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Learn MorePoi Dancing: Beginner to Hero!
Poi Dancing: Beginner to Hero!
Learn and Master the Fundamentals of Poi with Nick Woolsey
Bestseller
Highest Rated
Created byNick Woolsey
Last updated 8/2025
English
English [Auto],
What you'll learn
- play freely and confidently with all the basic moves of poi spinning
- Understand planes, rhythm, and footwork
- Learn how to learn with a proven methodology that has helped thousands!
- Feel confident as you link patterns together creatively
Explore related topics
Course content
14 sections • 188 lectures • 13h 9m total length
- Welcome to the Poi Spinning Beginner Series!2:17
- Guide to making, buying, and holding practice poi5:58
There are several kinds of poi, which you can either make or buy. Let's look at some options.
- Important Theory on Warming Up, Stretching, posture, and your health2:42
Poi is like any other form of exercise or dance: If you don't take proper care of yourself, there is a risk of strain or injury. In this video we go through important concepts for reducing any risk of injury. In particular we talk about the myth that stretching is the best way to avoid injury. Although stretching can be one of your tools for keeping your body healthy, studies show that warming up and using good technique are even more important!
- Directions, orientation, and how to follow these videos3:41
In this video we talk about how you will pick 4 directions every time you follow the lessons, to help you understand how to follow along.
- The first thing you should do with your poi...2:12
You'll never not know how to spin poi again. So this is your last chance to play with poi with true "beginner's mind." Enjoy it!
- The second thing you should do with your poi: Hit yourself, a lot2:17
It sounds funny, but it's one of the most important bits of advice you will ever hear. The sooner you get over your fear of the poi hitting you, the sooner you will stop flinching and just seeing what the poi do. This will help you to learn much faster, and to enjoy the process more.
- Warming up while exploring the Modes of Movement6:55
In poi there are four primary modes in which two poi or two arms can circle together. In this video we explore the basic modes with the arms.
Same-time same-direction (often called "same-same"): Where the arms both circle in the same direction, in synch so that they are at the top and bottom of the circles together.
Split-time same-direction (often called simply "split-time"): Where the arms both circle in the same direction, but one is up while the other is down.
Same-time Opposites (often called "opposites"): Where the arms circle in opposite directions, in synch so that they are at the top and bottom of the circles together.
Split-time opposites (sometimes called "split-ops:): Where the arms circle in opposite directions, but one is at the top while the other is at the bottom of the circles.
- Swinging, spinning, and controlling the plane of one poi5:49
In this lesson we begin to explore the difference between swinging the poi front to back and spinning it in a circle, forwards and backwards. This brings up the important concept of planes and tracks.
- Crossing one poi forward4:24
Crossing the poi side to side is the foundation of many poi moves. But there's more to it than you may realize. Let's learn how to do it well!
- Crossing one poi backward4:38
Crossing one poi side to side while spinning backward can sometimes be challenging to learn. But if you take the right steps, it's easy! The trick is to notice if you switch back to forward spinning ;)
- Turning freely with one poi4:58
I cannot stress enough how important this is! Play with this until it is completely effortless! This will be the foundation for almost everything you will learn with the basics of poi!
- Same-direction same-time turns: high and low4:46
These are the most simple turns with two poi flying same-same (same-direction same-time)
- Same-same turn: poi down behind the shoulders5:42
Now we will learn a same-same turn with the poi passing down behind the shoulders, passing your back pockets
- Same-same turn: poi up behind the hips7:15
The last turn in the series is passing the poi up behind your hips as you turn from forward to backward spinning
- Crossing both poi together, forward and backward5:44
It's possible to cross both poi at the same time. If they tangle, keep going back to using both arms, but only one poi.
- Crossing poi forward split-time (2-beat weaves)6:30
You can also cross both poi while they circle split-time same-direction. It's important to relax your body and turn side-to-side with the movement of the arms and poi.
- Give backward split-time crossing a try2:04
- Using the world around you for poi feedback2:48
The world can be your playground and laboratory as you learn poi. Here are some ideas on using the world for feedback.
