Glossary

Poi

Poi are two flexible lengths, weighted at one end, that are swung around the body to form patterns. They come in various forms such as Fire Poi (with Kevlar wicks), Glo Poi (these illuminate or strobe), Sock Poi (these are long socks with weights) or Flag Poi (with streamers or tails). For more information see www.HomeOfPoi.com

Staff

Staffs are usually between 60cm and 160cm long with a hand grip in the middle. Fire staffs have a Kevlar wick at each end, allowing them to be lit. Other staffs are either brightly coloured, have tassels or illuminate in some way. For more information see www.HomeOfPoi.com

Fire Swords

Fire Swords can be adapted from different type of swords either Chinese Board Swords or Japanese Katanas, the original sword is covered in Kevlar so they can be used in a fire performance. This allows the performer to produce a different type of performance for each type of sword.

Double Staff

Double staff is the technique of using two staffs at the same time. This is also referred to as Double Long-Staff or Double-Short Staff depending on the length of the staff.

Diabolo

A Diabolo is a more traditional circus skill where an egg-timer shaped object is manipulated on a string between two sticks. Think of it as a large yo-yo that is not tied to its string.

Juggling

Juggling is to manipulate objects, such as balls, clubs, beanbags, rings, etc. in an artful or artistic manner by throwing them into the air.

Contact Juggling

Contact juggling is the manipulation of objects without them leaving contact with your body! The only pop-culture reference I can find is David Bowie in the film Labyrinth (or rather a body double). For an in-depth description you could hire us! ...or go to www.ContactJuggling.org

Nunchucks / Nunchux

Nunchucks are basically two handles joined together by chain or cord. Nunchucks (or Nunchaku) were originally a Japanese farming tool used to crush rice husks they were then adopted as a discrete portable weapon. More recently they have been popularised by martial arts films most notably by Bruce Lee.

Rope Dart

Another Chinese martial arts weapon, this time a weight or dart on the end of around 4.2m (~14ft) of rope. This can then be wrapped around the body and thrown or kicked out.

Stilts

Stilts are usualy two poles with footrests that allow someone to stand or walk above the ground. This then makes the person about 8 foot tall and distinguish from quite a distance.

Wire Wool

Wire Wool is the burning of clumps of wire wool mesh in a steel cage and spun really fast to achieve a massive catharine wheel effect.