“東方悠悠球”——北京空竹的前世今生

撰稿:朱思迪

北京報國寺的西側,隱匿于繁華喧囂之外,有一條不起眼的衚同。走進其中,就能看到一片小廣場,這裡正是抖空竹技法傳承站所在地——“空竹緣”。據北京空竹傳承人王娜介紹,京城抖空竹愛好者常聚於此,互相切磋,學習技藝。如果趕得巧,還能碰到國家級抖空竹技藝傳人李連元大師在這裡傳授抖空竹技法,在他的指導下,無論是初學者還是資深愛好者,都能體會到空竹的獨特魅力。

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.

空竹是一種用竹木製成,用線繩抖動使其飛速旋轉而發出聲響的玩具,起源於中國古代的“陀螺”。經過漫長的發展,逐漸演變成一種獨特的民間玩具和表演藝術。空竹被稱為“東方悠悠球”,是因其玩法與西方悠悠球有著異曲同工之妙:通過雙手的協調配合,利用拉繩的彈力,使空竹在空中進行各種旋轉和翻滾的動作。抖空竹是老北京一種流傳已久的民俗,2006年經國務院批准,列入第一批國家級非物質文化遺産名錄。

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——”,空竹清脆而富有節奏的哨聲從“空竹緣”小廣場傳出,回蕩在衚同的每一個角落。循聲望去,只見一群人圍在一起,他們時而提拉,時而拋扔,空竹一會兒高過頭頂,一會兒穿梭腿間……空竹在空中劃過一道優美的弧線後,總能穩穩地落線上上,仿佛有了生命一般。來自義大利的北京第二外國語學院留學生傅金月被這一幕深深吸引,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師。王娜老師專注地抖空竹,只見她雙腿呈弓步站立,向後仰身,飛轉的空竹從她的腰間盤旋而過,動作流暢而優美。傅金月一下子就被王娜老師的技藝所折服,決定向王娜老師請教,學習抖空竹的技巧。

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“空竹緣”表演抖空竹

王娜老師熱情地接待了傅金月,向她介紹了空竹的起源和發展歷程,並親自示範了抖空竹的基本動作。起初,傅金月總是掌握不好力度和節奏,空竹常常在空中翻滾幾圈後便落地。在王娜老師的耐心指導下,傅金月的技藝逐漸提高。她能夠控制空竹在空中旋轉和翻滾的時間越來越長,動作也越來越流暢。

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.

“看來抖空竹並不像我想得那麼簡單。這裡面有很多的技巧在裏面,包括手腕的力量、抖空竹的幅度什麼的,感覺有很多講究。”在學習的過程中,傅金月不僅感受到了抖空竹的樂趣和挑戰性,還深深地被空竹所蘊含的文化內涵所打動。

"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.

在與王娜老師深入交流後,傅金月了解到,王娜與空竹的緣分始於2003年。那時,她受到師叔的啟發,開始學習抖空竹。“我的師叔一家幾代人都是雜技團的,抖空竹的技巧非常高超。每次他們表演,都能贏得滿堂喝彩。”王娜回憶道,“我被這種技藝深深吸引,就癡迷上了,毅然決定要學習抖空竹。”

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."

學習空竹並非易事,需要耐心和毅力。王娜從最基本的動作學起,一點一滴地積累經驗。幸運的是,她遇到了王麗雲老師。王麗雲老師退休前是北京園林局文工團的雜技演員,是團裏名副其實的“臺柱子”。在王麗雲老師的悉心指導下,王娜的技藝進步神速。

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“

老師不僅教我技藝,還帶我參加各種演出和活動。”王娜感激地説,“我記得第一次登上大舞臺時非常緊張,但看到老師那從容不迫的表演,我也漸漸找到了自信。”

"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

隨著時間的推移,王娜的技藝日益精湛。她不僅在國內各大賽事中屢獲殊榮,還多次代表中國參加國際文化交流活動。2008年,王娜所在的廣內空竹表演隊更是參與了北京奧運會,作為第29屆北京奧林匹克運動會開幕式演出第一個節目進入鳥巢,為來自世界各地的觀眾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.

作為非遺傳承人,王娜深知自己的責任重大。她常常説:“抖空竹讓我感受到中國傳統文化的博大精深,我希望更多的人能通過抖空竹,感受到這一點。”除了表演,王娜還走進學校、社區和公園,義務教授空竹技藝,讓更多的人了解並愛上這項傳統藝術。

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

“空竹不僅僅是一項技藝,更是一種文化、一種精神。”王娜感慨道,“我希望通過我的努力,讓更多的人了解並傳承空竹文化,讓這項傳統藝術得以發揚光大。”

“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.”