#672029 - 27/12/05 06:28 AM
dance lessons for spinners
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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I serached a bit in the forum, and I could not find anything about this.
I began spinning (first poi, the staff and doubles) almost 4 years ago. I never danced before, I was the "I don't dance, I don't like dancing, I cannot dance" kind of guy. I used to juggle, but by then I was already bored by balls and clubs (I still do some contact, though); no dancing there, either.
The first months of learning were just about new tricks, learning as a juggler. After a while I realized I liked the most people that did not do A LOT of things, but that were smooth, that had style.
And began to work on that: no new moves for maybe 6 or 8 months. Just becoming smooth (I now know I was working on planes and routines; I did not, then)
And then it hit me: I was dancing.
I really was, and I loved it, and I was not bad at it.
I got asked were I learnt, and so on.
And wanted to get better.
I have been working mostly on THAT, in the last years. And now I am looking for more: I'd like to study a bit of dancing: to know where to put my legs, to find a different way of being smooth.
Now: I did some capoeira, and now I am practicing contact improvisation. I love them, but I am not sure they are what I need.
The question is: is there anyone else that began taking dance lessons to improve the spinning-firedancing? What worked better?
I know there are quite many spinners that got dance lessons in previous incarnations: any ideas? hints? What should a spinner look for?
(If I manage to learn the split, like I am AGAIN trying to, I WILL try ballet lessons, for a while; or at least modern dance)
_________________________
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"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672030 - 27/12/05 06:53 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 27/03/03
Loc: Philadelphia, PA - USA
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I have thought about taking dancing for this purpose but I concluded that I can learn better on my own and doing so will give me more style in the end.
_________________________
Let's turn those old bridges we crossed into ashes.
We'll blaze a new trail,
and torch the rough patches.
-Me
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#672031 - 27/12/05 07:00 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: MikeIcon]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Weeeell, it's not a either one or the other.
I still plan to study on my own...
_________________________
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"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672032 - 27/12/05 08:35 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
Registered: 21/07/03
Loc: Angel's Landing, USA
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The method I learned by was watching spinners in real life and videos who were smooth and "dance-y". This included nick "dervishly yers", yuta, fluffy naplam fairy, andy(poibox), and cass from HoP, along with many others (too many to mention). While I couldn't exactly copy their style and moves exactly, I incorporated things about their spinning/movements that I liked and threw it together to achieve what I hope is my own style.  This was because I haven't found anyone close by since I was a "beginner" that could give me lessons in smooth poi dancing.  good luck
_________________________
To do: More Firedrums 08 video? Wildfire/US East coast fire footage LA/EDC glow/fire footage Fresno fire <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ubbrollsmile.gif" alt="" />
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#672033 - 27/12/05 08:46 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: KaelGotRice]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Written by: KaelGotRice
The method I learned by was watching spinners in real life and videos who were smooth and "dance-y".
Yep, ok, that was what I used to do, steal blatantly, ahem, take inspiration from othrs.
The point, now, is that I want to put together *real* dancing (not my dancey-smoothy style) AND spinning.
I mean: next time someone asks me "perchance, are you a professional dancer" I want to answer "yes, thank you for asking" and not mumbling something about being self taught etc etc.
So: my problem is not "how to become smooth" but "what kind of dance classes blend well with poi/staff spinning".
_________________________
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"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672034 - 27/12/05 08:58 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Carpal \'Tunnel
Registered: 12/12/01
Loc: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
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I started dance lessons. I wanted to do exactly what you describe. I began an Introduction to Contemporary Dance course and found it (for a range of reasons including an appalingly unprofessional teacher) unsuitable and unpleasant.
Unfortunately that was a huge kick in the teeth for someone with as little 'public' confidence as me (ie leearning in a group) and I have struggled to find another way into learning a skill i really think I need.
So - good luck and let me know how it goes! I would love to learn to dance a little but think I will have to search a little longer and build up a bit more courage til I find the right place/time/people to help me.
_________________________
Geologists do it in the dirt................ 
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#672035 - 27/12/05 09:14 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: fluffy napalm fairy]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Written by:
Unfortunately that was a huge kick in the teeth for someone with as little 'public' confidence as me (ie leearning in a group) and I have struggled to find another way into learning a skill i really think I need.
That was *exactly* my experience with acting; I am not good at learning in groups, at least in the beginning. That what I loved of juggling: you can just disappear in your basement, and come back 6 months later as an advanced beginner (or whatever) and go on from there.
Even if I am better now, recently I had a similar, so good experience with a silk tissue teacher; she is from a Circus, so her idea of putting someone at easy is shouting in front of everyone "you are an idiot, DON'T put that leg there!".
AND she is a friend, and I am her personal masseus (but not her student anymore).
I'll let you know. Up to now, Contact Improvisation is great fun (one of the reason I am moving to Berlin, actually), but totally useless with poi. Maybe with contact staff (but I am useless with contact staff, then).
Things on my list are:
-modern dance
-african dance
-bellly dance (ok, the male version, whatever it's called)
-tai chi chuan.
By the time I'll be 70, I'll be G R E A T...
spelling?
_________________________
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"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672037 - 27/12/05 09:55 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: fluffy napalm fairy]
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playing the days away
Registered: 19/08/03
Loc: The Middle lands
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I think Fluffy does Capoira and yoga, that right Fluff? Or has done at least. And I think it reflects in her spinning. Not so much lending their styles to it but making her more flexible and acheiving good posture and stance throughout. I considered starting yoga for the same reason, helping my muscles learn new positions and strengths and benefiting my spinning overall but not directly affecting style. I'd also like to get soe tips off a ballet school, one has opened (or rather relocated) near me and I'm very tempted to go and see if they'll let me spin infront of their mirrors and maybe give me tips on posture and stance while I'm there but give them far less money than a lesson seeing as I won't really be learning their stuff or need dedicated attention. When I have enough spare cash I'll go ask 
_________________________
Becoming a Dad is the best feeling in the world  Watching them grow teaches you a whole new type of love 
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#672038 - 27/12/05 10:29 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Dunc]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Written by: Dunc
I think Fluffy does Capoira and yoga, that right Fluff? Or has done at least. And I think it reflects in her spinning. Not so much lending their styles to it but making her more flexible and acheiving good posture and stance throughout.
Actually, now that I come to think about it, a friend of mine that did a lot of ballet and some bellydance, when watching a video of Fluffy, said "it shows that she studied dance".
So: the style was there.
(And she told me "it shows that you did *not* study dance", grrr)
Written by:
I considered starting yoga for the same reason, helping my muscles learn new positions and strengths and benefiting my spinning overall but not directly affecting style.
I am thinking about Tai Chi for the same reason; and at least it's dynamic (I already have stretching and meditation for the static part)
Written by: anver
i would suggest bellydancing.
I'll check it out.
I am just always a bit doubtful: is there any *male* studying bellydance? I mean, it's not that I mind studying in a all woman course (at all), but I am not sure I am supposed to be able to study it or not...
_________________________
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"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672039 - 27/12/05 10:59 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Member
Registered: 15/10/05
Loc: Caves Beach, NSW
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Hey Aliosha,
I am a fellow massage therapist and was always dance challenged untill the last 12 months.
Then I started learning Kahuna Massage (aka Hawaiian temple style Lomi Lomi) and that provided a huge step forward with movement You use dance movements as you massage and move around the table.
So here am learning poi and wanting so much to move along with it as I perfect the moves.
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#672041 - 27/12/05 12:20 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Carpal \'Tunnel
Registered: 05/11/01
Loc: Europe,Scotland,Both
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male belly dancers who domm poi ... humm... i think i remeber one really skinny really white guy from texas... he was pretty hot. me, I can boogie already, i wanna study funk sweat and stuff, but all dancing boils down to gettin jiggy with it and having a good time. dancing is much harder and has more possibilities than poi, so i recon dance first, poi second... moden dance and jazz, errm, no i dont think its very acessible, tho i could easily be proved wrong, i dont think id like to watch it... there have been many dance companies who use flags and stuff in dance, or look at hero and forrest of the flyingdaggers for more circle-movment-dance ideas. when you start getting to the bodily level, things get so much harder to discuss in words. T 
_________________________
This is a post by tom, all spelling is deleberate
-><- Kallisti
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#672042 - 27/12/05 12:26 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Flying Water Muppet
Registered: 20/05/03
Loc: Edin-borrow.
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Written by: Aliosha
I am just always a bit doubtful: is there any *male* studying bellydance? I mean, it's not that I mind studying in a all woman course (at all), but I am not sure I am supposed to be able to study it or not...
Where is arashi when you need him?
Yes, men can study belly dance too. Sometimes the teachers aren't cool with it thou.
