Poi Spinning

To answer the question of what is poi spinning we must first address what exactly is a poi.  A poi is a weighted object that is often lit up with led lights or fire and is attached with short sections of string or chain to a handle or strap which a poi dance performer utilizes during a show.  The action of Poi Spinning is a unique type of performance where an individual rhythmically spins the aforementioned poi object around them in such a way as to create complex geometrical patterns in the air.  You will traditionally see someone swinging with a set of two, one for each hand, but occasionally can see someone who is more advanced spinning multiple per hand.

Poi is growing in popularity across the globe and for better or worse is becoming something very different than what it might have been at the genesis.  Poi come in many varieties including types for the night and others for day.  There are fire poi and LED poi types for unique performances when the sun is down and poi of many different color and material construction for daytime.  They come in all weights and sizes but are typically about the size of a baseball.

There is no one specific type of person that plays poi and each individual having different reasons for doing it.  Although you many times see poi as a performance for others, it is also used by many as a type of exercise or meditation for themselves.  The fluid motions, focus, and breathing that is required of it can be very meditative and relaxing.

Spinning poi takes a lot of focus and determination to master but is relatively easy to get going if it is something that you might be interested in learning how to do.  Be aware though that when poi spinning you will continuously be hitting yourself, so get used to it, it’s all part of it.  Hopefully as you progress this will happen less, but it will never go away entirely.

The beautiful craft of poi was given its roots from the Māori of New Zealand where you could go to experience it today if you wanted to.  Although you do not need to travel that far to have an experience with it as you will typically see poi performances at music and art gathering type festivals.  There is definitely a growing community of people practicing it in the electronic dance music scene with the invention of the LED and light changing poi which have totally revolutionized the experience in a whole new way. But overall, Poi spinning really hasn’t been seen associated with the EDM genre of music until recent years.

Poi is a great activity for all ages and types of people.  It is a great hobby that gets you outside enjoying the day while at the same time getting a bit of exercise.  Spinning poi can be frustrating for some at first, so hang in there. You will definitely get the hang of it with time.

Get started spinning poi today, it is lots of fun!