- Summary of phase ONE0:49
- Posture and Poi-Fu for Poi3:53
All poi movements are an extension of your body. Here are some tips on building good habits with your posture and your ability to make poi-type movements with your arms (poi-fu).
- Introducing Poi-Fu, starting with "Poitruvian Arms"5:37
"Poi-fu" is practicing poi-like movements with your arms, to develop good posture and body mechanics to be the foundation for poi. As we proceed through the lessons we will ultimately add poi to all the poi-fu movements. By starting with just the arms, you can lay the foundation you need to feel strong and confident with the poi. Trust me on this one: Do your poi fu!
- Turning back-and-forth with arms circling split-time same-direction4:27
This one feels great when it becomes smooth, and we'll add poi to it before long!
- Circling your arms in opposite directions5:25
In this lesson we learn to circle our arms in opposite directions, with good symmetry and health posture technique. Don't underestimate how important this is!
- Stall and reverse #1 - Getting started7:03
This is another important foundation-level skill. If you practice this, everything else will become easier to learn.
- Exploring the modes of poi movement6:46
In poi there are four primary modes in which two poi or two arms can circle together. In this video we explore the basic modes with the poi.
Same-time same-direction (often called "same-same"): Where the poi both circle in the same direction, in synch so that they are at the top and bottom of the circles together.
Split-time same-direction (often called simply "split-time"): Where the poi both circle in the same direction, but one is up while the other is down.
Same-time Opposites (often called "opposites"): Where the poi circle in opposite directions, in synch so that they are at the top and bottom of the circles together.
Split-time opposites (sometimes called "split-ops:): Where the poi circle in opposite directions, but one is at the top while the other is at the bottom of the circles.
- bending planes, and split-time butterfly4:53
Control of your planes (the tilt of the poi) is an essential skill for learning new movements with poi, and for making the moves you know look beautiful. In this video we play with bending the tilt of the poi to learn a new move: Split-time butterfly! Don't worry if it feels a bit floppy at first. Within a week or two it will feel natural! Just breathe and relax as you play with it!
- Smoothing out the same-time turns5:47
Learning a move is one thing, making it smooth is another. Here we look at some tips for feeling confident and graceful with the same-time turns
- Practicing all the variables of same-time turns4:53
Now that you know all the same-time turns, it's important that you practice ALL the variables of how to turn with them, otherwise you'll fall into a bad habit of only turning certain ways.
- Learning same-time butterfly, starting with the arms5:18
In this lesson we explore bending the planes from forward split-time on wheel planes into inwards split-time on wall plane (inwards split-time butterfly), and from spinning backward split-time on wheel planes into outwards split-time on wall plane (outwards split-time butterfly)
- Exploring same-time butterfly further3:53
Here we look at the butterfly again, but this time we do it by bending the planes inwards from wheel planes. People often want to jump over the moment that this feels awkward. If you take your time, and bend the planes onto a wall plane in front of you slowly, exploring the awkward feeling part and proving to yourself that there's nothing to be afraid of, you will start to feel truly confident with this move!
- 3-beat weave lead-up #15:44
Here's one of the things you need to practice to learn 3-beat weaves: Circling one poi over-and-under-and-back of the other arm. You will need to practice this until it is equally comfortable with either arm.
- 3-beat weave lead-up #25:14
This is another useful lead-up for the forward 3-beat weave. With the arms crossed, keep letting the bottom arm drop back along the wheel plane to cross over the other arm. Make sure you are mostly circling along the wheel planes at your sides, not along a wall plane in front of you.
- Keep exploring freedom with one poi2:10
If you only practice the hardest and newest tricks that feel awkward, you may become an awkward, fretful poi spinner. Most of the poi masters spend most of their time playing with the simple moves to build true mastery. See how free you can become with one poi and that feeling will start to spill into your more complex movements.
- If you are having trouble controlling your planes.... find the Berlin Wall!2:20
Over this course I will often talk about using walls for feedback. Here we use the Berlin Wall as an example.
- Summary of PHASE TWO1:47
- Practicing poitruvian arms4:59
- Poi-fu: Turning with arms in split-time same-direction3:24
- Stall and reverse #2 - Getting smooth2:34
Master stall and reverse techniques in poi by practicing right and left reverses, swings, and spins to build rhythm, then bop around casually with music.