I'm still not sure whether it's cool to be doing a style of dance and then just pinning poi on top of that. Poi seems to indicate that it wants it's own form of movement. I mean like the floor work in gymnastics set to music, they have all these dance elements and then randomly they pop off to the corners, run and do some tumbling. It's just like the dance is bolted on. I'm still not sure if you can get rid of that bolted on feeling with poi and any established dance form.
But that's just something I'm not sure about.
If I were me, I would want to gain a heightened sense of body and control over it, so I could dance better while spinning, and try and figure out what dance movements I would want to integrate into my spinning, and what ones make sense.
And how would I gain a better body sense and better control? Well I would probably study dance, and tai chi. 
I would choose one that appeals to you, that has set steps / movements, unlike contact improvisation, (to some extent) so as to learn about your body.
_________________________
"the now legendary" - Kaskade
"the still legendary" - Kaskade
I spunked in my friend's aquarium and the fish ate it. I love all fish. Especially the pink ones. They are my bitches. - Anon.
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#672043 - 27/12/05 12:29 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: [Nx?]]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Written by: [Nx?
]
there have been many dance companies who use flags and stuff in dance, or look at hero and forrest of the flyingdaggers for more circle-movment-dance ideas.
Yep, I have been looking at those kind of martial arts movies.
I just have a problem: I don't seem to manage to take off!
(And I gave up on aerials and sommersault, my joints just BEGGED me to stop)
Written by:
when you start getting to the bodily level, things get so much harder to discuss in words.
T
I totally grok.
The body is a whole, while language is linear (sounds like speaking about Zen).
Still: I was checking about Dance Technology, and it looks like there are techologies to record the dance movements in a way that can be, then, read by humans. Like a kind of notation for music.
I would not mind doing my PhD on something like that (I mean, come on, dance, AND poi, AND computers; if I can put also some massage and raving and writing in the mix, I gonne be as happy as happy one can be!)
_________________________
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"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672044 - 27/12/05 01:02 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: mcp]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Written by: mcp
Yes, men can study belly dance too. Sometimes the teachers aren't cool with it thou.
Ouch.
Still: I am quite fashinated, so I'll try.
Written by:
I'm still not sure whether it's cool to be doing a style of dance and then just pinning poi on top of that. Poi seems to indicate that it wants it's own form of movement. I mean like the floor work in gymnastics set to music, they have all these dance elements and then randomly they pop off to the corners, run and do some tumbling. It's just like the dance is bolted on. I'm still not sure if you can get rid of that bolted on feeling with poi and any established dance form.
Oh, well, my point is that I have already the poi, the spinning. Well, "having" is not the best word, but, still. Usually, spinning gets in the way when I learn other movements (like capoeira does), since I know them better. At most, I guess I could just get into a month long crisis, like when I learned isolation and all my stile got scrambled until I managed to get the feeling of it.
Written by:
If I were me, I would want to gain a heightened sense of body and control over it, so I could dance better while spinning, and try and figure out what dance movements I would want to integrate into my spinning, and what ones make sense.
That's the point
Written by:
And how would I gain a better body sense and better control? Well I would probably study dance, and tai chi.
See?
Written by:
I would choose one that appeals to you, that has set steps / movements, unlike contact improvisation, (to some extent) so as to learn about your body.
Yep, even if contact IS fun.
I guess I'll experiment a bit; modern or afro, probably. AND bellydance.
(ok, going back to stretching, sounds like I'l need it)
_________________________
---
"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672045 - 27/12/05 01:07 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Flying Water Muppet
Registered: 20/05/03
Loc: Edin-borrow.
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I still think video cameras are the best way to capture choreography... Yeah yeah yeah, look at the smiley. Sometimes I have to talk to get my thoughts to work. I good chunk of everything maybe, that'll teach you some amazing control...
_________________________
"the now legendary" - Kaskade
"the still legendary" - Kaskade
I spunked in my friend's aquarium and the fish ate it. I love all fish. Especially the pink ones. They are my bitches. - Anon.
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#672046 - 27/12/05 01:50 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: mcp]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 21/03/02
Loc: austin,tx
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quote; mcp "I'm still not sure whether it's cool to be doing a style of dance and then just pinning poi on top of that. Poi seems to indicate that it wants it's own form of movement. I mean like the floor work in gymnastics set to music, they have all these dance elements and then randomly they pop off to the corners, run and do some tumbling. It's just like the dance is bolted on. I'm still not sure if you can get rid of that bolted on feeling with poi and any established dance form. But that's just something I'm not sure about." obviously i suck. is that what you're trying to say?
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#672048 - 27/12/05 01:58 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: arashi]
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Flying Water Muppet
Registered: 20/05/03
Loc: Edin-borrow.
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yes...? But I thought you blew? Or like swallowed? Where has my innuendo gone? Maybe it's fine and I just don't like it cos I be a silly purist. Maybe I'm not sure. Maybe you'll have to come back over here and re-educate me, and this time I'll have a video camera... Maybe I really liked your style, but I knew I couldn't copy it, cos belly dancing is soooooo not my style. Maybe any style of dancing I did like couldn't / wouldn't go with spinning. Maybe the styles I don't like go well with spinning. And maybe that pisses me off... Who can tell really?
_________________________
"the now legendary" - Kaskade
"the still legendary" - Kaskade
I spunked in my friend's aquarium and the fish ate it. I love all fish. Especially the pink ones. They are my bitches. - Anon.
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#672050 - 27/12/05 02:05 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: arashi]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Bellydancing is on the winning side, right now.
Any other contender?
Modern? Classic? Ballet? Country dances? Walzer? Polka? Samba?
(No, I refuse even to think about salsa y merengue. Don't ask why: I just don't)
Edited by Aliosha (27/12/05 02:07 PM)
_________________________
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"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672051 - 27/12/05 02:08 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Flying Water Muppet
Registered: 20/05/03
Loc: Edin-borrow.
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arashi: <slap> Hula! Tap.... Funk? Japanese, chinese dance styles? I don't know any... Bollywood?
_________________________
"the now legendary" - Kaskade
"the still legendary" - Kaskade
I spunked in my friend's aquarium and the fish ate it. I love all fish. Especially the pink ones. They are my bitches. - Anon.
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#672052 - 27/12/05 02:14 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: mcp]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 21/03/02
Loc: austin,tx
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various styles of indian, tap, belly, flamenco, samba,a little capoeira, kung fu, tai chi, kabuki, polynesian, thai, balinesian, the list goes on i'm sure, these are just ones i've played with. i start with teaching the basic postures from the dance styles and also using poi instinctively and reactively. oh yeah nobody has said it yet... MOVES ARE AN ILLUSION
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#672053 - 27/12/05 02:17 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: mcp]
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Stream Entrant
Registered: 13/06/01
Loc: Melbourne
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Yes. There is also a thread called “dance for idiots” in Social, and another by stout in Help, and another by Jo in poi or social. All good. First think to learn is how to walk real proper. Then learn to march; flex the knee a bit lift the foot as you move forward with the thigh. Cheers more later in 2006
_________________________
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
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#672054 - 27/12/05 02:21 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: arashi]
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Member
Registered: 15/10/05
Loc: Caves Beach, NSW
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Anything you do, any style will open you up to possibilities, and new freedoms, even If you don't use the actual moves.
At some stage I plan on getting some lessons in west african dance, but I do not have a teacher available at the moment.
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#672055 - 27/12/05 02:24 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: arashi]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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*MOVES ARE AN ILLUSION *
"Before I began studying the moves
a spin was just a spin, a movement was just a movement;
then I began studying the moves
and I realized that a spin was not just a spin, a movement was not just a movement;
after I finished studying the moves
a spin was just a spin, a movement was just a movement"
(just paraphrased, sorry, could not resist, I have been reading/listening too much Alan Watts recently)
(seriously: I think the moves HAVE to disappear, in the same way I don't think about English grammar when writing, even if I learnt it as an adult; but you NEED the moves, in a way or another; it's a ladder you use to get there, and then you can throw away. You cannot throw it away before you climbed it. I think. I have been playing with these ideas quite much lately)
*various styles of indian,
ok
*belly,
ok
*flamenco,
ok
*samba,
ok
*a little capoeira,
yes
* kung fu, tai chi,
yeah, yeah, been there done that
*kabuki, polynesian, thai, balinesian,
dunno (thai did not seem very much like it, though)
But...
*tap,
I just CANNOT imagine it! Tap dancing while unselfconsciously spinning?
And... bolllywood style and poi seems like a GREAT idea!
_________________________
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"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672056 - 27/12/05 02:26 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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*At some stage I plan on getting some lessons in west african dance, but I do not have a teacher available at the moment.*
I DO!
(Really, being able to pay in massages opens up an ENORMOUS amount of free teachings!)
