History & Cultural Context
Poi is a Maori performance art in which a performer rhythmically swings one or more tethered weights ("poi") - traditionally light balls made from raupo (bulrush) attached to cords of braided harakeke (flax). It is performed by women and is usually accompanied by waiata (song). By tradition, women practised poi to keep their hands and wrists supple for weaving, while a related form was used by men to build coordination for combat.
Poi developed within Maori culture in Aotearoa New Zealand after Polynesian settlement, which radiocarbon evidence dates to approximately 1250-1350 CE. It remains widely practised today within kapa haka (Maori performing arts). See Sources for documentation.
Track Your Poi Progress
Practice Poi figures between lessons with Figure Focus — step-by-step breakdowns, floor diagrams, and progress tracking. Free to use.
What to Wear
Attire guidance for Poi and other Global Pacific Islands & Oceania dances. Each card below is sized to the moment — class, practice, social, or competition — because the wardrobe shifts as the stakes do.
Reading the cards
In Class
Comfortable clothing allowing hip and arm movement. Pareo/sarong wraps are common for Polynesian dance class.
Social Dancing
Traditional dress appropriate to the specific island culture for performances and cultural events.
Competition
Traditional costume — Hula: ti-leaf skirts, leis, specific adornments. Tahitian: more elaborate hip ornaments (more). Maori: piupiu (flax skirts) and traditional adornments.
Shoes
Barefoot is traditional and essential across Pacific Island dance forms. The connection between feet and earth/floor is spiritually and technically integral.
In Practice
Barefoot from day one — the foot-to-floor connection is part of the technique across Pacific traditions, not removable equipment.
Price Range
- Budget: Pareo $20–60; practice clothing from existing wardrobe.
- Mid: Performance attire and adornments $150–600 depending on tradition.
- Premium: Hand-crafted ceremonial pieces (lei, headdresses, piupiu) commissioned through community networks; pricing varies significantly by tradition and craftsmanship.
Key Terms
- Pareo / sarong
- Wrap-style fabric used in Polynesian and Pacific Island dance practice and performance.
- Piupiu
- Flax skirt worn in Maori traditional dance forms.
Quick Tips
- •Suede-soled shoes allow controlled sliding and pivoting — essential for most partner dances.
- •Avoid rubber soles on dance floors; they grip too much and can cause knee injuries.
- •Bring a separate pair of clean shoes for the dance floor to keep it in good condition.
Sources & Further Reading
Cultural & Historical Context
Poi emerged from New Zealand (Māori) during the -1000s—present day. Understanding the cultural roots, musical traditions, and social circumstances of this era enriches appreciation for the dance's characteristics and significance.
Primary Source Documents
The LODance Library contains original syllabi, instructional materials, and published references for dance technique and history. Search by dance name or codifier to discover primary source documents.
Last reviewed: May 2026 — This dance profile synthesizes historical research, cultural documentation, and contemporary practice knowledge to provide authoritative context.
More in Global Pacific Islands & Oceania
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Kailao
Traditional male warrior club dance tradition.
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Special dance traditionally performed by women.
Meke
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Tahitian Dance (Aparima, 'Otea)
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