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.
"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."
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."
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.
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