Poi is a form of juggling, or object manipulation with balls on ropes, held in the hands and swung in various circular patterns, comparable to club-twirling. It originated with the Māori people of New Zealand (the word poi means "ball" in Māori). Women and men used it to increase flexibility, strength, and coordination. It developed into a traditional performance art practiced mostly by women. This art, in conjunction with others including waiata a ringa, haka and titi torea, make up the performance of kapa haka (Māori culture groups).
In Maori culture, the discipline of Poi developed into a traditional performance art practiced mostly by women. This art included story-telling and singing, choreographed to poi routines. Therefore, Poi developed in conjunction with others disciplines including waiata a ringa, haka and titi torea, make up the performance of kapa haka (Māori culture groups). Contemporary poi has built upon the Māori discipline and is now more a combination of spinning arts from around the world.
Today, poi extends past the original Māori culture. A subculture has sprung up in a few places, surrounding poi spinning as a hobby, exercise, or performance art. Poi dancers can sometimes be found performing alongside jugglers, staff spinners and other similar performers.
Glow poi
Glow in the dark poi are available from a number of places, as are glow in the dark gloves, UV-sensitive poi and poi containing LED lights that make them shine. Different types of poi can be used to create different effects, depending on the setting. Poi containing small strobes, for instance, can be used to create special effects.
By far the simplest method used is a glowstick. Glowstick poi are popular at festivals and raves.
Fire poi
Considered by some to be the "ultimate" performance poi, fire poi are constructed from chain, with kevlar blend wicks, sometimes also stuffed on the inside with more absorbing non-melting material such as cotton, that can be soaked in fuel and set on fire; usually paraffin, kerosene, naphtha (also called "white gas", "camping fuel", or "Coleman fuel") or a similar household fuel is used - as gasoline burns too quickly for either safety or performance longevity and is much more toxic it is generally avoided where other options are available but is still popular in poorer countries. Likewise alcohol and lighter fluid are considered too dangerous and not sufficiently long lasting due to their low flash point and volatility.
Fire performances can be interesting for both audience and performer, provided the poi spinner is good enough that they can control the fire poi without putting anyone (particularly themselves) at risk.
Many kinds of fire poi are available, the simplest utilizing two wicks. The fire wicks are generally one of three varieties: a cylindrical wrap, cathedral stack (square) or a monkey fist knot tied with kevlar blend rope. Some experienced performers like to pick and choose their wicks, according to the performance they intend to give - controlling their burn time and the brightness of the flames. More advanced fire poi can have multiple wicks.
A variation called fire snakes (sometimes referred to as Fire Ropes) consists of a length of kevlar blend rope that can produce a long flame. These can look stunning when used by a skilled performer, resulting in them being surrounded by sheets of flame.
Isn`t it beautiful?
