Many students only know junior Danh Ta as the quiet kid in class, but others may know him as the ecstatic member of Dem Raider Boyz or as the yo-yo master.

Junior, Danh (pronounced “yen”) Ta was first inspired to start yo-yoing in middle school when a visitor from the “Bed Show” told a story using a yo-yo.

“After seeing the guy perform, I thought to myself that I can do better, so I bought a yo-yo and started from the basic.” said Ta.

Danh Ta was so determined to excel in learning how to yo-yo that he started watching YouTube videos. Ta admires his YouTube inspiration Hiroyuki Suzuki, stating that that is where he started learning the basics and eventually tricks as well.

Danh’s first performance was for the National Junior Honor Society talent show at Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School in seventh- grade in which he won first place and was featured in The Gazette. Once Danh was comfortable with performing in front of 100s of people, he started performing for the ERHS talent show freshmen year. He also plans to perform in this school year’s talent show.

Danh also has previously participated in the Virginia State Yo Yo contest. “I usually participate in the Virginia State Yo Yo contest every year.” Danh proudly adds that he did make it to the top 10 one year, which was a big accomplishment to him because he had only been yo-yoing for 2 years then.

Junior Mary Anna Brogi said she admires Danh’s talent, saying, “He’s really good at it and he’s also multitalented which is interesting.”

Ta is not only a yo-yo master but also a part of the undefeated step team in the country, Dem Raider Boyz. The captain of the team, junior Alfred Walfall gave great remarks about Ta saying “being captain and practicing with him throughout the summer, allowed me to really watch him and notice his incredible drive…he always pushes himself to become the best he could be.”

Junior Nam Truong, a good friend of Ta also positively describes him as “very open-minded and organizes himself well.” Truong admires that even with DRB’s rigorous practices, Ta still sets a fine line between school and after school activities.

Danh has met many yo-yo world champions like Daniel Dietz, Eric Koloski, and Yuuki Spencer who have certainly inspired him to better his yo-yo skills. Danh has certainly gained a lot of talent in 5 years.