_________________________
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"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672058 - 28/12/05 01:33 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Stone]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 12/05/04
Loc: Canada
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Ever since I first picked up a pair of poi I've been after the answer to this question and after talking to quite a few dancers, I've come to the conclusion that there is no real definitive answer. Most people seem to promote the style of dance they're into, even if it's not really applicable to poi ( like tango ) however I don't see this as a bad thing.
Speaking as a fellow "non dancer" I do believe that there is a secret to movement and eventually I hope to tap into it, but one thing's for sure at this point in time, I need my toys in order to feel comfortable with this whole dance thing. I did manage a little freehand glowsticking last month
It might help to examine your own motivations for posing this question, I did and found I had a few.
The first was to get a grip on the whole "being a performer" thing, which was something I'd had zero experience with so I just swallowed my nervousness and joined a professional group with lots of work. We're still working, New Years eve, I'll be the guy painted gold, wearing white, and spinning in some sort of Shakespearean procession. Did this make me a better dancer? I don't think so but it definitely affected my spinning style and taught me to feel more confident with cheezy TA DA......type moves. I learned to embrace my inner poser.
Another motivation I found I had was balance. Sometimes I found I got so lost in the spinning moment I was tripping over my own feet, and I still do sometimes. I think the secret to sorting this out lies in tai chi, but I have yet to study it. For performance based spinning I'm learning to move between a series of stable stances. I'm not moving as quickly as I'd like, but at least I haven't embarassed myself yet.
I was also concerned about positioning my upper body, I sort of had this picture in my head that I looked like a hunchback when I was spinning ( the antithesis of Yuta ) and I found that after bouncing this idea off several dancres, that maybe I was being a little to self critical. Most dancers agreed that studying any form of dance would help with this, this being the whole "up" thing. Still working on it.........but "giant" moves come in handy here.
Good luck with your quest, and if you find THE answer, please, let me know
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#672059 - 28/12/05 11:04 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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lurker
Registered: 22/03/02
Loc: Nashville, TN
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Written by: Aliosha
Bellydancing is on the winning side, right now.
Any other contender?
Modern? Classic? Ballet? Country dances? Walzer? Polka? Samba?
(No, I refuse even to think about salsa y merengue. Don't ask why: I just don't)
ew. bellydancing? what do you consider "modern?"
i'd seriously go with "raver", aka "gliding", aka "heel/toe". hands down winner for me. you get turns whenever you want them and can possibly move into more "lock and pop" gliding which gives huge contrast between the body motions and smooth poi spinning.
this is what started me down the path:
http://www.homeofpoi.com/ubbthreads/show...rev=#Post529879
also, some general jungle jump-up movement works if you've got the energy. i don't know what the jungle/DnB scene is like in italy, but i can link some more vids when i get home.
glide and jumpup. jumpup and glide. lock. glide. jumpup. repeat.
boys bellydancing. pfft. don't make me link to dantana's bellydancing vid for contrast to the heel/toe.  (this is ... well, mostly.. in jest. bellydance if you want to. just don't complain to me if you get laughed at for your efforts.)
-- dut
Edited by Dut (28/12/05 11:05 AM)
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#672060 - 29/12/05 01:38 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Dut]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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*ew. bellydancing? what do you consider "modern?"* Well, it's not what I consider "modern": for what I know, classical dance is the one until 18th century; modern dance is the one until (broadly) Isadora Duncan, and then there is contemporary dance (so, contact impro is a form of contemporary). Then there are all kinds of folk dances, ethnical dances, and whatever; and all the pop dances. It's not my distinction, I have been explained it like this; I actually have problems thinking that "modern" is older than "contemporary"; and maybe now there is postmodern dance, who know. *i'd seriously go with "raver", aka "gliding", aka "heel/toe". hands down winner for me. you get turns whenever you want them and can possibly move into more "lock and pop" gliding which gives huge contrast between the body motions and smooth poi spinning. * Yep, I have looked into them. I actually use them (even if my gliding is NOT that good) while dancing, sometime; but not while spinning. (Really: fluid AND spinning? I did fluid AND contact, I mean contact ball, but not spinning; I'll think about it) I'm downloading the video just now, anyway. *also, some general jungle jump-up movement works if you've got the energy. i don't know what the jungle/DnB scene is like in italy, but i can link some more vids when i get home. * I guess it's not so strong, I don't have ny clue about what is it. Well, I'll be in Berlin in 3 weeks, I'll look about it. But: if _jumpup_ is about jumping, is not for me. I gave up jumping in capoeira, too, and my joints BEGGED me to stop trying aerials and mortals; so. No jumping, if I can avoid it. *boys bellydancing. pfft. don't make me link to dantana's bellydancing vid for contrast to the heel/toe. (this is ... well, mostly.. in jest. bellydance if you want to. just don't complain to me if you get laughed at for your efforts.)* Dunno: if a man bellydancing has the same effect on women of a woman bellydancing has on me, I DEFINITELY want to go for it. Now that I know I won't be just thrown out with screams of "what are you doing here, you pervert". And if they do, I'll point them to Arashi and mcp. *Ever since I first picked up a pair of poi I've been after the answer to this question and after talking to quite a few dancers, I've come to the conclusion that there is no real definitive answer. Most people seem to promote the style of dance they're into, even if it's not really applicable to poi ( like tango ) however I don't see this as a bad thing.* I don't think there is a DEFINITE aswer to anything (expept 42, that's a definitve answer, of course); but there are a lot of personal answer, and all of the make sense. And: I mixed tango and poi, there are a couple of moves I worked on for THAT reason, and I love to use gotan project for music. *Speaking as a fellow "non dancer" I do believe that there is a secret to movement and eventually I hope to tap into it, but one thing's for sure at this point in time, I need my toys in order to feel comfortable with this whole dance thing. I did manage a little freehand glowsticking last month* Yep, for ages I NEEDED my toys to be confortable. Actually, I did some performance without toys last summer, just dancing. People seemed to like it; that's why I want to delve deeper and learn more about dancing, the naked one. *It might help to examine your own motivations for posing this question, I did and found I had a few.* Ok: my motivations are "easy". I never danced. Poi (and staff) taught me to dance, and a form of Wu-Wei (the principle of tao and taiji quan: action without action, of not forcing). And I realized I loved. So: now I want to became a better dancer without toys. But, still, I'd like to stay in the path, I don't want to go to the dark side. I'd like to keep the toys and the dance. *The first was to get a grip on the whole "being a performer" thing, which was something I'd had zero experience with so I just swallowed my nervousness and joined a professional group with lots of work. We're still working, New Years eve, I'll be the guy painted gold, wearing white, and spinning in some sort of Shakespearean procession. Did this make me a better dancer? I don't think so but it definitely affected my spinning style and taught me to feel more confident with cheezy TA DA......type moves. I learned to embrace my inner poser.* That's great, actually. This summer I was with a troup in Sicily, and I volunteered to be Adam in a just dancing part, SINCE they told me we had to be naked (come on, what would have been my OTHER chance to dance naked in a public square, in Sicily?). But then, they changed their mind and we had to PRETEND to be naked, but dressed (I mean, dance pants). So in the end I was using my sock poi, with black light. Who knew Adam was created by a God on stilts, and had poi from the first day? *Another motivation I found I had was balance. Sometimes I found I got so lost in the spinning moment I was tripping over my own feet, and I still do sometimes. I think the secret to sorting this out lies in tai chi, but I have yet to study it. For performance based spinning I'm learning to move between a series of stable stances. I'm not moving as quickly as I'd like, but at least I haven't embarassed myself yet.* I don't like it quick. For the balance, and the transitions, and the stances, I think taiji quan is perfect. *I was also concerned about positioning my upper body, I sort of had this picture in my head that I looked like a hunchback when I was spinning ( the antithesis of Yuta ) and I found that after bouncing this idea off several dancres, that maybe I was being a little to self critical. Most dancers agreed that studying any form of dance would help with this, this being the whole "up" thing. Still working on it.........but "giant" moves come in handy here.* Ok, I worked on my upper body for years, and just when i thought I pinned it down and was OK, my dancing friends told me I was forgetting about the legs. I (from waist up) was dancing, they (the legs) were walking and getting in the way. So. Time for REAL trainig. I guess. *Good luck with your quest, and if you find THE answer, please, let me know* I don't think there is THE answer, there must be many different answers, and all are THE asnwer. (ok, ok, too much Zen recently).
