Poi (juggling)

Poi is a form of juggling 'Impartial Art' (Finnigan, 1992) with balls on ropes, held in the hands and swung in various circular patterns, similar to club-twirling. It is commonly said to have originally been practiced by the Māori people of New Zealand, however modern poi is more of a combination of spinning arts from around the world. (the word poi means "ball" in Māori). Women and men used it to increase flexibility, strength, and coordination. It 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).