Poi (performance Art) - Modern Poi

Modern Poi

Modern poi coexists with traditional Maori poi and enjoys a broader, worldwide audience.

Traditional Maori poi is generally performed in group choreography at cultural events, with vocal and musical accompaniment. By contrast, modern poi is generally performed by individuals, without singing and with less structured choreography. The tools and styles used are more varied. Many people first encounter poi in the form of fire spinning, but fire spinning is just one form of this highly varied art.

Modern poi borrows significantly from other physical arts, including various schools of dance and many object manipulation arts. Poi is practiced around the world and can often be seen at large festivals like Burning Man, European Juggling Convention, and the Fire Dance Expo held annually during the US National Dance Week in San Francisco.

Unlike many physical arts, learning poi does not usually involve formal education. Most spinners learn from each other or teach themselves using DVDs or online resources. A strong sense of community and self-teaching are key elements of modern poi.

The Internet has directly fueled the popularity of modern poi by helping people around the world discover poi and learn from one another.