Poi Spinning with Pete Audano
August 15, 29 Sundays 1–2:45p
$10 suggested donation per session
Poi spinning is a diverse and unique movement art. At its core, it is a dance, and the spinning objects are an extension of that movement. It can be slow, meditative, fast, intense, or anything in between. You, the spinner, have the freedom to choose how to use this artform. What will you create?
A poi is a flexible object. It usually consists of a string, chain, or sock with a weighted end. They can be created for only a few dollars, but the enjoyment can last a lifetime.
Classes are strctured for beginner and intermediate levels. We also teach advanced techniques, so experienced spinners can come and learn something new. Whether you have never picked up a poi or you have been spinning for years, we invite you to come and see what you can learn.
Practice poi are available in class, and there is no charge to use them. Poi will be for sale at $15 a set. We recommended having something you can practice spinning at home.
See More About Poi, below.
About Pete
Pete Audano has been spinning poi for more than 6 years. One summer, a friend put a set of poi in his hands, and it was a life changing experience. He believes in the art of poi dancing as a way to improve health and happiness in life. He knows anybody can do it and enjoys watching people grow through the experience.
Pete's style of teaching is a combination of feel and understanding. He believes the best way for most students to learn is by showing how the movement feels to the body. He is also a great resource for fire arts, particuarly fire poi.
More about poi
Poi are very diverse. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. They can be constructed out of anything flexible and capable of holding a weighted end.
For beginners, I recommend using poi with about 1/4 pound weight in each end. You should adjust your weight to your needs or limitations. Length should be anywhere from about arms length (for clearance spinning under the arm) to hovering over the floor with the arm fully extended (for ground clearance). Poi can be very short to very long. All poi spinners whack themselves repeatedly while learning new techniques, so choose a weight that will not leave bruises. Also avoid stretchy materials.
The poi brought to class are a simple heel-less clown sock made from a material with little stretch. The clown socks socks can be found at Eddies Trick Shop (Marietta and Gwinett) or Rag-o-Rama in Little 5 Points. They are filled with stuffing pellets found at a craft store or online (try Polly-Pellets). Few stores carry these pellets, but Hobby Lobby normally has them. Dump the weight in the sock and tie a knot in the open end, it's that easy.
Just about any long sock or any filling material will work. Don't want to get pellets? Dry rice or beans work, but they may decay or attract bugs, especially if they get wet. Some people use tennis balls, but they may be too light or leave bruises. There are many alternatives to explore.
Poi should be equal weight and equal length. If using a sock, it is better without a heel, although the heel normally gets stretched out in time.
Beginner poi can be purchased from websites like www.homeofpoi.com. The lightweight fluffy poi on their website are well made, but some beginners have trouble with the weight as they can be a little more difficult while learning fine movement control. Other websites sell good beginner poi.
Not sure what to get? Try making a simple set until you have a chance to sample others. Remember, any poi is better than no poi, and nobody is required to spend lots of money to get started. If you decide to start creating your own, you will begin forming a relationship with your new toy from the beginning. For many people, this is very gratifying.
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Studio location: 1630-D Dekalb Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307