Inspired by the movement and prop manipulation work of Public Programs Coordinator, YET Torres, learn about Flow Arts by creating your own, unique performance prop.
Though there are a variety of props to choose from, this activity guides you through the creation of veil sock poi. Veil sock poi is one of the flow arts’ most common forms and involves swinging tethered weights through space to create a variety of rhythmical and geometric patterns.
Materials
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One pair of long over the knee socks
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Two tennis balls
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Lightweight, flowy fabric
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Scissors
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Needle and thread
Instructions
01. GATHER MATERIALS
Choose what materials you will use to create your poi. Will your socks have a pattern? What color fabric are you inspired to choose?
02. CREATE SOCK POI
Take one sock, open up the top and insert a tennis ball. Push the tennis ball down into the toe of the long sock. Next, pull and stretch out the top end of the sock. Tie a knot at the open end of the sock to act as a handle that you can swing your poi from. Repeat this entire process with the other sock.
03. ADD VEIL
Take your fabric and cut it into two, long and even pieces. Sew a small section of one end of one veil piece onto the ball end of one sock. Repeat this entire process with the other sock.
04. SPIN VEIL SOCK POI
Your veil sock poi is now ready to spin! Find a safe location with room for large movements outside your home. Take one poi in each hand, using the knots as handles. Spin your poi on both sides of you forward first, then backwards to see the visual effect the poi creates. Next, try spinning one poi forward as the other spins backwards. Breathing mindfully, play and explore spinning your veil poi through space. Be aware of the poi as it moves around you to avoid getting hit. What other directions can you spin your poi around your body?
Additional prop spinning skills can be learned on your own with enough dedication and time. Take a video and show us your moves! #MuseumFromHome #ConnectWithCAMH
About Virtual Drop-In Experiences
CAMH’s Virtual Drop-In Experiences feature instructions for pop-up activities you can do at home. Each hands-on activity provides creative opportunities to experience current exhibitions from a distance in a unique and meaningful way.
Led by our FAQ Team (Frequently Asked Questions), a group of artists and historians who assist with contextualizing CAMH’s dynamic exhibitions for diverse audiences. Virtual Drop-In Experiences are released on our website at 1PM every Saturday. All ages, always free.