- Introducing Jiggies2:48
Jiggies, or jiggiying, is the idea of using the side-side turning of your body to control the crossing of the poi, rather than using your arms. You can cross the poi side-to-side only using the turning of your body, without your arms helping at all. I learned the term "Jiggy" from Arashi many years ago and I liked it.
- Crossing one poi front to back, over the head5:22
- Introducing Reels (Looping the same-time turns)5:31
- The forward 3-beat weave6:21
Develop the forward 3-beat weave by mastering lead ups, split time balance, and the coordinated over, back, and under steps with both hands and feet, then practice with crash repetitions.
- Forward 3-Beat Weave: Overhead Slow Motion1:00
A slow motion loop of a forward 3-beat weave. Just imagine you are watching your own arms and poi! :)
- Backward 2-beat weaves4:51
- Backward 3-beat-weave lead-ups4:26
- Split time turns in front3:55
Learn the split time version of same time turns, passing toes over the top and front positions, then progress into backwards split time and chasing moves.
- Controlling poi with the arms crossed2:27
Master poi control by crossing the arms, alternating right or left on top, and practicing split-time and same-time crossings to build comfort, smooth transitions, and controlled spins with varying heights.
- Getting cozy with the super important thumbs-inward-behind-the-back position3:12
master the thumbs-inward-behind-the-back position essential for smooth poi moves through guided finger circles and wrist movements, practicing with both hands to rewire your brain and reduce awkwardness.
- Exploring how to circle the hand and poi on a plane3:44
- Q&A: Developing backward split-time rhythm3:26
- Summary of phase THREE1:47
- Warm Up7:35
Start with a full-body warm-up of bouncing, breathing, and loosening, then develop poi coordination through circular wrist and elbow movements, posture around the center, and breath control.
- Practicing turning footwork4:50
- Practicing poi-fu: opposites and same direction split time5:19
Practice poi-fu with opposites and same-direction split time, using a wall to sense planes while you circle and switch directions, keeping relaxed shoulders and a straight, extended arm line.
- Reviewing turning in a circle: How many steps? Where's the weight?6:56
- Stall and reverse #3 - Wall plane4:50
- Practicing the reels and chase the sun5:31
- Adding poi to poitrivian6:52
Master poi spinning by building from the basics; practice one hand at a time, then combine both arms for a clean, symmetrical pattern with shoulders down and clockwise and counterclockwise.
- Introducing crosspoints4:10
- Backward 3-beat weave4:11
- Backward 3-Beat Weave: Slow Motion from Above1:02
A slow motion loop of a backward 3-beat weave. Just imagine you are watching your own arms and poi! :)
- Split-time turns behind3:52
- Threading the Needle with Butterfly3:22
Thread the needle with butterfly by tracing clear circles in front of you on a wall, alternating left and right, progress to sharp short and long points through practice.
- Thread the Needle: Inward and Outward: Slow-Motion from Above0:56
Just watch and imagine it is your own arms and poi! :)
- Further with split-time butterfly, inward and outward4:56
Develop control of split-time opposite movements and the butterfly illusion by practicing inward and outward circles from the wrists, elbows, shoulders, and back, keeping planes close.
- Tips on not getting dizzy4:04
- When to whirl and when to shuffle1:27
Practice pivot steps and weaving with poi, but shuffle early to build muscle memory. Learn turns with poi separately and gradually combine moves once footwork feels fluent.
- Q&A: Answering a great question about crosspoints2:18
- Summary of phase FOUR1:15
- Turning through a full circle, arms split-time same direction on a wall plane3:38
- Poi-fu: Introducing split-time opposites2:39
- Learning the split-time reels3:27
- Exploring the 3-beat weave3:08
Explore the 3-beat weave with expressive exploration, keeping wrists touching to verify the weave, and vary bigger or smaller, tighter or wider, higher or lower to develop dynamic poi dancing.
- following the weaves with your body3:32
Learn to loosen your body and turn smoothly between poi weaves by syncing chest rotation with the arms, breathing, and progressive practice.