_________________________
---
"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672061 - 29/12/05 02:08 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Carpal \'Tunnel
Registered: 12/12/01
Loc: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
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argh I haven't been online and this has turned into a really nice discussion. Going back to the top - main posture/strength stuff comes primarily from horseriding and free-party stomping - the 'dance' route is yet unfollowed *sigh* I don't like the bolt-on dancing. But I do think different dances will teach you to utilise your body and it's ability to move in new ways that will integrate with your spinning. That's why Arashi looks so smooth and confident in the way he moves. My main reason for wanting to learn some sort of dance was just to challenge myself in ways I found less natural, and therefore achieve deliberate movement/shapes while i spin rather than what you see on my vids which is just what comes naturally. (incidentally I'm well pleased with the christmas release that features some semi-moonwalking quite outta the blue lol!) I did a bellydancing workshop this summer and i sucked. Though the isolation of different parts of the body seems not unlike the isolation necessary in a lot of modern 'liquid' styles and would definately be something I'd like to persue if i find the oppertunity. Similialry the hand/arm movements could translate into poi really nicely. I think BellyDancing is your winner!
_________________________
Geologists do it in the dirt................
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#672062 - 29/12/05 02:13 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: fluffy napalm fairy]
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Clique Infiltrator, Cunning Linguist and Master Debator
Registered: 03/07/05
Loc: Edinburgh burgh burrrrrr
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I don't dance as i spin, i kinda just dodge the flaming poi while exclaiming... "nooo not the hair!"
_________________________
I drive bus now?
I eat biscuits with my eyes.
I can walk through walls.
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#672064 - 29/12/05 04:08 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: fluffy napalm fairy]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Written by: fluffy napalm fairy
I don't like the bolt-on dancing. But I do think different dances will teach you to utilise your body and it's ability to move in new ways that will integrate with your spinning. That's why Arashi looks so smooth and confident in the way he moves.
What's bolt-on dancing?
I guess it's obvious for everybody else, but it's the first time I read this expression.
Anyway: I think everything you do that increases your perception of the body, AND your confidence, improves the style.
(But I jut wanna learn DANCING now)
And: I was not at the EJC this summer (I was performing in Sicily), so everybody is telling me about Arashi and I have never seen him spinning: any video I can check?
Written by:
My main reason for wanting to learn some sort of dance was just to challenge myself in ways I found less natural, and therefore achieve deliberate movement/shapes while i spin rather than what you see on my vids which is just what comes naturally. (incidentally I'm well pleased with the christmas release that features some semi-moonwalking quite outta the blue lol!)
a) but the vids DO look nice
b) to work on what is not natural is, probably, the hardes AND the best thing one can do.
I always hate to do it ("come on, I am GOOD at certain things, why do I have to look like an idiot doing something I am not good at); and love it AFTERWARDS, when I realize it helped me develop a braoder image of what I am
Written by:
I did a bellydancing workshop this summer and i sucked. Though the isolation of different parts of the body seems not unlike the isolation necessary in a lot of modern 'liquid' styles and would definately be something I'd like to persue if i find the oppertunity. Similialry the hand/arm movements could translate into poi really nicely.
No, really? You tell me isolating things and bodyparts is difficult? Strange: it's SO EASYYYY in juggling
Still: I think that isolating is something you got to learn (I am speaking of the dance, now), to split movements AND THEM to put the together again in a more smooth and cohese way.
But. I also know (from juggling) that it will TOTALLY MESS my style for a while, before I manage I integrate it. Better to do it NOW, and be ready for the summer...
So, now: bellydancing, I am coming.
(So, maybe now this is THE answer; for me: for now)
_________________________
---
"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672065 - 29/12/05 07:56 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
Registered: 21/07/03
Loc: Angel's Landing, USA
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Tai chi jian might help, as it's tai chi with the added "jian" straight sword. So it teaches movement with a prop automatically. I also know nick focuses on yoga and (yuta does too?) his advice on movement was "dropping circles down the spine". Of course, when I tried that I ended up moving in slow uhm... clowny style like dervishly yers.
_________________________
To do: More Firedrums 08 video? Wildfire/US East coast fire footage LA/EDC glow/fire footage Fresno fire <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ubbrollsmile.gif" alt="" />
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#672066 - 29/12/05 08:19 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Flying Water Muppet
Registered: 20/05/03
Loc: Edin-borrow.
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Written by: Aliosha
What's bolt-on dancing?
I guess it's obvious for everybody else, but it's the first time I read this expression.
I think maybe that fluffy was refering to my first post above. Cos it's a new term for me too.
Written by: Aliosha
And: I was not at the EJC this summer (I was performing in Sicily), so everybody is telling me about Arashi and I have never seen him spinning: any video I can check?
That would be toooo easy! Imagine, Arashi actually making a video and putting it on the internet! The world would end! Does anybody know how long has he been spinning for now? 30, 40 years? And in all that time, no videos... Well, apart from that missed step....
Just go watch an early michael jackson music video, and pretend he has blonde dreadlocks, then you will know how Arashi dances... (and that's only half sarcasm!)
Oh this post has been a bit useless...
Inbetween moving where the poi want me to go, smoothly, and sometimes doing skunk / nomad style little turning steps I don't do anything that's really 'against' the flow of the poi, or different to it. I might go practise popping while spinning... (thanks dut)
_________________________
"the now legendary" - Kaskade
"the still legendary" - Kaskade
I spunked in my friend's aquarium and the fish ate it. I love all fish. Especially the pink ones. They are my bitches. - Anon.
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#672067 - 29/12/05 11:12 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: fluffy napalm fairy]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 21/03/02
Loc: austin,tx
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Written by: fluffy napalm fairy
That's why Arashi looks so smooth and confident in the way he moves.
*does a little dance around the living room*
Ros thinks i'm smoOOoth, Ros thinks i'm smoO0Ooth
VId: I ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY INTEND TO HAVE SOME VID ONLINE WITHIN A FEW WEEKS. here's my schedule right now: 
the ONLY time you will catch me juggling
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#672069 - 29/12/05 12:56 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Carpal \'Tunnel
Registered: 12/12/01
Loc: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
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I said you LOOK smooth.......... 
_________________________
Geologists do it in the dirt................
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#672070 - 29/12/05 03:38 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: fluffy napalm fairy]
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master of disaster
Registered: 08/03/04
Loc: New York
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I agree with arashi though. I found that, you can work on moves, but when it comes right down to it, you don't really work on flowing them, and may rarely use them when you just have a fun unconcious spin. I like his ladder analogy and find it very helpful.
That being said, having been a skater, and thus having some dance training, I found that its applicable to spinning, and since you've blended dance styles already, you have your own unique form of movement. But then again, I did favor choreography and footwork over jumping when I just did interpretive (sp?).
Hey, I do tango! I've yet to do a goncho with me'poi...it'd hurt too much
and I must say, Ros is my flow idol 
and a mate of mine is a fantastic dancer, not only with poi, but also with other toys, and I know she has a background in gothdancing...so its more down to the person than anything else I'd guess
Someone can give you lessons, show you steps, but its your creativity and ease with them that makes the dance look smooth
Edited by fNi (29/12/05 03:51 PM)
_________________________
kyrian: I've felt your finger connect with me many times
lou kitten: sneaky little meatball..
ezz: please corrupt me more
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#672071 - 29/12/05 04:05 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: fluffy napalm fairy]
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member
Registered: 20/01/05
Loc: south germany
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arashi u looked like a kid of the universe dancing with the stars when i saw u playing around in slowenia that night  since that time i am looking for a teacher in dance but hm u left to be honest we found a girl she is practising belly dancing since 8 years now and she is willing to teach us so when u will be back we are ready for better understanding and feeling
_________________________
peace and light
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#672073 - 29/12/05 09:02 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: arashi]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 21/03/02
Loc: austin,tx
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well since we've brainwashed you all into belly dancing there's some good info sprinkled in this thread. although i gotta say i wish i had taken some wushu lessons from the start, if only i had the spine to do it. almost there...
stay away from adrenaline rush activities, kids!
"belly dancers" thread
Ros please don't learn to belly dance. My capricious heart couldn't take the strain.
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#672074 - 30/12/05 12:28 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: arashi]
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addict
Registered: 02/09/05
Loc: Oregon, USA
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Please kick up the life-jugglin skills there, arashi, and post a vid I love poi as a meditative form of dance, the movements and intermovements of everything, but I'm not much of a dancer. As such, I'd love to see more dance related poi vids to see what's out there, since most of the ones I see are more techi "looky what I can do" type of stuff. Lookin forward to the vid
_________________________
Definition of poi- A Hawaiian food made from the tuber of the taro that is cooked, pounded to a paste, and fermented.
Ahnold discussing poi - "It is naht a toober!"
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#672075 - 30/12/05 01:06 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Suibom]
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Carpal \'Tunnel
Registered: 12/12/01
Loc: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
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You have to read that thread- if only to fall off your chair giggling at this quote: Arashi: "without looking like a dorky white guy at a nasty boody rubbin R&B concert trying to get some... convulsin an gyratin and people callin da ambulance..." *shimmies off to practice hip-liftin-patterns and find a teacher.....*
_________________________
Geologists do it in the dirt................
