Dr. Kate Riegle van West of SpinPoi is interviewed live on BBC World News TV by Kasia Madera to discuss how poi can help us relax and destress amongst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Project features SpinPoi’s work in aged care, including interviews with SpinPoi founder Kate and retirement village residents
Dr. Kate Riegle van West receives a grant from Fund the Flow Arts to conduct the first research on poi as a form of bilateral stimulation within EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing).
A new song about using poi to help conquer our fears, The Magic’s Inside of You (Poi Song), is released with Itty Bitty Beats and Levity Beat.
SpinPoi is selected as one of the top 100 innovations for the HundrED Global Collection, highlighting the brightest education innovations from around the world in 2025.
SpinPoi reaches a new milestone, with over 100 Certified SpinPoi Instructors working across 5 continents, 20 countries, and 65 cities.
SpinPoi is featured in The Conversation article on how the entrepreneurial mindset helps bridge the gap between academia and real-world impact.
Dr. Kate Riegle van West’s work with SpinPoi is featured in the University of Auckland’s International Student campaign.
Dr. Kate Riegle van West presents on a panel around working with social circus as a tool for human development and social change while prioritizing inclusion, diversity, accessibility and wellbeing.
SpinPoi teams up with The Kidney Society and New Zealand music duo Aro to debute a poi video targeting key areas to prevent or slow the progression of Kidney Disease for World Kidney Day.
Dr. Kate Riegle van West presents the clinical applications of working with poi to improve wellbeing at the 30th Annual Australia and New Zealand Association for Leisure Studies Conference.
Dr. Kate Riegle van West presents at three events across the University of Auckland to support the next generation of PhD students in transitioning into the entrepreneurial space.
SpinPoi teams up with The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center in Kansas City, USA, to facilitate training on working with poi as a therapeutic tool.
Mable Wharekawa-Burt speaks with Dr. Kate Riegle van West at the Taikura kapa haka celebration in Wellington
Dr. Kate Riegle van West is featured at the University of Auckland seminar Successful Career Pivoting with Liz Barry.
Dr. Kate Riegle van West of SpinPoi is interviewed by Lourdes on the 8th Level Podcast.
SpinPoi collaborates with Massey University to create a follow-along poi video to improve wellbeing for people with dementia as part of the MinDArT project.
Dr. Kate Riegle van West of SpinPoi is interviewed on the CircusTalk panel discussion “Bring Your Social Circus To Work Day” hosted by Craig Quat
RVerTV News covers Certified SpinPoi Instructor Rain’s SpinPoi class for older adults at the Quartzsite Senior Center in Arizona.
SpinPoi sets off on an Asia Pacific tour, providing certification training in Australia and Bali in collaboration with the Bali Flow Temple, Hovi Club, and Hovi Assisted Saba.
Rane and Jo from the Garden of Yoga interview Dr. Kate Riegle van West on The Flow Artists Podcast, from her youth in a circus in Normal, Illinois through to her PhD in New Zealand.
“Poi therapy venture spins around the world ” – the University of Auckland Business School & Centre for Entrepreneurship share SpinPoi’s global impact.
The team of Certified SpinPoi Instructors has grown to include facilitators based in Africa, Asia, Central America, North America, Europe, and Oceania.
SpinPoi’s original waiata “Spin Your Poi”, created in collaboration with Levity Beet and Lu & Tu (Lucy Hiku and Tumanako Tinirau), is featured on the new TVNZ kids show Toi Time.
SpinPoi presents at the Functional Juggling Conference at Inspiralcircus in Budapest, an event focused on enhancing the accessibility of circus arts for all ages and abilities.
SpinPoi receives one of 12 New Music Kids grants from New Zealand On Air, to create a music video for the original waiata Tell Me How You Feel.
SpinPoi is awarded a Callaghan Innovation Grant to complete R&D on a new foundational physical product.
Dr. Kate Riegle van West is selected as one of the University of Auckland’s 40 inspiring alumni aged 40 and under in 2021.
SpinPoi celebrates this United Nations initiative with a free nation-wide virtual poi session for older adults, their families, and health care professionals.