- Butterfly over the head4:55
- Getting started with Mexican Wave5:59
Begin poi dancing by learning to spin inwards with a scarecrow hand position, keeping the shoulders aligned and planes steady while building muscle memory through front-to-back and flip-flop drills.
- Getting into windmill from poi passing the toes3:36
- Windmill: Slow Motion from Above0:45
Just watch and imagine it is your own arms and poi! :)
- Learning corkscrew4:27
- Corkscrew and windmill... are basically the same thing!2:54
- Turning between the weaves from hanging poi (if the last approach didn't work)3:16
Learn to turn between the forwards and backwards weaves with hanging poi by coordinating hand crossings, scoops, and full-circle motions, while avoiding leading with the right hand.
- Turning between the weaves... by hugging little teddy bears3:41
- Turning between the weaves: Troubleshooting a common mistake5:51
- Q&A: More on keeping poi same-time4:26
- Q&A: Keeping planes controlled while turning with reels2:43
- Summary of phase FIVE1:09
- Epic poi-fu warmup and exploration of the modes4:33
- Pirouette progression continued2:44
- Poi-fu: Split time opposites: getting ready to turn (the secret!)2:30
Master split-time opposites poi moves by timing the hands as they pass each other, using wax on and wax off, with outward and inward arcs to prepare turns.
- Keep working on reverse right, reverse left patterns1:43
- Turning with poitruvian poi3:30
- More in-depth video for learning split-time hip reels4:25
- Split time hip reels, counterclockwise!2:33
master split time hip reels in poi dancing by gradually scooping with each hand, keeping the left lead, circling hip to front and back, and practicing directions for fluid turns.
- Playing with reels, chase the sun, and extensions6:15
- Further with Mexican Wave4:27
- Further with thread the needle5:02
- Slowing down and beautifying corkscrew4:09
- Keeping your shoulders safe during big movements4:00
Learn how to keep your shoulders safe during big poi movements by staying relaxed, breathing, and letting the body lead the circle through turning the hips and a floating spine.
- Q&A: More tips on poitruvian and turning2:26
Master turning and transitions in poi dancing by practicing timing like a light switch, waiting for the moment, and following the arm path to build smooth open and close sequences.
- Turning with Mexican Waves2:20
The "Mexican Wave" is a term for alternating which poi is in front and behind with the poi spinning in same-time opposites, and your hands above your head. It's basically the opposites version of Windmill. In this video we look at turning from inwards to outwards Mexican Wave.
- Summary of phase SIX1:12
- Warm up8:29
- Footwork: Pirouette progression part #43:41
- Thoughts on knee safety when turning on cement4:21
Protect your knees on cement by using micro weight changes, staying light on your feet, and keeping your head over your foot while shifting weight off the knee during turns.
- Knee safety on cement continued3:40
- Stalling and reversing one poi inside a spinning poi on wall plane4:31
- Once you start reversing left, reversing right... let go of picking-a-direction1:42
- Poi-fu: split-time opposites: Turning from inward to outward3:50
Master split-time poi by turning from inward to outward circles, coordinating the hands as they pass on the sides and almost brush.
- Developing circle and plane control while learning buzzsaw5:09
Develop circle and plane control by practicing finger-overlapping circles, then wrist and arm engagement, using buzz saw as a poi-based exploration to improve smooth spirals and coordinated movement.
- The 6-beat fountain2:23
- Jiggies into pirouettes5:36
Master hip-driven jiggy into pirouettes with poi, emphasizing timing, hip rotation, and locked hands on safe surfaces for controlled whirls and straight plane goals.
- Split-time butterfly: crossing one poi out and back4:06
- Beginning to whirl with the reels!6:27
Learn the fundamentals of poi dancing whirls by revisiting the tree and bridge stances, shifting the sternum and planes, and coordinating hips and shoulders to chase the sun.
- Freedom with opposites4:30
- Q&A: Making sure thread the needle is smooth both ways3:39
Master thread the needle in poi by slowly alternating left and right passes, keeping the hands steady and not crossing, and build strength from the weaker link through deliberate practice.
- Summary of phase SEVEN1:24
- Stalling and reversing #4 (with your arms crossed)4:40
- Whirling with full pirouettes (getting ready to add poi)5:13
Expand poi pivot into a full pirouette by stepping around with ball and heel footwork for a controlled 360 spin. Practice on socks on smooth floors to reduce dizziness.
