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You are here: Home | Fire and Poi Info | Poi FAQ
Here at Poi Passion we like to share our knowledge with anyone who is interested in the fabulous art of poi. We are often asked many similar questions so have tried to write a few down here with decent answers.
If you can not find the answer to your questions, please use our contact us form to send it to us and we will do our best to answer swiftly.
A. Poi is a performance art in which a ball or balls suspended from a length of flexible material, usually a plaited cord, are held in the hand and swung in circular patterns. Poi is one of the traditional performing arts of the Maori people of New Zealand, and has developed many forms used worldwide as a hobby, exercise, or performance art alongside juggling and other forms of object manipulation. For more info visit our What is Poi page.
A. Poi come in an almost infinite variety of size, shape, weight, colour and is very much up to the individual as to what they prefer. Beginner poi are very basic comprising of simple materials, for example, a tennis ball or bean bag stuffed in a sock. Regular poi performers often enhance their performance through colour, attaching flags or tails to the poi and of course use light. Flurescent, UV (Ultra Violet) sensitive materials, and fire can dramatically improve the effect of poi when used in a dark environment.
A. There is no benchmark to say when you are good at poi, it is a matter of personal development. It is how you feel about your performing that will tell you. The more you practice the better you become! By better we mean the more practised you become the smoother, more flowing and complex your performance will be. Simple moves performed gracefully are better than complex moves done badly.
A. Often people start with poi that have a beean bag at the end or something soft to reduce the risk of injury through impact. These are lighter and will spin slower than heavier poi. As mentioned above many people start out using a long sock with a bean bag or tennis ball.
A. It is easy to spin poi and can be done immediately, however to learn and be proficient can take years of practice. It is very much up to the individual - what do you want to achieve from poi, what do you enjoy doing etc.
A. providing you follow fire safety there is very little risk as the parrafin used burns at a low temperature. Whenever using fire poi make sure you always put safety first. For more detailed information, please visit our Fire Safety page.
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