SpinPoi releases a new line of certifications focused on Early Childhood Education (ECE).
SpinPoi’s color-your-own-poi are featured in Upstart Magazine, the only NZ produced and nationally distributed magazine for kiwi kids aged 13 and under.
SpinPoi presents at the National UPBEAT Conference 2021 in Rotorua for those with early onset Parkinson’s.
Behavioral Therapist Morgan Dolginow interviews Dr. Kate Riegle van West about her poi/wellbeing career on The Art of Flow podcast. Available on Spotify, iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Google Play, and YouTube.
SpinPoi hosts a community poi/health workshop at Wellbeing Day Out in partnership with Oceania Healthcare, Mt Eden Rotary, and the Albert-Eden Local Board.
Dr. Kate Riegle van West is chosen to attend the University of Auckland’s Velocity entrepreneurship development program for high-potential individuals who have demonstrated resilience in pursuing their venture.
The Auckland Council and Papakura Local Board support a series of SpinPoi workshops and facilitator training to support the 65+ community in Papakura.
The poi group at Middlemore Hospital led by Certified SpinPoi Instructor & Rehab Therapy Assistant Joanne Paton is one of the largest and most accessible activities on the ward.
The first resources for pre-schoolers are released with the Pre-School Pack, a curriculum based resource that utilizes poi to develop key physical and cognitive skills.
SpinPoi becomes an approved Community Group Strength and Balance Class through the Live Stronger for Longer program.
SpinPoi tutorials are included in the first wellness app for people with Parkinson’s. Search “110 Fitness” in the app store of your Apple or Android device to find out more.
Spin Your Poi, SpinPoi’s first original song, is now available on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, and across other streaming platforms.
In this episode of Assist and Adapt Co-host Maria interviews Dr. Kate Riegle van West and takes a deep dive into SpinPo, the research on poi and health, and how poi can be applied to Parkinson’s, corporate wellness, kids, and seniors.
Dr. Kate Riegle van West of SpinPoi is interviewed live on BBC World News TV by Kasia Madera to discuss how poi can help us relax and destress amongst the COVID-19 pandemic.
SpinPoi releases a new follow-along music video for kids to the original song Spin Your Poi, as part of a project funded by Creative New Zealand.
SpinPoi spearheads the first research on poi and Parkinson’s disease, in conjunction with three organizations across the globe, which shows promise for improving quality of life.
Northbridge Lifecare Trust wins 1st place in the Live Life Loud music video competition sponsored by SpinPoi, Aged Care Lifestyle Consulting, NZSDRT, and DRTA.
Dr. Kate Riegle van West is this month’s Featured Expert at the HandEyeBody Academy for coordination training.
SpinPoi and Tai Chi Bruno launch a new virtual class that combines circus arts and meditation techniques to help you relax, centre and revitalise.
SpinPoi launches a new line of Signature sock poi and Boutique poi, created by certified SpinPoi instructor Janine Warne of Aged Care Lifestyle Consulting.
Dr. Kate Riegle van West is interviewed by David Hartnell about her greatest fears, her motivation in life, and her favorite comfort food.
SpinPoi is awarded a Creative New Zealand Arts Council Grant towards the development and production of SpinPoi Kids music videos
SpinPoi teams up with award winning New Zealand children’s musician Levity Beet to create a fun follow-along poi routine for kids.
Dr. Riegle van West is one of the guest lecturers in a series of webinars for seniors presented by Koelsh Senior Communities in the USA.
ABC News covers the SpinPoi classes happening at the Northeastern Senior Center in Pennsylvania, USA.
Following the SpinPoi tour, Sport Wellington releases the article “How Poi Can Improve Your Health” including video footage of the SpinPoi facilitator training session in Wellington.
For the month of February SpinPoi hits the road across New Zealand to support health care and aged care organizations in implementing poi programs.
Two poi in aged care guides have been revamped and are the first resources to be available in print from the SpinPoi shop.
The SpinPoi Beginner Routines series is released, featuring two beautiful poi routines and step-by-step tutorial videos.