- Turning 180º with split-time butterfly3:24
Learn a 180-degree turn in split-time butterfly poi by mastering wax on, wax off with alternating hand heights, turning around smoothly, and relaxing to let the motion click.
- Fountain with full windmill2:07
- Looping the fountain-with-full-windmill so you can follow along2:39
- Split-time butterfly: taking it further with turning3:31
- Crosspoints above the head close to a wall2:51
- Butterfly behind the back4:09
- More on butterfly behind the back5:47
- Giant butterfly3:32
Master the giant butterfly technique by extending the butterfly with large arm circles, maintaining a wall plane, and practicing lockouts and head-to-back sequence variations.
- Sky Camera view of forward and backward weave plus turning2:25
Master the Skyview camera view to perform forward and backward poi weaves, turning, and manage overlaps and left-over movements.
- Sky Camera view of turning in the weaves next to a wall1:40
Learn to turn in the weave next to a wall from a sky camera view, building fluid, repeated turns and crosses to form the foundation for first-time same-direction sequences.
- Sky view of threading the needle1:54
- Summary of phase EIGHT0:34
- More left-right goodness: One poi spinning, the other poi extenduluming4:12
Practice left-right poi drills to loosen the body, with the left poi spinning while the right extends into a pendulum, then mix speeds and directions to build rhythm and transitions.
- Keeping body comfortable while hands are behind back5:36
Learn to stay comfortable when holding behind the back in poi dancing by relaxing the shoulders, elbows, and spine, using wall-assisted adjustments and controlled practice.
- Reviewing the fountain counter-clockwise5:02
- Freedom with butterfly and opposites3:52
- Freedom with butterfly and opposites continued2:11
- Transitioning between butterfly and weaves7:31
- Freedom with opposites more continued3:50
Explore opposites in poi, turning inwards and outwards, practicing butterfly and cross movements to turn a full circle, with arms open and neutral height.
- Split-time butterfly: turning all the way from wall plane to wall plane2:43
- turning continuously with weaves3:21
Practice turning continuously with two-thirds of the weaves to the left and right, including forwards and backwards weave transitions between barn doors, refining over-under timing with the left arm.
- Turning with poi between the arms2:35
- Going further with threading the needle5:42
- Split-time chase the sun7:02
Learn split-time transitions from chase the sun to windmill by weaving shoulder reels and hip reels, using sky-painting cues and rate boosts to enter and link the moves.
- Working on left/right dexterity with stalls and transitions4:23
- Lockouts and crossy-crossy (which I now call switchy-switchy)7:10
- Sky view of jiggies and pirouettes2:19
- The BIG REVIEW of all the moves so far1:56
Requirements
- Just dress comfortably and find some space to practice. You'll learn about making or ordering practice poi when you start the course!
Description
Unlock the Art of Poi with Nick Woolsey—From Beginner to Confident, Creative Spinner
Poi is a movement art, where weights on the ends of tethers are swung through flowing rhythmic patterns. Join renowned poi-teacher Nick Woolsey to learn and master the fundamental moves and transitions of poi.
This course will take you from complete beginner to creative and empowered poi artist, with a proven, step-by-step system to help you learn, embody, and master poi.
Each section of the course includes 12-20 bite-sized videos, guiding you through the skills you need to grow—step by step, at your own pace.
What you'll gain:
- A solid foundation in all the essential poi moves: weaves, windmills, butterfly variations, buzzsaws, fountains, and more
- Deep understanding of transitions, turns, rhythm, and movement flow
- Freedom and fluency with your poi spinning
- An experience of movement meditation, play, and personal expression
- An empowered understanding of learning how to learn, the fun way!
For those of you who already know some moves, this course is a great way to deepen your control of planes, rhythm, and freedom of movement, and to discover and learn all the moves missing from your poi movement vocabulary.
Join thousands of students around the world who’ve learned with Nick—and start your poi journey today!
Who this course is for:
- This course is for complete beginners, or those who know some of the basic moves, but still can't dance freely with poi.