加国际文化交流活动。2008年,王娜所在的广内空竹表演队更是参与了北京奥运会,作为第29届北京奥林匹克运动会开幕式演出第一个节目进入鸟巢,为来自世界各地的观众展示了北京空竹的魅力。

Over time, Wang Na's skills reached new heights. She not only won numerous awards in major national competitions but also represented China in international cultural exchange events on multiple occasions. 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 a global audience with the allure of Beijing diabolo.

作为非遗传承人,王娜深知自己的责任重大。她常常说:“抖空竹让我感受到中国传统文化的博大精深,我希望更多的人能通过抖空竹,感受到这一点。”除了表演,王娜还走进学校、社区和公园,义务教授空竹技艺,让更多的人了解并爱上这项传统艺术。

As an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, Wang Na recognizes the immense responsibility she carries. She often says, "Playing the 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.

王娜教授小朋友抖空竹

“空竹不仅仅是一项技艺,更是一种文化、一种精神。”王娜感慨道,“我希望通过我的努力,让更多的人了解并传承空竹文化,让这项传统艺术得以发扬光大。”

“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 diabolo tradition, helping this art form to thrive.”