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#672076 - 30/12/05 01:19 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: fluffy napalm fairy]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 21/03/02
Loc: austin,tx
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#672078 - 30/12/05 01:30 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: arashi]
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Carpal \'Tunnel
Registered: 12/12/01
Loc: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
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london too far *sigh* Though this might be a blessing in disguise for your nerves
_________________________
Geologists do it in the dirt................
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#672079 - 30/12/05 01:40 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: fluffy napalm fairy]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 21/03/02
Loc: austin,tx
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#672081 - 30/12/05 03:48 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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The Ministry of Manipulation
Registered: 08/11/01
Loc: Bristol
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#672082 - 30/12/05 09:44 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Glåss]
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veteran
Registered: 29/07/05
Loc: lost
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wondering when you were going to enter the convo Drew! Dance Badly...
_________________________
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
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#672084 - 30/12/05 02:25 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
Registered: 21/07/03
Loc: Angel's Landing, USA
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This thread makes me want to everyone involved. Or was that 
_________________________
To do: More Firedrums 08 video? Wildfire/US East coast fire footage LA/EDC glow/fire footage Fresno fire <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ubbrollsmile.gif" alt="" />
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#672087 - 31/12/05 07:23 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: mcp]
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veteran
Registered: 29/07/05
Loc: lost
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Oh, oh!! go see the movie Rize, and try krumping!! ( Seriously, do see it. I really want to head to south central LA and give those dancers some poi,see what happens!It is amazing.)
We could have roaming hip hop clown gangs doing the stippers dance while swinging poi... WOW
_________________________
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
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#672088 - 31/12/05 07:27 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: BansheeCat]
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Flying Water Muppet
Registered: 20/05/03
Loc: Edin-borrow.
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Yeah... I read an article on that... What a weird dance form... And I haven't seen it yet...
_________________________
"the now legendary" - Kaskade
"the still legendary" - Kaskade
I spunked in my friend's aquarium and the fish ate it. I love all fish. Especially the pink ones. They are my bitches. - Anon.
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#672089 - 31/12/05 07:28 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: mcp]
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Internet Hate Machine
Registered: 26/05/04
Loc: They seek him here, they seek ...
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Krumping looks bad ass!
It is weird though.
_________________________
The existance of flamethrowers says that someone, somewhere, at sometime said "I need to set that thing on fire, but it's too far away."
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#672090 - 31/12/05 07:52 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Fine_Rabid_Dog]
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addict
Registered: 02/09/05
Loc: Oregon, USA
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Interesting.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KrumpingSuddenly, the ChemBros video Galvanize makes sense to me... You crazy kids.
_________________________
Definition of poi- A Hawaiian food made from the tuber of the taro that is cooked, pounded to a paste, and fermented.
Ahnold discussing poi - "It is naht a toober!"
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#672091 - 31/12/05 08:12 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: mcp]
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lurker
Registered: 22/03/02
Loc: Nashville, TN
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hmm. i wonder if clowining is a derivative of clownstep d'n'b? "clownstepping" might also very well be what i called "jungle jumpup" earlier, but only cuz i'm an ignorant american. we'll let the judges decide:
[oi. that link didn't work at all. i'll try back later. lol]
(^^this isn't me. i do dance like this tho half the time, especially when i have poi and forget to try gliding.)
i definitely didn't mean any kind of copeira or martial arts jumping or jump flipping. tho i'd love to be able to pull some of that stuff off.
"clownstep vs ryu. round two. fight!"
-- dut
Edited by Dut (31/12/05 09:19 AM)
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#672094 - 01/01/06 12:25 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: fluffy napalm fairy]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 21/03/02
Loc: austin,tx
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yeah like her laundry.
_________________________
-Such a price the gods exact for song: to become what we sing
-Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty.
-When the center of the storm does not move, you are in its path.
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#672098 - 03/01/06 07:21 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Louch]
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veteran
Registered: 29/07/05
Loc: lost
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One thing I have really been noticing, is different emphasis some poi dancers give to the use of rhythm. Some people try to manage using the poi with the beat, and barely move their feet, whereas others move their feet with the dominant beat, and almost play melody , or subtler beats with their poi. Hard to describe!
Guess I am thinking about musicality as an aspect of poi/fire dance, Drew pointed it out in his Uberpoi workshop and it has been in my mind since.
It made me think that perhaps learning music could also be a good complement to poi skills, not necessarily to actually play music, but to understand and use it well. I think it would still apply when spining poi without music, just that understanding of rhythm, break, melody etc etc...
_________________________
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
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#672099 - 03/01/06 08:11 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: BansheeCat]
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Member
Registered: 11/01/05
Loc: Enterprise, Oregon
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How could you not dance when twirling? That was the first thought I had when poing what should I listen too couldn't wait for my poi to arrive. When I first saw Poiers it was exciting the beats that they had picked out to twirl to. BEP's was the first group that I learned to poi to and noticed that I even enjoyed the Clash. The beat gets me dancing which in turn helps me poi better, do moves that come naturally. It was wierd/interesting to read that not everyone dances when poing. 
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#672102 - 06/01/06 01:17 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: arashi]
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Stream Entrant
Registered: 13/06/01
Loc: Melbourne
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Aliosha, what beats and breaks are you listining to? I started with glow sticks, so I would have something to do with my hands while dancing, then I got into fire staff, poi and somehow forgot how to dance. From there, the most important dance lesson has been to learn more about the music, counting the beats etc. I’d suggest learning Latin dancing, as most contemporary music, from psy trance through to hip hop, has a strong Latin/West African rhythm running through it. Even if you don't like Latin then this is a great article on Learning about Rhythm.There are also a number of great dance tips in this dance thread including the now famous "Deep Soul Sheep Samba" a great base to work from. Have fun, and in the words of Bill Austin “ When you take dancing lessons, you learn steps and you learn steps and you learn steps. It can go on for a long time. And then one day, you just learn to dance, and it is so different.” cheers
_________________________
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
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#672104 - 06/01/06 06:05 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: mcp]
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veteran
Registered: 29/07/05
Loc: lost
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no, watch Dirty Dancing!
_________________________
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
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#672105 - 06/01/06 07:30 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: BansheeCat]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 21/03/02
Loc: austin,tx
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whatever, you posers.
Breakin 2: electric boogaloo.
cause it's all about the streets, man, dig?
_________________________
-Such a price the gods exact for song: to become what we sing
-Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty.
-When the center of the storm does not move, you are in its path.
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#672107 - 07/01/06 06:54 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: mcp]
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Carpal \'Tunnel
Registered: 05/11/01
Loc: Europe,Scotland,Both
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dont you guys realise its all about the tech???
:P
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This is a post by tom, all spelling is deleberate
-><- Kallisti
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#672108 - 10/01/06 01:39 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: [Nx?]]
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Stream Entrant
Registered: 13/06/01
Loc: Melbourne
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Just a thought on the capoira. What about just using the foot work without the handstands and stuff? I’ve only seen people playing around at festivals and things, but they seem to sweep circles with their feet, shifting weight between feet as the move. Just doing that type of footwork would look good and give a dancer plenty of scope for freestyling around the circle or even a stage. I found this Dance workshop when I was looking up drumming lessons. “At the Argenta (B.C.) Fall Faire on the fall equinox weekend, drummers and dancers enjoyed a workshop designed to match basic dance moves with particular rhythmic effects. A circle of 15 dancers warmed up to a beat provided by the five drummers, a basic Olatunji dance warmup: Then breathing to a count of two, in and out, slowing to a four count, for relaxation and internal timing. The first dance sequence used the same rhythmic form as the warmup above, but alternating with all bass notes for a while, while dancers moved close to the ground, and all high rim notes, while dancers flung their arms into the air and whirled stretching high. Next the dancers explored side-to-side and forward-and-back movements, to a rhythm with a swing feel:”
_________________________
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
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#672109 - 10/01/06 07:38 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Stone]
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member
Registered: 12/01/05
Loc: Cambridgeshire
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id like to learn. think it would help alot
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that will b alrite!
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#672110 - 10/01/06 03:41 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: jinx-raverbird]
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is a medium/large scary man
Registered: 31/07/05
Loc: FTG, Victoria, Australia, Eart...
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As a martial artist myself I can say... do Capoeira... It's the best style for developing dance moves and IMHO it's tribal-like movements can be slowed/modified for staff and poi alike...
_________________________
Contact juggling was invented by dung beetles.
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#672112 - 13/01/06 08:31 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Mr_widd]
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member
Registered: 12/01/05
Loc: Cambridgeshire
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ye im a dancer, but i cant dance and do poi together. end up going all over the place. i need to get more bendy me thinks lol
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that will b alrite!
