Jamming with Yo-Yos
The yo-yo is a widely known but little understood solo sports device with a colorful history of immigrant enterprise, business ingenuity, and mechanical invention. This program unites these legacies with an exciting look at what masters of the yo-yo are accomplishing today.
Time:
Saturday, June 17, 2006, 12:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Location:
Flag Hall
National Museum of American History
14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
Filipino immigrant Pedro Flores would hardly recognize the wooden toy he introduced to California children in the 1920s. Today’s yo-yo combines modern metals and plastics with high speeds, colors, and the muscular skills of young people to create a blizzard of string tricks and freehand yo-yo gymnastics.
Also part of the program was Team Yo-Yo Jam, a group of young performers traveling the country to compete in yo-yo events and perform for the public. This year’s team included national and international award winners, both male and female.
David Shayt, National Museum of American History curator, gave remarks on the history of the yo-yo before the performances by Team Yo-Yo Jam.
Discussion