Rotorua poi fit classes a twist on the traditional art form

Rotorua's latest fitness class Poi Fit brings a combination of gymnastics, fitness and Maori culture into the dance studio.

Poi Fit tutor Stevee Raureti spent 12 years training in gymnastics and most of her life performing in kapa haka.

"I believe my gymnastics training really contributed to my performing style for poi," she said.

She was quick to say though that you don't have to be a trained gymnast to give Poi Fit a go.

Stevee Raureti is the tutor of a new fitness class based around poi. Photo/Stephen Parker

"Everyone and anyone can give it a go," Raureti said.

"It's very holistic and inclusive. I think what people will find the hardest is getting over that first hurdle of turning up for a class."

A standard one-hour Poi Fit class is broken down into three sections, a warm-up, skills practice and a warm-down.

During the half-hour skills section students try their hand at new poi techniques and sequences.

"It's more so the posture, coordination and the stance of gymnastics that comes into play while really being focused on poi," Raureti said."

Poi fit combines the posture, coordination and the stance of gymnastics with poi. Photo/Stephen Parker

The 15-minute warm down at the end is quite different to most classes.

While it does include stretching there is also an element of manaakitanga, which sees classes becoming a community and feeling comfortable in the space.

Raureti said the class was definitely still "a lot of a workout".

"Poi was originally used as a tool to strengthen muscles.

"It became a dance and now it has really taken on an art form."

Poi Fit tutor Stevee Raureti spent twelve years training in gymnastics and most of her life performing in kapa haka. Photo/Stephen Parker

The classes range from 20-60 people and are held twice a week.

"It's really fun, and that's what it's all about," Raurati said.

Lakes Performing Arts Company managing director Rebecca Brake said there had already been a huge interest in the classes.

The classes are run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm-6.30pm.