Poi is a form of juggling or object manipulation losely described as balls on ropes. Each poi is held in the hand and swung in various circular patterns around the body comparable to club-twirling. the Māori people of New Zealand originally started using poi to increase flexibility, strength, and coordination during times of peace to keep them phisically fit in case of clashed. The art form gradually developed into a traditional performance art practiced mostly by women. This art, in conjunction with others including waiata a ringa, haka and titi torea, make up the performance of kapa haka (Māori culture groups).
Here in the west it has moved on from such traditional backgrounds and has sprung up into its own art form. This workshop is a fantastic opportunity to learn something new and exciting and for those already initiated some more in depth study .
Matt
Matt began his (healthy) obsession with fire thanks to a series of random mishaps and bad luck in Vancouver Canada. After a painful start, Matt was invited to join a fire troupe that went on to perform in Canada, USA and Mexico. After returning to the UK, Matt was out of work and cut off from fellow performers so decided to spread the love (so to speak) and opened a Circus Skills Club in his community where he could share the joys of toys with others. Matt was invited to join F.L.A.M.E thanks to his excellent performing skills, his interesting approach to teaching and is an integral part of the F.L.A.M.E infrastructure.
Rez
Based in Bournemouth, Rez brings the art of fire devil-stick to F.L.A.M.E to which he excels. Also a poi performer he creates and helps with the music that is the core to any performance. A regular at Burning man festival in America, he helps with innovative plans to push forwards the boundaries of our shows. Rez is also the regular photographer of our group