The art of spinning

Out in the Far East forms of spinning had been popular for centuries, they form part of hunting, martial arts and culturally festive activities. The forms of spinning are various depending on equipment used in a particular culture although the underlying principles are the similar, with the use of different objects.

In Polynesia and the art of poi has been practised to centuries. The instruments are practising poi can be varied in fact one can start the practice of poi with a pair of socks and two tennis balls. Instruction from a friend already skilled in the use of poi is invaluable for those learning the basic moves and learning new techniques. Flashy routines can be performed once a good level of mastery has been reached. LED poi light up and make fantastic patterns when performed in darkness. Juggling clubs such as flying teapots in Sheffield are an excellent place to learn to do poi and watch some fantastic impromptu performances and undertake both beginners and advanced workshops. Coincidentally while attending the flying teapots Society which was mainly made up of students, I learned that both poi and juggling are particularly popular with students of higher mathematics who are interested in producing intricate geometric patterns which are also highly aesthetically pleasing.

Fire poi is the next progression and is truly a sight to behold. Skills acquired with the use of poi can also be transferred to the use of skipping rope to improve skipping form and learning crossover patterns. Oriental weapons of the flexible variety such as nunchucks to three section staff, rope dart and the eight section chain are all somewhat similar in their manner of control to poi. There is a significant crossover in poi ability in the control of objects when spinning. Even the staff and sword motions can be improved by the practice of poi as muscular motor control is improved. There is also a significant improvement in hand and eye coordination which can be useful in any sport, and may also be helpful to sufferers of the condition dyspraxia in which balance and coordination difficulties can be a major issue in their daily lives.