Poi spinning is possibly the most popular of the flow arts props, and many have entered the world of exploring movement through this wonderful artform that originated from the Maoris of New Zealand.
Sometime in the mid-1990s, poi dancing evolved in various pockets around the world among modern-day tribes of fire dancers and jugglers. Skills and techniques were shared in person and often through travels. The advent of Youtube enabled skill-sharing and learning to happen instantly across the world, and propelled the artform, pushing the envelope of what was possible and creating new flow frontiers for exploration.
As many pockets of spinners as there are in the world, there are as many varieties of spinning styles and techniques, as poi spinners learn from and influence each other through workshops, travels and social media.
Tech poi focuses on technical proficiency, continually pushing the limits of what can be done with 2, 3, and even 5 poi, often using math and geometry to describe the maneuvers. Poi dance focuses on rhythm, grace, style and enhancing your dance with poi as a prop. Contact poi combines poi spinning with rolling and stalling the poi head on various parts of your body. Partner poi brings 2 or more poi spinners together, interweaving poi in synchronized rhythm.
The variety in types of poi are also plentiful - ball poi, tube-shaped poi, tail poi, sock poi, flag poi; heavier, lighter, longer, fire and of course LED poi.
Flowtoys produces the world's favorite LED glow poi with a range of poi heads to suit every spinner's style. Find guidance here on which poi is best for your style, and happy flowing!
