this is exactly right, there really is no such thing as a "move" there is technique, or different techniques that can be used to manipulate the in different ways.

I would say that a "purely flow spinner" is actually simply a beginner spinner. Someone who is limited in their expression through a lack of technique.

This is not to say that the technique should be the same for everyone. people develop their own technique and hence their own style, their own way of moving with the prop. however you can expand your capacity as a poi spinner by learning other peoples technique as well.


the mexican wave is actually thread the needle that goes over your head as well, i believe the move you refer to is shoulder reels, but regardless, whether you want to look at poi as dance or juggling, in all other art forms it is generally recognized that to become better at it is to train more, train the technique that you know, and learn new technique. in dance the stress of technique and form is the primary practice. a great dancer possesses the applicable technical control of their body to be able to do whatever the choreographer asks them to do (there are also expressive and emotional components, but that goes into theatrical training which is a completely independent issue)

so why is it that in the fire spinning community we generally refuse to recognize the fact that technical proficiency leads to a wider range of how you can express yourself, or ultimately better spinning. it is kind of taboo in our community to say better spinning, people spin for all kinds of reasons, but in other performance based art forms, to use juggling and dancing as examples, while there is some subjectivity involved, it is very common to refer to someone as a better dancer or better juggler.

Im not saying it is bad to not have much technique. everyone possesses the skills that they have and lacks others, and it is beautiful to see people express themselves no matter what kind of mastery they have achieved, but why is it so hard for this community to accept that the technique makes your capacity greater, ultimately making you a better fire spinner?


I know ill probably get some heat for this, but I really dont get it, I want to know what other people think, and how they feel, and ultimately, I want everyone to find what is right for them, within or outside of fire spinning.

Now your confusing "technique" with "language". Technique is about "how" you do something. The languages used in Tech Poi or on HoP are teaching tools designed to aid in the development of technique. To call it Tech Poi doesn't mean that if it's not in there that it is not technique, nor does it have to be accepted by those forums to be considered Tech Poi.

I'm totally with Tankboy on the "tech improves overall freedom of movement". Rainbow Michael gives a great explanation in this video starting around 1:40. www.youtube.com/watch

>> "Many of the "moves" ARE transitions: 'thread the needle' is just a way to change the top hand in a butterfly"

Exactly my point. The minute you make the poi go around in a circle, flow is born. How (technique) you make the circles (transitions) move creates an expression of flow. I find it interesting that you (tedward) consider things like music and an audience (optional supplemental flow enhancers?) to be inherent in the creation and development of flow, more so than technique and transitions (mandatory flow components).

It gets fuzzy when words are limited to being interpretted only one way.