Poi refers to both a style of performing art and the equipment used for engaging in poi performance. Poi involves swinging tethered weights through a variety of rhythmical and geometric patterns. Poi originated with the Māori people of New Zealand, where it is still practiced today. Poi has also gained a following in many other countries. The expansion of poi culture has led to a significant evolution of the styles practiced and the tools used. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poi_(performance_art)
Poi Twirling – Learn to twirl medium length soft poi or long heavier poi, building up a repertoire of moves ranging from simple basic, to more elaborate and complicated. Learning to dance with poi and moving to music is fun, energetic and motivating. The circular motion and flowing energy of poi rotating around your body can help create balance and inspiration.
Poi making – Poi can be made from various materials with different handles, weights, and effects (such as fire.) Traditionally poi was made with flax and corn husks. In my workshops we’ll use wool to four platt the ‘rope’ and the pom-pom ends, recycled plastic bags and pillow stuffing to make the ‘poi’ end. It takes around 2 hours minimum to make a pair of soft poi. The long, heavier, harder poi (similar feel to to fire poi) takes around 30 minutes, using old neck ties, tennis balls, needle and thread.
Lucida has conducted several poi making and poi twirling private classes, also workshops at Cairns Festival 2013, Wallaby Creek Festival 2015 and Weipa Community International Womens Week 2016 Workshop Weekend, 2019 International Women’s Day ‘Women Weave’ event at Cairns Tanks Art Centre, also at Mother of Good Counsel, Holy Cross, Balaclava State School and Peace Lutheran College ‘After School Hours’ programs as part of the Australians Sports Commission initiative. Now available in Brisbane and the surrounding region.
Body Percussion Workshops – Using our hands, feet & thighs, clapping, slapping, stomping, making rhythms with our body. Possibly using our voices, creating chants or songs.
Has facilitated Body Percussion Workshops at Cairns Tanks Arts Centre ‘Dance Boot Camp’ school holiday program, Tablelands Folk Festival, Reggae Town World Music Festival, Soul Song community choir’s boot camp and Weipa Community Womans Week workshop weekend. Also co-created Cairns ‘Flash Mob’ Indigenous youth performance group, with Deline Briscoe, Shelly Bing and the (then Biddigal Dancers) Miriki Performing Arts dancers- incorporating singing, body percussion, Indigenous and Torres Straight Island Dance, performing at Cairns Indigenous Art Fair 2016. Now available in Brisbane and the surrounding region.
