Poi, action or movement using balls..LOL..please don't get me wrong..it's actually a performance using ball-thingy with colorful LEDs or fire, attached to flexible material held in the hand. It's usually swung in circular motions around the body. I love watching poi dancers or players or whatever they call it. Makes you go uhhs and ahhs..I myself have been trying to pick up the trick but to no avail *grin* thanks to maestro Haiikal.. I am actually proud to say that he's one of the best poi player I've seen so far..including Azfar. He's so cool and graceful when he's on it. Not to mention sexy too *wink*
He first began this hobby of his with rolled up socks in pantyhose LOL.. but if you wish to see the dramatic effects, use the LEDs balls and switch off all the lights. Azfar is good at fire-poi. Harder and more dangerous than the glow poi but gives same awe effects to those watching. Both of them started out by learning few basic simple tricks and gradually add on the complex and harder tricks. My favourite would be flowers and butterflies. Beaches are the best place to do poi performances, with good music blasting in the background..aahhhhh...i miss Boracay..i miss Perhentian..i miss Koh Phangan~
Did interview session with Haiikal and here's what he has to say:
Fini: What interest you in poi?
Haiikal: I like to see people playing it. When I start learning poi, I find it very addictive. It's hard to stop and there's so may tricks to learn..and also, it's super cool. I prefer playing poi with trance music in background. The best part about this is you can move your body anywhere but you must know your steps.
Fini: Who's responsible for introducing you to poi?
Haiikal: My friend Azfar
Fini: When did you start learning how to learn poi?
Haiikal: At the age of 21. It's been 3 years now.
Fini: Where did you learn it?
Haiikal: At first from Azfar and Josh, and then I fell in love with poi even more when I went to Koh Phangan. When I came back to KL, I learned it from youtube. Of course, I started off with basics and more complicated tricks later on.
Fini: What's the first poi trick that you learned after basics and is it hard to learn?
Haiikal : My very first trick would be 3 beat. The more you play the more tricks and movements you can do. The tricks usually comes by itself but of course you learn a lot from watching other people playing it. Sometimes when I'm sitting down doing nothing, I can think of some steps or moves. I even use office tag to practice some movements in office. It looks easy but it's actually pretty hard. Requires lots of practice to perfect it.
Fini: What trick are you learning now?
Haiikal: I'm not sure the name *grin* but it's pretty complicated
Fini: What's your favorite trick?
Haiikal: I play it freestyle. I don't really have any particular favorite. The harder the trick the more excited I'll get.
Fini: What's your first poi made of?
Haiikal: Rolled up socks in woman pantyhose *grin*
Fini: Have you ever thought of going professional?
Haiikal: Nope
Fini: Why not?
Haiikal: Usually people use fire poi for professional performer and I prefer glow poi.
Fini: Whats the difference between fire and glow?
Haiikal: For me, fire poi is heavier compared to glow poi. And harder to do some wicked tricks. Also, you can bring glow poi and play it anywhere anytime.
Fini:Which would you prefer: glow poi or fire poi?
Haiikal: Glow poi
Fini: Why?
Haiikal: Because it's lighter and my movement won't be limited. Easier for me to do tricks and I don't have to be extra careful.
Fini: What advise would you give if I said I want to learn poi?
Haiikal: If you want to play poi, don't stand at one place, you have to move around and use the space that you have. For new starter, best if you have your own poi. Just use the pantyhose to practice and once you think you're good with few tricks, you can buy the glow poi online since it's a bit expensive.
That's all for now. Will try and get more information about this and update it here. Thanks Haiikal :)
