Identity Shifts Through time

As we evolve, our practice evolves. Taking on new identities can help keep us inspired to remain in connection with and return to the practice.

“That’s why I’m Happier than You”

When I was a kid and asked what I wanted when I grew up, I always answered that I wanted to be happy. It’s still true (and as I sit here smirking while I type this, I dare say I’ve been doing a pretty good job of meeting this simple goal)— even if I haven’t...

Dealing with Finger Chafing, Blisters and Calluses

When you think about taking up poi dancing, and especially if you're looking to spin fire, the first thought in terms of safety most people seem to have is either about setting themselves on fire or simply how much it hurts to get hit with the poi. Lesser known but perhaps more annoying because of the...

6 Ways to Make Poi out of Household item

Are you just starting out with poi and want a quick, cheap way to practice without making a huge investment? Or are you starting our Intro to Poi Drop-in class or  Beginner Moves series and need a set of poi to use in class? This article is a do-it-yourself quick start guide for those new to...

Are you being scammed by your so called poi/hoop/staff instructor?

Today I had what seems like an unbelievable interaction because it's so far from what we create here at Temple of Poi, I was harshly awakened to a reality I find very sad: there are actually flow instructors out there who are scamming students. A colleague shared a story about how ze was paying for...

Poi Video Lessons for Intermediates Just Released: Transition Flair

If you haven't been able to attend our Transition Flair class in person or if you're one of those many people who practice poi who reside outside the Bay Area, we're pleased to share with you the 85 minute digital download video training. The series is focused on adding more style to your transitions by introducing...

6 Steps to Creating Your 30 Day Challenge

One of my new Facebook friends asked me for some advice tonight and I realized it might be incredibly useful to codify it as an article for other's as well. Here's the query: I would like to start the 30 day challenge. I was wondering if you had any advice that will help me get the...

10 Techniques for Getting the Most out of Your 10,000 Hours

I'm not sure if I believe Malcolm Gladwell's theory, made popular by his book Outliers, that 10,000 hours is sort of the magic number where one reaches mastery. Nor would I say I'm convinced otherwise by the concepts David Epstein presents in The Sports Gene where the conversation about nature vs nurture continues. Gladwell certainly concedes it's...

VisualSpinner traces Poi and Arm Paths – get it now free!

If you are based in the Bay Area and have been to a bunch of Fire, Fotos, Footage and Fun jams, you've likely either seen Glenn Wright there or have seen one of his home made props lighting up the night. Glenn has a habit of tinkering with LED lights and putting together bright and unusual props...

Practice Poi – New Colors in Stock!

People love the cone poi so after we ran out of stock on the purple and black, we got another short fun of practice poi in these beautiful orange and green shades. Practice poi are bean bag like poi which are stuffed with tiny plastic pellets (about 3 oz each) instead of beans so they...

7 Layer Dip: Motion (Layer 5)

Moving forward in our study of the next component of the 7 Layer Dip, we consider the idea of motion from a dance performance perspective and rest our attention on these three main ideas. Motion of the body: this includes movements of the hips, arms, head, legs, chest, torso, fingers and everything else. For a...

4 Ways to Gain Comfort Working with Fire

Recently this issue has come up a lot and newer artists have been wondering how they can deepen their relationship to and with the fire so that they have less fear of it. Here are 4 tips for gaining more comfort working with fire, regardless of the tool(s) you're working with. As strange as this...