What Are Veil Poi and Why They’re Perfect for Beginners
When I first discovered veil poi, I realized I had found something different from any other poi style. Veil poi aren’t just tools for spinning—they’re a mesmerizing fusion of movement and fabric, where every swing and twist creates a flowing trail of color and rhythm.
Unlike fire poi or sock poi, veil poi offer a visually captivating experience, making them ideal for beginners who want something beautiful, safe, and fun to learn. The long, lightweight veils extend each movement, making even basic spins look impressive. If you’re new to poi spinning, this visual feedback is incredibly satisfying—it reinforces your progress in real time.
What makes them even more beginner-friendly is their safety: there’s no risk of burns or heavy impacts. This is exactly why I always recommend veil poi as a starting point for anyone curious about flow arts or performance dance.
Safe, Artistic, and Versatile: The Key Advantages
From my personal experience, veil poi are perfect for:
- Complete beginners who want to learn without injury.
- Dancers looking to add a dynamic prop to their routine.
- Performers and creators interested in making visually striking content.
- Instructors teaching flow arts in workshops or classes.
Unlike traditional poi that require control and timing before they look impressive, veil poi are forgiving. The fabric slows down your movements slightly, giving you more time to react and adjust. And if you make a mistake? It still looks good!
Also, since they’re not heavy or dangerous, they can be used indoors or in public without safety concerns. This makes veil poi ideal for spontaneous performances or practice sessions.
Choosing Your First Veil Poi (And What to Avoid)
When I bought my first pair of veil poi, I had no idea what to look for. So here’s what I learned, and what you should look for too:
What to Look For:
- Length: Look for veils around 1.5–2 meters long. Too long becomes unmanageable for beginners.
- Lightweight fabric: Silk or chiffon flows better and catches light beautifully.
- Finger loops or handles: These should be comfortable and non-restrictive.
- Removable veil options: Some poi sets allow you to detach the veil for alternate spinning styles.
What to Avoid:
- Heavy fabric: It can drag or pull too hard on your hands.
- Stiff materials: Anything that doesn’t float well in the air limits the visual effect.
- Non-swiveling connectors: The poi can tangle easily if they don’t rotate freely.
Getting the right gear from the start made a huge difference for me. I could focus on enjoying the motion instead of fighting with my equipment.
Practice Ideas and Your First Performance
When you’re just starting out, don’t stress over tricks. With veil poi, basic spins, weaves, and figure 8s look magical right away. Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Mirror drills: Practice symmetrical moves with both hands to build coordination.
- Slow motion spin: Focus on making each movement slow and flowing—this helps you control the veil trail.
- Follow the music: Choose a slow instrumental track and match your movements to the beat.
Once you’re comfortable, start exploring:
- Choreography: Combine spins and poses into a short dance.
- Improvisation: Put on music and let your arms lead the veil.
- Group practice: Coordinate with others for mirrored or complementary motion.
For performances, veil poi are excellent in outdoor settings, festivals, or indoor stages with spotlighting. The combination of light, color, and motion is hard to beat.
Where to Buy Veil Poi for Beginners
Here are some of the best options I’ve found:
- HomeOfPoi – Offers a “Long Veil Poi with Carry Bag” that’s lightweight, beginner-friendly, and comes in vibrant colors.
- Etsy – Many handmade options allow you to choose your own fabric style and length.
- Flow arts retailers – Look for websites specializing in poi gear with beginner categories.
Avoid buying from generic toy shops or unknown online sellers—you want proper swivel systems, soft handles, and quality fabric that flows.
Conclusion: The Best Start to Your Poi Journey
Starting with veil poi was one of the best choices I made in my flow arts journey. It offered me a way to learn the basics while creating visually stunning routines from day one. Whether you’re a dancer, a performer, or just someone who loves to move creatively, veil poi are an ideal gateway into the world of poi spinning.
They’re beautiful, expressive, safe, and surprisingly beginner-friendly. From crafting your first performance to going viral with a swirling clip, veil poi offer endless potential.
If you’re considering where to begin—this is it.