Dr. Kate Riegle van West presents poi research and a hands-on workshop to Deputy Vice-Chancellors from universities across the globe at the Universitas 21 Senior Leader Conference.
SpinPoi takes second place in the University of Auckland Velocity 100K Challenge for entrepreneurs, winning $15k in seed capital and a place in the VentureLab incubator.
SpinPoi teams up with Age Concern Nelson Tasman to deliver a series of trainings for health care and age care professionals on poi as a therapeutic intervention.
An article entitled “Nelson-Tasman poi workshops offer hands-on help for health” is released by Stuff in anticipation of the Nelson SpinPoi workshops.
SpinPoi presents two workshops for age care professionals at the New Zealand Diversional & Recreational Therapists National Conference.
The University of Auckland awards Dr. Kate Riegle van West the Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries Prize for Best Doctoral Thesis, 2018.
The first SpinPoi instructor certification launches with the Poi in Aged Care (PAC) Rest Home & Hospital Certification.
MindMatters Issue 24 from Dementia Auckland features an article on Spinoi and how twirling a weight on a cord may improve cognitive function.
An article detailing the results of the first scientific study on poi and health is published in the peer-reviewed Jour
SpinPoi launches the first comprehensive video course aimed at facilitators, focused on the fundamentals of poi for all ages and abilities.
Learn about the origins of poi and how it spread across the globe in this new video about the history of poi.
Research on poi and health is presented at the FitEx conference, which features the latest in science and business for the fitness and exercise industry.
New Zealand current affairs show features Kate’s work with poi and health at Selwyn retirement village, including interviews with residents and staff.
New resources for poi in aged care are launched, providing a framework for implementing poi programs in aged care facilities across different levels of care.
The article “What poi can do for your health” features an interview with Kate regarding her research and her post PhD poi/health endeavors.
The International Jugglers Association interviews Kate about growing up in the circus, and the path that led her to pursue PhD research on poi and health.
Kate was featured in the Unleash Your Potential Heroes Campaign, which showcases University of Auckland alumni who are innovators in their careers.
The first PhD on poi, health, and older adults was awarded from the University of Auckland to the now Dr. Kate Riegle van West. Click to read the full dissertation.
Kate wins the Velocity Innovation Challenge Social Entrepreneurship prize for her innovative work in the field of poi and health.
A collaboration between Kate and the Selwyn Village Diversional Therapy Team has begun, to create a poi/health program and resources for Selwyn staff and residents.
Kūtere begins with a heartbeat. A single poi calling out in the space between ground and sky. Between forest and city. Between where we’ve come from and where we’re going…
An interview with Kate is featured in the University of Auckland 2018 International Prospectus, representing “Research and Innovation at the University.”
“The exercise every over-60 should be doing.” Tracy Adshead interviews Kate Riegle van West about the health benefits of poi for older adults in this article on www.oversixty.com
Kate speaks about how learning new things (like poi!) can be fun and good for your health on 95bFM’s Ready Steady Learn.
Poi research wins the prestigious Future Leader Award from The Royal Society Te Apārangi Early Career Researcher (ECR) Forum. The competition celebrates postgraduate students innovations and discoveries.
Kate is one of three University of Auckland researchers invited to present school workshops at the No Barriers – Small Island, Big Ideas Conference on Great Barrier Island.
TVNZ One News interviews poi study participant Marlene Stratton along with Kate Riegle van West to discuss the health benefits of poi for older adults.
Radio New Zealand article weaves together scientific data and interviews with kapa haka performer Puti Mackey, poi research participant Jocelyn Fausett, and researcher Kate Riegle van West.
Hania Douglas from Te Karere, a New Zealand news and current affairs programme broadcast in the Māori language, interviews Kate and study participant Marlene.
Te Kāea, Māori Television nightly news interviews Kate and her participants about the first research study on poi, and opportunities to continue poi / health research in the future.
Dale Husband from Parakuihi Breakfast with Dale interviews Kate about her poi research study and the benefits of poi on physical and cognitive function in healthy older adults.
Poi the ‘gold standard of exercise for older adults’ – Practising poi has benefits on physical and cognitive function in healthy older adults, an Auckland University study has concluded.
