Poi Spinning

An ancient tradition of the Maori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) Poi is a form of dance where balls on the ends of chains are swung through complex rhythmical patterns while the dancer moves with those patterns.

Sometime in the 1990's in the Bay Area (USA), Poi evolved into "Fire Spinning" and quickly spread in popularity.

Early on there where at best a dozen moves that everyone did. Then through the enthusiastic dedication of people like Nick Woolsey, Zan, Yuta and many others, Poi spinning was combined with Tai Chi and other forms of inspired movement and exploded in both complexity and popularity. The possibilities now seem endless. It's no longer about the tricks, it's about experiencing (like Tai Chi) a higher state of awareness through moving meditation.

And much like Tai Chi, Poi has become a great way to maintain the health of one's system. I practice "spinning" nearly every day. I have seen huge benefits in my self awareness, range of motion, coordination, patience, balance, confidence, sense of groundedness, heart opening, and much more.

Check out Nick Woolsey's www.playpoi.com for fabulous photos and much more info on this wonderful activity.