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#672113 - 13/01/06 08:36 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: jinx-raverbird]
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in his element
Registered: 29/07/04
Loc: Cambridge UK
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I try to start a lot of movement from the feet up. You can wiggle a surprising amount by just raising and lowering your heels. I also like to work out new movements by dancing without poi. As I know what I'm feeling for now, it's a lot easier to come up with new stuff that actually works. 'to do' list: yoga capoeira tai chi
_________________________
Because ActiveAngel sounds like a feminine deodorant
Like sex, I'm much more interesting in real life than online.
'Be the change you want to see in the world around you' - Ghandi
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#672114 - 13/01/06 02:25 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: LazyAngel]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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(I was not dead, just resting)
I am not that sure capoeira helps. Not for the footwork, at least.
I did some years of it, I still would not have any idea of
a) how to combine the jinga with poi
b) why doing it.
I mean, the footwork is a pseudo-dance mostly useful to be always on the move, being able to feint, dodge and attack; for spinning?
Dunno.
As far as martial arts go, I think that kung fu (or tai ji) has a more elegant footwork that can be integrated in spinning; but I could be totally mistaken, my experience comes from 2 lessons of both.
(goes back putting together a dead iBook)
_________________________
---
"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672115 - 14/01/06 02:30 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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member
Registered: 12/01/05
Loc: Cambridgeshire
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lol
i always start to get out of beat
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that will b alrite!
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#672116 - 14/01/06 04:50 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: jinx-raverbird]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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For me, it depends on the beat.
It seems that the poi has an "intrinsic beat", and if I can follow that, good; if not, it's going to be very exhausting to follow the external beat.
(It took me ages to learn, but now I love to go slow, so anything at more than 120bpm is FAAAR to fast; unless I can follow every, say, second or third beat, if there is some big bass somewhere: like, bom-bom-BOOOOOM, and I'll just follow the BOOOM)
(Clear?)
_________________________
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"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672117 - 14/01/06 05:40 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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addict
Registered: 02/09/05
Loc: Oregon, USA
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I love spinning to different tempos.. specially songs that change in tempo throughout. My current spin playlist contains:
NiN
Chemical Brothers
Fiona Apple
Ani DiFranco
Tool
System of a Down
Fun stuffs.. I need to record some drum sessions and throw those onto the list.. also need to find me a good set of trancy electronica..
_________________________
Definition of poi- A Hawaiian food made from the tuber of the taro that is cooked, pounded to a paste, and fermented.
Ahnold discussing poi - "It is naht a toober!"
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#672118 - 14/01/06 05:57 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Suibom]
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Tangled into my spins
Registered: 03/01/06
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I practice a kind of kung fu (Quan Ki Do) and I thnik that it give me a special feel with my poi... Expecially when I'm spinning with heavy fire poi I think that I'm doing something like a martial art progression (kata or quien). For me is a cool stuff but this is my opinion....someone noctice that this kind of spinning is a bit rigid on the other side someone notice that this is precise spinning. You can have your opinion on it... Acciaio 
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#672119 - 14/01/06 06:49 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Acciaio]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 12/05/04
Loc: Canada
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I've always had problems reconciling the beat of a song with spinning poi, especially with a fast beat and I always thought this came from not having any background in dance. Not true,,, I'm beginning to think,,, it's my lack of rhythm. Also, I can't help feeling that the very nature of poi isn't geared to responding to a beat, but anyone experienced with bolas would beg to differ it think. Thanks to a previous post by andrealee, I've been concentrating more on cueing my transitions and variations of moves off the melody, rather than the beat, and I'm alot happier with the results. I'm finding my best spins, the ones I enjoy the most, and after all most of my spinning is all about me, are done to slower music, or at least music where I can freely ignore the beat. I'm spinning guitar solos  I'm Joe Satriani with poi Lately, I've also developed a taste for Celtic music, not the sleepy kind, but what's been described as "Celtic with a drumkit" e.g., Altan, that seems to be working well too.
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#672122 - 14/01/06 09:39 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: fluffy napalm fairy]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 12/05/04
Loc: Canada
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Kila, Afro Celt, Celtica,,,,thanks. I'll fire up the P2P and see what I can get. I've never heard of any of those three, and unfortunately, our local import music store closed down six months ago, so I can't buy any of this stuff  I'm happy I got their one and only Shooglenifty cd though Surprisingly , I've found the Corrs have some great instrumental stuff buried in amongst the pop.
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#672123 - 14/01/06 10:17 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Stout]
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veteran
Registered: 29/07/05
Loc: lost
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 Who was it that wanted some trancey electronica? Check out the label Interchill. They have some fabulous world /psy/ trance/ambient mixes. Good friends of mine, so I might be biased, ;-) but lots there I like to spin to! Also, Ganga Giri, another friends band for completely different vibe, to get up and jump around.Drums, Digeri, electronica... I still love to dance to Loreena Mikennits ( Sp?!) Beltaine Song. Poi, belly dance, it lends itself tomany kinds of movement both slow and fast, excellent rhythm, and has a nice build in intensity.
_________________________
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
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#672124 - 23/01/06 09:23 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: BansheeCat]
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member
Registered: 12/01/05
Loc: Italy
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Oh yeah, this is just the topic I was lookin for!!! This is exactly what I've been trying to do. I think that I am only a little performer by now  , i' m not a great spinner or a professional mover, but this is because I was trying to do exactly what you've been discussing till now for a year (that' s the time I' ve been juggling with poi)... The matter is that I can' t put together the plans theory and the dance. When I dance I [censored] the plans theory, and I think this is not very good because of the effects on watchers, I think it' s a kind of chaos, but when I dance I cannot THINK about my movements, I only let myself into the music and my legs and arms move themselves without the help of reason. This is why I' m in a little bit of chrisis (sorry for my English) and because of my mania to HAVE A STYLE and not to MAKE MOVEMENTS (I think like Aliosha that it' s more important the style than the movements) I' m in trouble and I' m struggling to find a way to do that. Plans and dance: is it possible? I saw Yuta's video and I think so, but THINKING about the plans while dancing, isn' t it a way to limit yourself's movements? ...  I dunno!!! I know Acciaio and I understand what he says about his style, it' s true, it' s a bit rigid, but it' s wonderful how he can manage with all that movement-and-tricks stuff... I' m really living a chrisis in my way of poi-spinning >_<
_________________________
***Feelings are anarchist - I feel - I am an anarchist***
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#672125 - 24/01/06 04:11 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: dawn2dusk]
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eat my face before i eat yours
Registered: 09/02/05
Loc: Torquay, UK
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guys as a dancer i think that i have identifed a few problems in what you are trying to do. Ever thought of putting the poi down and just enjoying the music first? i mean there is no feeling like spinning poi to some good toonage but if you want to do it well then you have to be able to shake that ass first. I recomend that those of you wanting to learn how to dance well is just to watch other people, music videos etc and pick up the moves and style you like. Use this to learn from, copy if you want to. The most important thing about learning to dance well is that it is compleatly up to you what you do, there are little or no rules or set moves in freestyle dancing. Let go and just love it. My advise to get confidence up in learning is to keep your elbows and your head up high. listen to some funky house http://s25.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2UPSOKIUS6JMM2D9HX5RY1CMFY (right clicky and saveage) this is some coolio toons i find for dancing to. or if you like some hardstyle toonage, give this a go. http://www.sendspace.com/file/3qpyb1 (same) I even do private dance lessons, ask nate
Edited by poi-poi nick (24/01/06 04:18 AM)
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#672128 - 25/01/06 01:45 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: arashi]
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member
Registered: 12/01/05
Loc: Italy
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I' ve found www.templeofpoi.com ... they give DANCE LESSONS for poi spinners... but I think it' s in Chicago... groan... =_= (their videos are GREAT!!!)
_________________________
***Feelings are anarchist - I feel - I am an anarchist***
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#672129 - 25/01/06 02:02 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: dawn2dusk]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Written by: dawn2dusk
(I think like Aliosha that it' s more important the style than the movements)
I think that?
Well, yes, mostly when I am with people with an awesome technique and very stiff. Then, when I am with people that flow and with no technique, I think they need moves.
In a (Swedish) word: lagom. The magic is the middle way.
Now, other things:
>The matter is that I can' t put together the plans theory and the dance.
weird me, no matter what, I CANNOT dance if I don't use the plane theory. I feel dirty, not nice.
Even too much, I have to CONSCIOUSLY change planes if I am performing for a circle of watchers, and I don't like it too much.
>I saw Yuta's video and I think so, but THINKING about the plans
>while dancing, isn' t it a way to limit yourself's movements?
let's go all metaphoric again: I am learning German now, for the no small reason I am trying to live in Berlin (minus 20 celsius, yoh!). Now: every time I try to speak, I slow down trying to remember the right pronouns, the word I forget, the grammar, the dative and genitive, the verb declination, all that stuff. After a while I switch back to English, feeling rotten. HOW CAN YOU COMMUNICATE AND THINK TO ALL THAT STUFF?