Presentation at the Auckland University Professional Staff Conference on the trials and tribulations of following your passion, and how sometimes innovation and inspiration can be found where you’d least expect.
After a year and a half long clinical trial with 79 healthy older adults, the results are in! Both the Tai Chi group and the Poi group improved balance, grip strength, memory, and attention after one month of practice.
Making a living off of a ball on a cord isn’t easy! Patreon is an ongoing crowdfunding site where you can donate as little as $1 a month and help support poi research, plus get exclusive updates and rewards!
“How I overcame rejection to turn my love of poi into research: Kate Riegle van West had to battle to bring her circus life and her academic life together…”
“Dance Studies doctoral student, Kate Riegle van West, is conducting the first research study to measure the effects of International Poi on physical and cognitive function in healthy older adults.
SpinPoi was a recipient of the 2016-17 Seed Grant Cycle from Fund the Flow Arts, a US-based nonprofit organization established to present and promote the Flow Arts globally.
“A researcher who is looking into the health benefits of twirling a poi is in a spin after winning a hard-fought global thesis competition. Kate Riegle van West came all the way from the US to study at Auckland University…”
Poi research and the 3 Minute Thesis competition win are featured in El Mercurio, a national circulation newspaper from Chile.
Kate was awarded 1st place in the International U21 3MT competition! “From circus performer to award winning doctoral candidate…Kate’s win reminds us that excellent students come from all walks of life.”
Preliminary results of the poi and health trial were presented at the New Zealand Association of Gerontology 2016 “Making active ageing a reality” conference in Wellington, NZ.
Kate was announced the Doctoral Winner and the People’s Choice of the University of Auckland 2016 Three Minute Thesis competition. She will go on to compete at the Asia / Pacific competition in Brisbane.
“For many of us in the Flow Arts, we are aware there is a connection between spinning and our personal wellness. One of the people leading the way in this area is Kate Riegle van West…”
Tim Wilson from TV ONE’s Seven Sharp gives poi a go and speaks with Kate about International Poi’s potential to keep older adults physically and cognitively fit.
Kathryn Ryan from Radio New Zealand’s Nine to Noon program interviews Kate about the poi clinical trial, what she’s found out so far, and implications for the future.
A pākehā from America studying poi? I am often met with confusion, curiosity, and sometimes skepticism when explaining my research on poi and health…
Seniors Newspaper speaks with Kate at the International Federation on Ageing 13th Global Conference in Australia, where she presented the preliminary results of the poi clinical trial.
Preliminary results of the poi and health trial were presented at two international conferences, the International Federation on Ageing 13th Global Conference in Brisbane, and the World Congress on Active Ageing in Melbourne.
A short documentary on the first clinical trial to measure the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function in healthy older adults. Click to view!
Forty healthy older adults began a clinical trial at the University of Auckland, to see if there is an effect of poi on physical and cognitive function.
An article about the upcoming poi research study was released in local Auckland newspapers: “There are hidden health benefits behind one of the oldest Maori traditions. This is what student Kate Riegle-Van West is trying to prove…”
Thanks to many generous donors, SpinPoi raised enough money to conduct the first clinical trial to measure the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function in healthy older adults.
Kate and the Orbitar were featured in the Columbia College Chicago DEMO Magazine article “Top 20s: Alumni Making Their Mark in Careers They Love”.
Kate performs with The Orbitar at TEDx Beacon Street, and talks about the power of poi as a tool for play, and its future potential everywhere from schools to nursing homes.
The Orbitar is featured in the Electronic Art Gallery at Salisbury University during their “Summer Shorts” Exhibition.
The Orbitar, a new digital instrument rooted in poi which creates live audio soundscapes, had its debut performance at the Stage Two Theatre in Chicago. Click to view a video of the show.
Kate presents at the College Arts Association Conference as part of the New Media Caucus. Her research/presentation was also published in the Media-N Journal.
The Geometry of Poi, originally a 4 channel video installation, was a finalist at the International Digital Graffiti Festival in Florida, where it was projected life size on the side of a building during the festival.