Poi Spinning for Beginners (also includes Veil Poi instruction for Belly Dancers)

Just when you thought that spinning was a cycle on your washing machine, a gym session or turning wool into yarn, and just possibly what politician PR departments are capable of, there is now Poi Spinning, or Veil Poi Spinning. I found this DVD to be of Michelle Joyce's usual excellent standard of presentation, and although known for her bellydance instructional products, this particular DVD would be beneficial to those interested in circus or theatrical performance; dance; or just looking for a different work out video; or just looking for a fun family activity - however, because poi requires a large space to move, you would want to be careful as to where you practice the poi while viewing the instructions - don't do it under your best crystal chandelier! As the presenter is in front of a studio mirror, you see all angles, plus the slow motion repeats, close-ups and practice drills are excellent, clear and concise, the only difficulty I had with this DVD, is that Ms Joyce chose to present the veil poi section with the veils the same colour palette as the drapes on either side of the mirror, giving the impression that she is twirling the curtains, thereby making this section a little difficult to view in real time. If you are looking for veil poi instructional DVD/videos, I would suggest that the viewer also purchase other veil poi DVDs  Voi (Veil & Poi): Fireless Spinning for Belly Dancers  as well to view concurrently with this product, as Michelle Joyce's Poi Spinning for Beginners DVD is more a Poi instructional DVD rather than emphasis on the veil poi, with this particular section being for a more advanced student with some experience with silk veil or some beginner veil poi (voi) lessons.

I was totally captivated when I viewd Michele's belly dance poi video on youtube. I knew then I had to learn poi or at least try. As soon as I received my instructional video, I worked dilligently and have achieved much success. With only a few lessons, I have been able to perform simple routines in performance with my dance troupe.The audience loved it! I am working on perfecting the more intricate moves before I present them to an audience. The beauty of poi spinning is captivating to the audience as the veils appear to be ribbons of fluid in the air, and depending on the multi color schemes of fabrics, these can even mimic flames!Navigating the dvd:IntroductionTypes of poiPoi movesBelly Dance veil PoiVeil Poi Performance A section on how to make your own poi is included which helped me make my own practice poi with everyday around the house objects such as 2 lyniards and 2 soft bath sponges which eases the occasional misdirected blows to the face and body.Complete mirrored instruction, a very user friendly approachable manner to learning make this dvd so enjoyable and I frequently return to it for further reference.

This woman does spin beautifully, but her video really does not help someone learn the progression to spin....instead you just watch her spinning. She is a beautiful spinner, but her video does not TEACH and instead gives visual example of spinning poi. Save your money and go on youtube for free.

This instructional is good for beginners that learn well from video. The material is easy to follow and Michelle has the cameras angled towards her and the mirror. If you don't have any experience twirling anything or using your wrists, it may be hard to understand. It has a quick segment on selection of poi, several basic movements with regular tempo and slow motion that allows you to follow, a nice demonstration on combining movements and tempos to make things look more interesting, a very quick bit on veil poi, and two performance segments.I purchased this hoping for veil poi instruction for belly dancers, but there isn't much. Basically you can use the poi veil as double and single veils with lots of spins! I was hoping for a breakdown of which belly dance moves go best with which poi veil moves. She does a bit of demonstrating traveling camels with one poi trick, mayas with another, and maybe one other thing, but otherwise everything is turns, turns, and turns. The performance looks more like poi veil that just happens to be done in a belly dance costume. I was hoping for at least a discussion on how to layer hip movements with poi movements.

I appreciate that people with passion about something will go the distance to teach others. Unfortunately, in this case the material is so far short of what is available for free and much better in YouTube. For example, in looking at types of tethers, presenter points at each going down in a row. Unfortunately, the explanation does not give pros and cons nor ways to hold. The lack of descriptions carries throughout the entire video. This video is superficial in its approach to pol. In my opinion, a waste of money. To use an old adage, this would aspire to be the "old college try" but it is just a "grade school try".

This was one of the better poi spinning DVDs I've reviewed. Michelle is fluid and graceful, and can actually keep her planes even (seriously, some other "instructors" out there can't even keep straight planes!). This would be great for a very new beginner, but doesn't get too detailed. Over all, not a bad DVD to have in your Poi library.

I liked this DVD. The instructor shows a decent inventory of poi moves for beginners. Each move is demonstrated while narrated, and shown from different angles and different speed so that the viewer can better process each new technique/move. There is a small intro about poi and the different kinds of poi, plus two veil poi performances for inspiration.

I might like it if I could play it. I can't get it to start with windows media, real player, or dell's video player. Help!