AY Honors/Māori Lore/Answer Key

2005-10-18T02:32:39Z

68.6.21.18:

[[Image:Poi-manutuke.jpg|thumb|Māori Poi dance, by Manutuke School at Hopuhopu 2003]]

'''Poi''' is a form of [[juggling]] or dance with balls on ropes, held in the hands and swung in various circular patterns, similar to [[Indian clubs|club-twirling]]. It was originally practiced by the [[Maori|Māori]] people of [[New Zealand]] (the word ''poi'' means "ball" in Māori). Women used it as an exercise to increase flexibility of the wrists and hands, and by men to increase strength in the arms and coordination. It developed into a traditional performance art practiced mostly by women. This art in conjunction with others like ''waiata a ringa'', [[haka]] and ''titi torea'' form the performance art of [[Kapa haka]].

Some say that originally it was less art and more utilitarian in that it was how the [[kai]] (food) was traditionally prepared: attaching the ball-like poi to rope and swinging it in circles to build momentum and then smashing on rocks or other hard surfaces.

Today, poi swinging is seeing wide popularity outside of Māori culture. Poi swingers use everything from rolled-up socks to expensive devices with light-emitting diodes and combine swinging with body moves. This is known as [[fire dancing|fire poi]] when the poi are made of wicks and set on fire. Poi is also a beautiful artform demonstrating dexterity & rhythm. Elements of Tai Chi are becoming increasingly intertwined with the manipulation of poi blurring the lines between implement & dancer.

== External links ==
* [http://www.homeofpoi.com/ Home of Poi] Comprehensive information about POI, staff and fire twirling, including animated lessons, discussion forums, building instructions, articles and a shop.
* [http://www.fire-dancing.com/fire-poi.php Fire Poi] World-wide fire poi trainers & performers.
* [http://www.poipoi.info/ PoiPoi] Online Poi Community with tips and tricks, videos and instruction.
*[http://www.playpoi.com/ Play Poi Studio]

[[Category:New Zealand culture]]
[[Category:Juggling]]

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[[he:פוי]]

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AY Honors/Māori Lore/Answer Key