On May 10, 2025, Albany FASCA members hosted an exciting cultural event at the local library, introducing the community to the traditional Taiwanese folk sport of diabolo.
Diabolo has been one of the most important parts of Taiwan’s folk sports since 1983, even being officially recognized and widely taught in schools, as well as extracurricular clubs. Leading this interactive workshop was an Albany FASCA member, Cile Lee, who first learned diabolo during a summer camp in Taiwan as an elementary school student. The event offered participants a unique opportunity to explore and practice diabolo while sharing this vibrant aspect of Taiwanese culture.
The event kicked off with an introduction to the history and evolution of diabolo, its various types, and Taiwan’s role in promoting this traditional folk sport. Many attendees were new to diablo techniques, so they started with fundamental movements like spinning and balancing the diabolo. As their skills grew, participants eagerly tackled impressive tricks, including Monkey Somersault (猴子翻跟斗), Golden Cicada Shedding Its Shell (金蟬脫殼), Golden Rooster Perching (金雞上架), Dragonfly Touching Water (蜻蜓點水), Throwing Diabolo (拋鈴), and Spider Weaving a Web (蜘蛛結網). Laughter and enthusiasm filled the room as participants practiced their skills. This new experience offered the participants a more in-depth understanding of what their Taiwanese heritage had to offer, as well as showing them experiences that children in Taiwan would learn. On top of that, students get to relate and understand the Mandarin terms for each diabolo trick, further deepening this cultural experience.
The recent diabolo cultural class brought together eager learners, enthusiastic participants, and a deep appreciation for Taiwanese tradition. Each member embraced the challenge of diabolo, finding inspiration in the experience. When asked if the event encouraged them to explore more of Taiwanese culture, every participant answered with a resounding “Yes!”
One attendee shared, “I will practice often, as now I understand how much fun diabolo has to offer.” Another reflected, “I didn’t realize how much depth there was to Taiwanese folk culture, but this event greatly widened my understanding.”
Throughout the event, participants worked diligently, mastering trick after trick with unwavering determination. The satisfaction of finally landing a practiced move was described as exhilarating—a true testament to their perseverance.
Leading the way was cultural class instructor Cile Lee, who loved all the parts about teaching diabolo. As he prepared for the lesson, he described spinning diabolo as “very stress-relieving, giving me time off from school life and allowing me to strengthen my connection with Taiwanese culture,” he shared.
For Cile, teaching diabolo was more than instruction—it was an honor. “I feel privileged to take part in spreading Taiwanese tradition,” he said. “I first picked up diabolo at a Taiwanese summer camp in third grade, and I can’t believe that after all this time, I’m able to teach others about this folk sport!”
This event was more than just a lesson—it was a celebration of heritage, perseverance, and the sheer joy of diabolo. As participants left inspired and eager to continue their journey, one thing was clear: Taiwanese tradition lives on through the excitement of learning and sharing.
Through hands-on learning and cultural exchange, the Albany FASCA students made diabolo more than just a sport—it became a bridge connecting tradition, language, and community.
Reported by Cile Lee (Albany FASCA)