The point it: you don't. English is not my mother language, nor French nor Swedish: but I can have a nice conversation without thinking about the grammar. I had to learn it, it was difficult; and then I forgot it, and something else (a part of me I don't consider me, something there inside) thinks about it, makes it happen.
The same with moves: when I think about the moves, I become stiff, I don't flow. Last time I REALLY changed my style (learning to integrate isolations and suchlike) I was feeling stiff, I did not like dance anymore. And then, after some months of "I am awful", the magic happened again.
You need both. And you cannot skip the "I think about something that should be automatic" part, since you HAVE to get there.
> bender
dunno, I really think that capoeira does NOT help. Not much hip movement, and the footwork (at least the angola palmares one, my style) does not integrate too well with the poi, it's supposed to allow you to feint and dodge and attack, not to RELLY REALLY dance.
I would not mind learning the aerial, though; I gave up.
>nickwidd
>Ever thought of putting the poi down and just enjoying the music first?
of course, that's what I do
>I recomend that those of you wanting to learn how to dance well is just to watch
>other people, music videos etc and pick up the moves and style you like
that's what I did, up to now. (there must be a reason people used to ask if I was a professional dances, after my performances) I just think I need some STRUCTURED moves. I am looking for a bellydance and a taiji course here in Berlin.
I still don't know how to say bellydance in German (Bauchtanz? Well, my spellchecker says it exists, I could be on the right track)
_________________________
---
"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672130 - 25/01/06 02:58 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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newbie
Registered: 23/01/06
Loc: colerne nr Bath
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Hi! I was really interested in your take on the relationship between dance and spinning. At the moment I am training to be a contemporary dancer but i have also spun for about 3 years. And I know totally what you mean when you say once you start thinking about it, things become stuck. My Dad is also a capoeira teacher and i have done a bit of that. I don't think capoeira really helps my spinning, i'd definitely say contemporary dance really has improved the way in which i move when i spin. Anyway it's nice to know people are thinking about dance!
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#672131 - 26/01/06 12:24 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: morwenna_tea]
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Stream Entrant
Registered: 13/06/01
Loc: Melbourne
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Re: hints? What should a spinner look for? Aliosha, I don’t do martial arts, can’t dance either, but I have lots of opinions As far a body movement goes, I don’t think there is a lot of difference between dance and martial arts. There’s even a photo in my friends ninja book of a master ninja and a Latin dancer, dancing. The caption points out the similarity of both arts. Capoira is a dance, and when you say “..not much hip movement, and the footwork (at least the angola palmares one, my style) does not integrate too well with the.... ” I’m thinking that may be your problem; not enough hip movement. Perhaps some middle eastern dance would help.
_________________________
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
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#672134 - 29/01/06 02:02 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Stone]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Written by: Stone
As far a body movement goes, I don’t think there is a lot of difference between dance and martial arts. There’s even a photo in my friends ninja book of a master ninja and a Latin dancer, dancing. The caption points out the similarity of both arts.
Well, exception mate that one (dancing) goes with the music, and the other does not need to (of course, it goes with it's internal music; but that's a different thing).
They both make you smooth (in different ways, and it depends on the dance/martial arts), but, well, for following the music, I DO think one is better than the other.
Written by: Stone
Capoira is a dance, and when you say “..not much hip movement, and the footwork (at least the angola palmares one, my style) does not integrate too well with the.... ” I’m thinking that may be your problem; not enough hip movement. Perhaps some middle eastern dance would help.
Dunno, capoeira is a martial art, capoeira is a kind of music, capoeira is a lifestyle.
How can you say "capoeira is a dance", that's it? My style of capoeira is not very danced, at all. And, still, I don't think the capoeira footwork, the jinga, is very useful for spinners. I was trying it out the other day, it just don't make sense to me.
And:
>I’m thinking that may be your problem; not enough hip movement
OF COURSE it's my problem! It's not like I am trying to solve the "hunger in the world" thingie or so. I mean, I would not mind, but I would not know where to start; while I know I have to start taking dance classes.
_________________________
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"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672135 - 30/01/06 10:01 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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member
Registered: 20/01/05
Loc: south germany
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amigo del luz ciao de alemania mannheim is talking we are planning to put some dancers and spinners together in a big pot and mix it for one day it will be soon so if u are interested just send doro on goldorox a mail come down u can sleep in our flat esta no problemo for berlin i know a girl dancer studiying at the university she is one of the best there i´m sure she got some contacts for u so if u are  let us know by the way capitain arashi let us some keys in our brain we just try to find the doors for them some fit in the lock but the doors are huge and heavy peace light and bauchtanz ; ) hier wird dir geholfen ap + doro
_________________________
peace and light
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#672136 - 30/01/06 10:01 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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member
Registered: 20/01/05
Loc: south germany
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amigo del luz
ciao de alemania
mannheim is talking - 8 degrees
we are planning to put some dancers and spinners together in a big pot and mix it for one day
it will be soon so if u are interested just send doro on goldorox a mail
come down u can sleep in our flat esta no problemo
for berlin i know a girl dancer studiying at the university she is one of the best there i´m sure she got some contacts for u
so if u are let us know
by the way capitain arashi let us some keys in our brain we just try to find the doors for them some fit in the lock but the doors are huge and heavy
peace light and bauchtanz ; )
hier wird dir geholfen
ap + doro
Edited by alphalight (30/01/06 10:04 AM)
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#672139 - 02/02/06 04:51 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: dawn2dusk]
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wandering thru the woods of WI
Registered: 27/01/06
Loc: Wisconsin
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so far i found that as a beginner (really really beginner) movement is difficult cause i am still trying to get that feel and rhythm with poi but i need to get comfortable and relax so i like to try and include a little latin and belly dancing...music with a heavy drum beat lend themselves well to this, right now i like the karminske experience take comfort all you beatless people you are not alone
_________________________
Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed
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#672140 - 03/02/06 01:08 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: faith enfire]
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Stream Entrant
Registered: 13/06/01
Loc: Melbourne
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Aliosha, just start something. Did you check the free lessons at bust a move?
_________________________
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
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#672141 - 03/02/06 09:58 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Stone]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Look, bustamovefanboy, since I am dancing 3 nights a week and training 3 nights a week, would you care to gimme your bustamove-8-days-per-week-gizmo so that I can start something else?  And, yes: I don't care for salsa, waltz is something you learn in one hour (I waltz on stilts, thankyouverymuch), swing, oh, COME ON, swing and spin? And foxtrot. Ok. Next time I have to dress up for a 1920 party, I know where to look to learn foxtrot. Thanks. I am in debt. So: do you get a share of the money they charge?
_________________________
---
"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672142 - 07/02/06 12:55 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Stream Entrant
Registered: 13/06/01
Loc: Melbourne
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Aliosha, wot’s your problem? U don’t like the free bustamove hip hop lessons. The fox trot and swing are too difficult. Salsa’s too hot for you. Hmmm, looks like will never learn to move your hips or grind or booty. Last suggestion, try the gumboot shuffle. and learn about dance. What's not shared is lost.
_________________________
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
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#672143 - 07/02/06 01:04 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Stone]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Stone, what is YOUR problem?
_________________________
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"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672147 - 07/02/06 01:44 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: _Clare_]
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Are you up for it??
Registered: 08/12/04
Loc: Auckland
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_________________________
Are you up for it?
;)
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#672148 - 07/02/06 01:56 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: FireByNite]
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still can't believe it's not butter
Registered: 14/11/01
Loc: Melbourne, Australia
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i like happy people sono e felicita! happy happy happy!
_________________________
Laugh Often, Smile Much, Post lolcats Always
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#672149 - 07/02/06 06:27 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: bender]
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Basu gasu bakuhatsu - because sometimes buses explode
Registered: 21/07/03
Loc: Angel's Landing, USA
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I think someones missing the point of silliness in this thread.
First ask yourself-
"Is there ONE RIGHT way to DANCE with poi?"
The answer is no.
If you take any dance style, or martial arts, or any type of movement and integrate it with your spinning, I'm sure you'll find the one way to dance with poi that is uniquely your own and makes you
Look at Nick's exaggerated smooth clowny style born from yoga and moving circles down the spine, watch oli's crazy monkey madness with quick direction changes and longarm with isolations, or yuta's martial artist jumps and kicking, Andy/poibox simple clean moves, or fluffy napalm fairy's hip moving
There is no one right way to dance with the poi.
Just find what suits your personality and aquire/steal it for your dancing
Ta
_________________________
To do: More Firedrums 08 video? Wildfire/US East coast fire footage LA/EDC glow/fire footage Fresno fire <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ubbrollsmile.gif" alt="" />
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#672150 - 07/02/06 11:02 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: KaelGotRice]
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newbie
Registered: 23/01/06
Loc: colerne nr Bath
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Yeah, i totally agree. Its about finding what's comfortable for you. Although dance classes can really help you to connect to your body. Yesterday i went to a really cool popping, locking and boogaloo workshop! it was amazing!
