Zip-ping with Poi-se

Have you ever experienced relaxing by the beach or at the park when a stream of bright color catches your eye? It moves in a smooth wavelike motion against the clear sky, one after the other. These twirling ribbons in bright colors appear as if they're dancing in the air. They seem almost alive. Then you notice that these ribbons are being held by able hands. It is also likely that these people weaving these intricate sky serpents are hooked to their Ipods as they dance like they're on a trance.

Those cool looking thinggies are called Zips (named after Planet Zips - pioneer Poi company in the Philippines). Zips which are growing in popularity here in the country are inspired from Poi -- a traditional dance of the Maori natives of New Zealand. Poi literally means rock on a string. It was used by the Maori males for warfare and the females to attract a partner. The essential elements of poi are a weighted center and a piece of string. Sometimes they end with long flowing ribbons, other times with fuzzy balls or flashy LED lights. The more trained and courageous aficionados use flammable Kevlar at the end of their chains to spin fire.

What used to be a folk dance of sorts became a global fitness phenomenon. Today, poi/zips are being marketed as a cardiovascular-fitness craze, recreational toy, and an art form. These toys have emerged all over the world. Websites devoted to the art of poi have sprung up all over cyberspace. Communities of spinners trade techniques and videos.

In the modern world, the art of poi is practiced as an outlet for individual creativity. Moves are strung together to create seemingly complicated combinations. The more tricks a spinner can master, the wider and richer his routine becomes. To watch a skilled spinner at work is captivating. No “show” is ever the same and no two spinners are alike. Each individual imbues their personal stamp on their style. I have been zipping for about 4 months now and I have enjoyed every second of spinning my poi, whether I'm on the beach, the park, Bonifacio High Street or even in our own backyard.

But why would a bit of string, a weighted center and a flowing ribbon catch the attention of so many people? Well, first of all, it is fun. It truly is as simple as that. They sometimes have a calming effect on people. It's like doing cardio, yoga, tai chi and a performance art all at the same time.
 
And if you think ribbon poi are impressive, wait until you see fire poi in use! There is a whoosh of sound as fire poi begin to make circles in the air. To a poi fan, it is literally, the sound of energy. This harnessed power finds a conduit in the hands of the spinner as the energy flows from the spinner to his/her poi. The display, when done by someone with skill and finesse, is captivating. Coupled with the appropriate music, a fire dancing show can be mind-blowing.
 

 

Even if you don’t think spinning fire is quite up your alley, you can always pick up a pair of ribbon or LED poi and spin away. How quickly a newbie picks up the various moves depends largely on each individual. There are some who learn faster than others. Lessons help of course. You can find free tutorials on-line or buy instructional DVDs. Live classes are the most beneficial of course and there are a growing number of reputable teachers worldwide

 

But when it all comes down to it, the choice is all yours. It is your choice if you would like to have structured classes (Planet Zips hold regular classes in Alabang, Quezon City and Makati - where you follow modules from beginner moves to intermediate.. then advanced --with varying rates and packages) or be self-teaching (YouTube instructional videos). It is up to you to find out what your personal style is; if you like to spin fast to house music or lose yourself in tribal beats. There are no rules. All that is expected is that you enjoy yourself. As Planet Zips put it... Free, Flow, Go
 
Here is a video of Yuta - a famous fire poi spinner from Japan:

More About Poi/Zips:

Home of Poi

Planet Zips

Play Poi