The History of Poi Dancing

http://playpoi.com A super short and slightly silly documentary about the history of poi dancing.

Playpoi offers instructional and artistic videos, poi workshops and events, gear reviews, and community resources that get you out playing poi. We even have a poi map of the world! Come visit: http://playpoi.com/community and sign up for our newsletter.

Do not attempt fire manipulation of any kind without the guidance of professional fire artists. To learn more about fire safety visit http://www.nafaa.org/nafaa_safety_anno.html

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Poi
• spinning
• dancing
• swinging

[meenik]

Well really I think we're agreeing. I should re-write the script to say, "when poi spread around the world, the traditions of the Maori remained in New Zealand." That's really what I was trying to say in the original script, and now that you point it out I see how it can be interpreted as "the traditions of the Maori were lost all together." I would love to come back to New Zealand to learn more about traditional poi!

[Kermittsfriend]

The traditions of poi are not lost. Fire poi dancers just didnt want to get the facts right - poi originated as part of Maori martial arts as a wrist strengthening, agility and coordination exercise amongst Maori warriors. Maori fought hand to hand combat and were often unbeatable in war by invaders. Women first used poi to distract the warriors through seductive moves which allowed their warriors the advantage of an ambush. poi is still practiced in New Zealand. Get your facts right!.

[meenik]

I think you're just misunderstanding the script, but I'll try to change it to make it clear. When poi spread around the planet, the Maori traditions didn't spread with it, they stayed in New Zealand. I think I mostly have my facts right but I didn't realize people would interpret it that way. I'll think of a way to re-write the script. thanks for pointing that out.

[Snazzzish]

Who are the "may-orey" people of New Zealand? You are clearly unresearched and culturally insensitive.

[JoriAcharya]

If you are interested ~ take a look at my channel for an alternative explanation, perhaps its a more holistic approach to the origins of modern poi. The Hindu / Buddhist /Animist culture & influence of India covered a vast area back then! Looks like the fire arts was widespread in The whole 'Indo-Pacific/ Australasia' region we know of today!! ... Hopefully, the 'JoriAcharya' channel will attempt to trace why the flow arts got to 'Polynesia' & 'Aotearoa'(NZ) in the first place! ~~~Shanti

[JoriAcharya]

Namaste, My respects to you Nick as one of the foremost modern instructors in flow. ~~ 2 years plus from the making of this video, I'd like to point out that 'the modern art form of fire poi' is perhaps not modern at all, but could have been introduced from the Hindu/Buddhist/Animist cultures of India well before the 7th century!! The traditional fire flow arts still exists all over India & South East Asia to this day.

[lellums]

yes come to nz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[VegaEtereo]

My friend Michine21 said: Nice video, i don't understand what they say but ok, hehehe, it's really cool. Nick, as usual thanks, now i can explain easily the poi history showing this video.

[michine21]

ta finooo xD

ammm no entiendo q dicen pero wenoo xD!! jejeje ta muy genial

[Kermittsfriend]

Dont get me wrong meenik, I am totally impressed by what you do with your 'poi'. its awesome and I would steal your moves for our own stuff. But you cant call a spade a spade if its actually a shovel - if you know what i mean. Playpoi is a good name for what you do. Other than the historical inaccuracies I love what you do and can see it taking off in a big way - all the best!