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#672151 - 07/02/06 11:50 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: KaelGotRice]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Written by: KaelGotRice
"Is there ONE RIGHT way to DANCE with poi?"
The answer is no.
If you take any dance style, or martial arts, or any type of movement and integrate it with your spinning, I'm sure you'll find the one way to dance with poi that is uniquely your own and makes you
I often miss points, lines and whole planes. I have a lot of creative ways of being stupid.
Still: I totally agree. There is not a single way to dance with poi; I have my style, and I more or less feel I can integrate it with something else, structurated in a different way.
I know that, for me, capoeira does not work, and contact improvisation neither (I love both, I do both; and actually, I think that CI mixes well with contact ball and contact staff, so not all is lost).
I was wondering what other people felt that mixed well, having to start something new. I was more or less convinced to try ballett, just to feel stupid; now I think I'll go for bellydance. And tango, but only because the überdrama makes me laugh.
Like, there is not a single way to write, but it's always good to listen to other writers advices. Then maybe think "bulllshit, I'll do it my own way".
"Style is what you cannot avoid doing"
_________________________
---
"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672152 - 08/02/06 09:28 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Stream Entrant
Registered: 13/06/01
Loc: Melbourne
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I’m just back from UberOZ where we learnt much about combining dance with poi. So, as a suggestion, I recommend checking out one of the Uber Workshops. They rock. Cheers
_________________________
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
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#672153 - 08/02/06 10:14 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Stone]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Sounds super cool.
Too bad I was on the other side of the planet. :-(
_________________________
---
"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#672154 - 10/02/06 02:52 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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Stream Entrant
Registered: 13/06/01
Loc: Melbourne
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Aliosha, the workshops were cool. And they do help you to find the “inner dancer”. Well worth the 4000 km trip for me to attend.
So do you do hardstep?
_________________________
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
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#672156 - 11/02/06 09:18 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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lurker
Registered: 22/03/02
Loc: Nashville, TN
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Written by: Aliosha
Dunno: what's hardstep?
if you're talking jungle, my map has it somewhere in between techstep and darkstep.
-- dut
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#672157 - 11/02/06 11:57 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Dut]
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HOP's glowstick ambassador!!
Registered: 16/08/05
Loc: Bay Area, California
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In my experience I've found that dancing comes naturally when you concentrate less on new moves and more on perfecting and adding passion to what you already know.
Spinning to music you love helps massively as well during practice sessions
_________________________
missegyptology: "I just remember beingall off balance and unicycling really fast down to campus and the arabic was all blurred on the page"
^When Linz pulls an all nighter before Arabic class^
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#672158 - 11/02/06 12:37 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Dut]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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#672159 - 19/02/06 01:22 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Aliosha]
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newbie
Registered: 17/02/06
Loc: Münchendorf, AUSTRIA
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I'd say music is actually a thing you can't really dance without. I think those of you, that make shows also use music in them. The dancing thing is more than just complicated. After two and a half years of poi spinning I still feel kind of stiff and unmoved  . I think I need to see myself on a video to change that . How is your experience? twirling greets chris
_________________________
Think but never worry for tomorrow will come anyway
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#672160 - 19/02/06 02:47 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: chris19]
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HOP's glowstick ambassador!!
Registered: 16/08/05
Loc: Bay Area, California
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I think music is crucial, I've never found myself getting into that trance, or that complete intense poi vibe without it.
Not to mention choreography, or even limited choreography depending on high and low points in the music can be one of the biggest factors on how well a performance is taken.
_________________________
missegyptology: "I just remember beingall off balance and unicycling really fast down to campus and the arabic was all blurred on the page"
^When Linz pulls an all nighter before Arabic class^
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#672161 - 19/02/06 08:32 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Ange_GSC]
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master of disaster
Registered: 08/03/04
Loc: New York
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I find it depends on the mood.
Most times when I get in the 'zone' its because the music's doing its thing
However, the best time and best 'zone' I was in I'd hafta say was when there was no music and I was spinning on a floating dock and the sky was full of stars and the mist was on the water......
I found that at that moment the dance, and movement there came more from the poi, the rush of the flames, and the spiritual energy
_________________________
kyrian: I've felt your finger connect with me many times
lou kitten: sneaky little meatball..
ezz: please corrupt me more
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#672163 - 21/02/06 02:06 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: Ange_GSC]
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member
Registered: 31/07/03
Loc: Berlin, somewhere
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Written by:
However, the best time and best 'zone' I was in I'd hafta say was when there was no music and I was spinning on a floating dock and the sky was full of stars and the mist was on the water......
I agree, same for me.
But.
After having studied some meditation (and read quite a bit about it), I more or less make a distinction between "the Zone" (or meditative state) and Trance.
Tentative definition, for me:
The Zone is when you are TOTALLY present in the present, when you are not planning or remembering or worrying, you are just going with the flow and everything just happens in place; trance is when all that happens, and "YOU" (the you that thinks "I am") is not ever there.
So: I can get into the Zone with enough time, in a nice-nondisturbing place, WITHOUT audience (because, if there is, I am either too conscious of it, or working too much about NOT being conscious about it). At least, no audience I am aware of. And that's just me, my movements, my tools; and perfect, natural consciousness of all of it.
And then there is trance. It did not happen often, but it happened always in the same kind of situation: live music playing for me (and me firedancing for the players) and an audience. It usually goes like this: I start, after a while something goes
*SNAP*
and I am totally into it. I don't remember almost anything, when I recover consciousness 30 or so minutes afterwards, when I become aware of the people clapping hands, the music ending, that I am panting and sweated–
and that it was REALLY good.
But: no memories, no consciousness, no awareness.
For what I know, music (and a music that follows you, when you follow it) is necessary for my trances; I am not sure about the public, but, hej, who would try SO HARD (me, and the players) without people looking.
Any idea?
(gosh, this COULD be a thread on it's own: trance and meditation in spinning?)
_________________________
---
"Angels fly because they don't take themselves too seriously"
G.C. Chesterson
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#930474 - 25/03/11 08:35 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: mcp]
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stranger
Registered: 25/03/11
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hie all , i am new and only just started learning poi was looking for any lessons in the dublin meath area , can do a few moves but have gone a bit stagnant need help
ty
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#930478 - 25/03/11 08:56 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: majortwist]
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Unofficial Chairperson of Squirrel Defense League
Registered: 02/12/07
Loc: South Africa
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Try the "Meet Others" section. Or just hit Youtube. There are plenty of useful things there.
_________________________
'We're all mad here. I'm mad, you're mad." [said the Cat.]
"How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice.
"You must be," said the Cat, "Or you wouldn't have come here."
- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland
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#930497 - 26/03/11 12:38 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: aston]
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stranger
Registered: 25/03/11
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thank you  , ohh tried you tube and getting the tricks an't the prob or maybeit is but i can not see where i an going wrong i am a total novice
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#932034 - 17/05/11 11:06 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: majortwist]
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stranger
Registered: 20/05/10
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dance courses for spinners are not in ready supply in usa. i have taught classes for incorporating poi into ballet salsa tango and more modern dance style routines for some time now, but always in central america and europe. also i have found that this has some to do with the fact that the majority of american spinners are more tech oriented so the dance is designed around the tech rather than the opposite. i think that dance classes would help many people but also i think more info for expressive movement with poi is needed i hope to make some tutorials when i can find a good camera
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#935190 - 30/11/11 06:18 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: mcp]
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stranger
Registered: 26/11/11
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_________________________
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#935194 - 30/11/11 09:44 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: oppomix13]
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The Poi Spinning Undead
Registered: 19/04/11
Loc: Austin, Texas, United States
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Discowraps, did you ever make those tutorials?
_________________________
Question everything.
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#935221 - 02/12/11 12:40 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: adeathlyaura]
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Flying Water Muppet
Registered: 20/05/03
Loc: Edin-borrow.
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?
_________________________
"the now legendary" - Kaskade
"the still legendary" - Kaskade
I spunked in my friend's aquarium and the fish ate it. I love all fish. Especially the pink ones. They are my bitches. - Anon.
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#935515 - 31/12/11 10:33 PM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: mcp]
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The Poi Spinning Undead
Registered: 19/04/11
Loc: Austin, Texas, United States
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Discowraps mentioned possibly making tutorials on expressive movement with poi. I'd like to see something like that.
_________________________
Question everything.
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#935666 - 12/01/12 09:29 AM
Re: dance lessons for spinners
[Re: adeathlyaura]
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stranger
Registered: 27/02/11
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I'd like to see videos on that also.
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