What makes an advanced/spectacular performance with poi?
-speed
But remember, speed doesn't always matter!
-difficulty of moves
-technique
(precise action/placement, or style)
-range of techniques
(variety, number, variation of transitions)
-fluidity of movement/transitions
-body language
-strength/ acrobatics/ strong action
(cartwheel, backflip, ground, etc.)
-synchronization
(in group or to music)
-costume
(glow-in-dark, good visuals, etc.)
-'danger element'
(fire, etc.)
A list of techniques (By far incomplete!):
Look up www.homeofpoi.com
for detail on these and more techniques.
And to make these moves even more difficult, try doing them these ways:
-Behind the back
-Forward/Reverse
-Transition from one to any other
-Turning
-Altering Planes
-One-Handed
-On the Ground-knees, back, sides, stomach
And don't forget one or more at a time!
For instance:
The Weave (Forward and Reverse), Behind the Back Weave (F and R); Transition
from any of these four, Turn from any of these four, Transition and Turn to
or from any of these four…
The Planes
Sides
-Open Side-Arm at same side of body
-Crossed Side-Arm across body
Front and Back
Horizontal High/Low
Basic
Open Swing
-Same Time/Split
-Across Body
-1 Forward, 1 Reverse
-Torso Twist
Half-Time
-Left on Top
-Right on Top
Weave/Chase/Quarter-Time
-1:1 (Cross-Arm)
-1:2 (the Weave/3 Beat)
-2:2 (4 Beat)
-2:3 (5 Beat)
Butterfly
-Both up, Both down
-Thread the Needle
-Giant Butterfly
-Pass-Overhead Butterfly
-Alternate Butterfly
-Mexican Wave
-Horizontal
-Low Wave
-Horizontal Butterfly
-High (Overhead)
-Low
-Chase the Sun
-Windmill
-Horizontal
Turns and Transitions
Open Swing
-Low
-High
-Tuck Turn
Crossing
-Butterfly Up to Butterfly Down
-Forward to Reverse Weave
Variation
-Open Swing F and R into Butterfly on either side of body
Wraps
10 body parts to wrap:
Neck, Upper Arm, Elbow, Forearm, Hand, Torso, Upper Leg, Knee, Lower Leg, Foot
Nose makes 11…
Half-Wraps
Whole, Multiple, or Full Wraps
Shorten String by Wrapping around Hand
Wrap Fully around Hand, throw Poi straight out while holding onto String
½ Wrap around Neck, Turn Unwrap
-1 Poi
-Both Poi
-Either Direction
4/5 Beat Weave by Wrapping
-Wrap Forearm Before Uncrossing
-Wrap Forearm Before Crossing
Open Swing Forward, Wrap Same Upper Arm, Turn
Shaolin-Style
(acrobatics, aerials, or otherwise physically difficult techniques)
Jump-Overs
-Split Leg Jump-Over ('Romeo Must Die')
-Turn or No Turn
-One Poi Under
-Both Poi Under
-Frog Hop
-Horizontal Butterfly
-Horizontal Mexican Wave
Forward Flip
Back Flip
Cartwheel
-2 hands
-1 handed
-no handed
Tornado Kick
Butterfly Kick
-1 over, 1 under
-both under/ both under
On the Knees
Lay on Back
-Horizontal Butterfly
-Horizontal Thread the Needle
-'butt bounce'
-1 under, 1 over
-both under & over
Legs
Basic Under-the-Leg
-Open Swing F or R (or 1F/1R)
-Under Inside of Leg
-Opposite Leg
-Under Outside of Leg
-Opposite Leg
-While Turning (in either direction)
-Outside of Leg, Side Kick
-Inside of Opposite Leg, Twisting-Turn 180°
These while Turning or Facing one direction
Butterfly Up, Both Under Leg, Turn into Butterfly Down
Throws
Try throwing from any technique
Try a variety of catches
From Under the Leg
From Behind Back
Throw, Cartwheel, Catch
Stalls
(Poi stops motion for a brief moment, string stays taut)
Stall Under Legs
Stall Vertical, Horizontal, Diagonal
Short String
The Wheel
Bounces, Slaps (as in traditional poi twirling)-Same Body Parts as Wraps
Other moves done 'inside' the body