The early winter evenings makes it ideal to get outdoors at night and spin fire to warm the body and soul.
SO, WHAT THE HECK ARE FIRE POI? you ask!
Ever been Wow’d by the enchanting dance of a fire performer but wonder what the heck they are spinning around their body? I remember the first time I saw a fire performance and thought, “What is this sorcery? I want to try!” Fast forward a few years and now I am joyously on the flip-side as the fire performer sharing this fiery light and rhythmic dance with others! So, let’s talk Poi.
Great Balls of Fire
Poi is a performance art that involves swinging tethered weights in rhythmic and geometric patterns while infusing dance elements. Poi can be made out of a variety of materials, but Fire Poi consists of a heavy wick generally in the shape of a ball at the end of two chains or tethers. Sounds a bit intimidating, huh? Well, they used to be slightly less so.
A Brief History of poi
Poi originated with the Māori people of New Zealand. It was originally made out of twisted flax fibres and plant stems tied in a knot at the end with decorative tassels. They were used in choreographed performance in conjunction with storytelling and singing. It was not initially performed with fire. You can check out some sweet videos of traditional Māori Poi dance here. Tourism to the island allowed the poi ball to grow in popularity and now it’s a worldwide apparatus that keeps on evolving!
Poi Play Today
These days you can find many variations of poi, from the breathtaking fire poi to the technical LED glow poi, and even the simplistic practice poi. Practice poi is the best way for a beginner to start working with the poi art form and to build a skill set before setting wicks and chains on fire. Practice poi can also be made out of a variety of materials including socks with weights, glow sticks on strings, etc. As long as you have weighted tethers you can experience the dynamics of poi, and I highly suggest you do!
Poi is not just for performance, it can be done by anyone! There are so many amazing benefits to practising poi.
Change Your Brain
Watching a fire poi performance looks beautiful, but did you know practising this skilled artform can change your brain? Here are some of these ways poi play can benefit your cognitive development.
Creates new neural pathways as complex patterns are learned
Balances left and right brain hemispheres
Improves motor coordination
Improves hand-eye coordination
Improves reflexes and reaction time
Heightens spatial awareness
Develops concentration and focus
Develops precision and accuracy
No Gym Pass Needed
Not only is poi good for your brain, but it’s great for your body too.
Strengthens upper body; arms, shoulders, wrists and fingers
Encourages muscle toning and flexibility
An aerobic, full-body workout when dance is incorporated
Balances and strengthens both sides of the body
Develops a sense of rhythm and timing
Strengthens cardiovascular health
Increases circulation
Improves body posture
A Healthy Confidence Boost
Increases self-confidence and self-esteem
Encourages patience and persistence
Relieves stress when in a meditative flow
Activates conscious movement and body awareness
Connect with the community as you learn and share with others
Feel like a warrior with your new skills
A healthy hobby to have, you’ll never be bored again!
You’ll be invited to every event in the neighbourhood
So What Are You Waiting For?
Poi can be practised by anyone, at any age! Children can practice poi to instil healthy habits, cognitive and physical abilities at an early age. The elderly can practice resisting and potentially reverse the mental and physical decline. Everyone in between can find joy and amusement in learning new skills and incorporating dance and movement, and maybe just a little showing off. It’s good for you!
Start Practicing Poi Today!
We do offer one-on-one lessons and a weekly group session. Reach out! we would love to schedule some time to work with you and begin your poi journey! Whether you want to learn for the health benefits, for fun, or hope to perform with fire one day, We can get you started!
Book Us For Your Next Event
I’d be honoured to spin fire at your next event! I offer a variety of fire apparatuses including poi, dragon staff and so much more. We are able to tailor the performance to your special event.
Email us at: t.s.c.photographyandfire@outlook.com
Or check out our upcoming events on Facebook: T.S.C. Photography and fire
Love & [Fire] Light!💖🔥
Mr T.
T.S.C. Photography and Fire.