Poi spinning shop, performance arts community, fire twirling articles and juggling photos

Reel Turns

These nifty little moves are one of the simplest ways to change the spinning direction of your poi. The video shows going from forwards to backwards, and backwards to forwards. Before you know it you'll be changing direction more often than... umm... someone that hasn't learnt this move.

Forwards to Backwards

1) Start by spinning your poi in a forwards circle.

2) As the poi drop down to your legs scoop your hands up towards your armpits briefly leaving the poi to spin an arc behind your back. During this movement you step 180 degrees in the direction that feels most comfortable.

3) Voila! you should now be facing the opposite direction and as if by magic your poi will be spinning backwards.

Backwards to Forwards

1) Start by swinging your poi in a backwards circle.

2) As the poi rise towards your shoulders rise your hands just above your shoulders naturally letting your poi drop and spin an arc briefly behind your back. During this movement step 180 degrees in the direction that feels most comfortable.

3) Are you facing the other direction? are your poi spinning forwards? congratulations you just turned!

Download the iPod Video

Download Video

Related Tuition

Hip Reels, Shoulder/Hip Reels, Alt. Reels

Related Discussion Topics

  • Split Hip/Shoulder Reels Linked
    Last Post by Shaggydog on 29th February 2008
    I am trying so hard to learn this move, it looks so awsome in the tuition video! But i am having trouble, does anyone have any general tips! I have trouble doing different things with both arms, does anyone have any tips on how to sort that out, co...
  • Help with reels
    Last Post by Raven on 30th March 2008
    Hi Ok, this may sound a bit trivial to many of the more experienced spinners but I have run into a problem which I cant seem to resolve. To understand my situation I can give you a small amount of background on me. I learned to spin using esc...
  • Hip Reels/ Hand Movements
    Last Post by Garou on 10th February 2008
    Hi all, I've practicing alot (only got poi's a week ago), have already nailed butterfly, angel wings, and 3 BTW but these reels have got me! Have tried one hand at a time spinning c/wise and can do right no probs but surprise having trouble with l...