Children’s Game #37: Che Ling

Che Ling means “pull bell sound”. This ancient Chinese juggling is a form of yoyo, once popular in Europe as “diabolo”. Two youngsters take turns exhibiting their skills, with the joyous involvement of their whole body. Almost unnoticed, the dominant hand controls the acceleration – counterclockwise – and directs the trick; the other maintains a responsive balance; it’s as if the magic was drummed into existence.

• Francis AlÿsDirector