POI HISTORY

HISTORY

Poi is the Maori word for a ball on a length of cord.

Contemporary Poi spinning has its origins from traditional Maori culture of New Zealand. Poi were used to increase flexibility and strength in wrists, hands and arms as well as improving balance and coordination.

A rhythmic dance was performed by Maori women whilst the men used Poi to increase their strength and agility ensuring fitness and readiness for battle.

Poi spinning and it`s history is still taught in primary schools in New Zealand.

The ever increasing interest in this art form has taken traditional Poi spinning into the 21st century with workshops operating worldwide.

Poi spinning has grown beyond the scope of the originating Maori culture and is enjoyed worldwide as a hobby, exercise, or performance art. Poi dancers may be found performing alongside jugglers, staff spinners, and other similar performers.

FABRIC POI

Although Poi traditionally was made using natural fibres like Raupo, the more common traditional Maori Poi are made from soft fabrics. Plastic bags, sponges and knitting wool are used in making of Maori “home made” poi. The main objective these days is to provide a user friendly experience with the Poi with a highly visible appearance. Shape can differ from round to egg shaped. Poi handles take many forms from simple knots in the end of cord, looped handles with swivels, rings and even smaller balls which enable easier throwing and catching of the Poi in more advanced tricks.

TAILED POI

A greater visual impact can be made by adding comet tails to the Poi ball. The tails have the added effect of improving your plane control to prevent the tails tangling. Poi comet tails can be of varying lengths and shapes- streamers or ribbons etc. The use of very bright fluorescent colours that glow under ultra violet UV light adds to this visual impact.

SOCK POI

Sock Poi in its basic form are constructed using knee length socks or tights with a selected weight form at either end – bean bag, tennis ball etc.  Stronger more durable sock poi are made using colourful fabrics – the use of transparent materials allow LED balls to be added for greater visual effect. Sock poi are held by wrapping the top of the tube around your hand which allows you to customise the length. The absence of tails makes advanced tricks especially hyperloops , wraps etc. slightly easier

FLAG POI

Flag Poi are constructed in many shapes and forms. A popular design uses triangles of specially selected fabrics which are weighted along the leading edges. Finger grips and swivels allow 360 degree rotation and when spun in a similar way to poi create a stunning visual display. The use of fluorescent materials enhance the visual impact under ultra violet UV light.

LED POI

LED poi are used in darkness producing spectacular light effects. The use of colour changing or strobing sequences create stunning visual displays. LED poi are a great replacement for fire spinning when indoors.

FIRE POI

Fire poi are constructed using Kevlar wick or rope, a length of chain and strong finger grips or handles. There are varying shapes of fire poi which use different knots, cylindrical wraps or folds of Kevlar wick – monkey fist, cathedral, isis etc. Performers sometimes select their wicks according to the performance they intend to give, controlling their burn time and the brightness of the flames. Fuels used in the art of fire spinning include paraffin, kerosene, naphta or alcohol. Chemicals can be added to some fuel types to create coloured flames.