Neebha Budhoo

Durban, South Africa

I learnt to spin poi when I was dealing with all sorts of changes in my life; I thrust the uncertainty of those changes into learning how to spin. It absorbed every facet of change: uncertainty, the unknown, fear, hesitation, courage, exploration, possibility, and the thrill of something new. And since then, it’s always been something I can lose myself in, and find myself in. It’s one of the most valuable tools I have to ground my emotions, distract from anxiety, and refocus myself – a mental sanctuary.

I think SpinPoi’s work is ground breaking for so many reasons. It takes a traditional creative practice and marries it with scientific investigation. There is no limit to the benefit of indigenous art and knowledge…