Profiles in Poi: Nick Woolsey

World renowned poi spinner Nick Woolsey talks about his career in poi dance, sources of inspiration, and where he sees himself in the future of poi. Nick is probably the biggest name in poi spinning with countless tutorials, resources, and innovations under his belt. Last year I got to catch up with him at the Madskillz Juggling and Flow Festival in Vancouver, Canada and have a lengthy conversation with him about his career, what inspires him, and what he sees his role as now in the flow community.
You can download the full, uncut interview at drexfactor.com/...
/ drexfactorpoi

[@JMartJr]

Has anybody else noticed that while both Nick and Drex are excellent online poi video teachers, their approaches are just different enough that, while you can generally learn a move from either, IF you get hung up while watching one of them, and feel stuck, looking at the other's content on the same move generally gets you making progress again? Thank goodness they are both out there, and thank goodness they are BOTH out there. And thanks to both of you for what you do for the rest of us.

[@blaebrobinson895]

Arguably the most influential poi spinner out there. I remember growing up watching, "when circles dream" on repeat, completely entranced. You've inspired a generation and your philosophy and kind nature have not gone unnoticed. Thank you Nick, Much love

[@AndrewScala]

I think that the last thing Nick says in this video is probably the most relevant. "Be authentic." While countless people have gotten their start spinning poi through Nick's tutorials, the thing that's truly special about them isn't what he's teaching. Nick has a brilliant and unique aura about him that's something a lot of people have never even encountered: an intoxicating combination of passion, love, acceptance, and dedication. It would be hard to watch him and not immediately find him to be a sort of role model. Not because of his spinning (which is wonderful), but simply because of the person he is. He's immediately captivating and inspiring. That is what I'm truly grateful to him for. Despite the medium (youtube videos of all things) and that I've never actually met him, he's still managed to encourage me to strive to be a better person.

[@M1FFY]

This guy has always piqued my curiosity. playpoi You're not washed up bud! You're still killing it and from behind our keyboards we have a lot of time/respect for you!

[@kidal91]

I second what Mitch says. You've helped a lot of people, Nick.

[@me0101001000]

This guy got me started in my poi journey.

[@eavesdropswhispers2598]

Nick the the living legend!

[@taranazeruth]

mad respect for both drex and nick! You two have been my primary instructors, and remain inspiration to keep pushing myself

[@Stevo-xe9jw]

Nick, you say that hits on your videos don't mean anything, but those hits could mean a life that you've changed. YOU'RE NOT A WASHED UP ANYTHING NICK! You're one of the greatest spinners and teachers around. You're the original founder of the online poi community of today. No one person could ever thank you enough for all that you've given us. Remember, everything in life happens for a reason. Thank you so much Drex for doing this incredible interview with the one that started it all!

[@Virm05]

Nick changed my life. Nick is a legend. a humble being and a very enthusiastic individual. his tutorial vids on youtube brought me to where i am now. been spinning for 5 years. and ive been very dependent on his tutorials because there arent realy many flow art studios around my spot. thanks nick! you've changed a lot of lives. and no, you aint washed up..

[@someinterestingstuff708]

I learnt 90 percent of what i know about spinning from this guy. Thank you Nick

[@parchefl]

One of my favorites, for sure. Not many artists are this humble, especially in the poi/flow community. So many are self-absorbed, self-entitled and downright conceited...but not this guy. Great interview!

[@Ghrimm]

After picking up Poi 4 1/2 months ago i started watching Nick's videos. Best poi teacher there is and i hope to meet him some day. I hope i get to meet all of you. Every spinner is special, we all have our own style. Nick, you have inspired SO many people. You are a big reason why we all got to where we are and beyond. Thank you!

[@togosisspam4346]

Man that made me so depressed. Never would have thought such a legend thinks he is washed up. He is so bubbly and enthusiastic in his videos.

[@DrexFactor]

Togosis Spam You'd be surprised how often many of us wrestle with questions of whether we're still relevant...I do it constantly. Part of it is growing older and part of it is the pressures that inevitably come from being in the public eye. The longer you're a part of that game, the more you realize how random and fickle it is. So many people put out good content or are talented--why do any one of us stick out from such a crowd? It's a really difficult thing to figure out.

[@Stevo-xe9jw]

DrexFactor Poi I guess I never realized you guys actually struggle with something like this. You are all relevant. The reason you stick out is because you have what it takes to make such instrumental tutorials. Many, if not all of us, can be great learners. Being a great teacher, on the other hand, is a whole different entity.

[@Oracle428]

+DrexFactor Poi ...Because you guys (Drex and Nick) are the Yoda(s) of Poi... You are the Teachers... the foundations of this art form are built on what you guys started. The thing about Foundations (of poi moves, pioneers, or anything else) is that they have to be present or the structure cannot hold. It isn't about your relationship with the crowd or the quality of a performance - it is your relationship with the Art that will continue to reach others and draw them to learn from you.

[@karenrosenquist9834]

OMG!! You are an amazing teacher, Nick Woolsey! Please tell me you are still out there poi dancing! I for one am really loving your classes on Udemy! I walk for hours at a time practicing my spins! This is 2020 - during the pandemic - and so there is nothing much to do - but Poi Dancing is a great outlet and a great workout. Thank you!!

[@MasterSplinterP1]

The woman that inspired him has no idea what she did for the poi community, so cool! I wonder if I've inspired anyone like that, anyways.. awesome video drex!

[@jitpunkia]

Powerful interview. Goosebumps

[@kennethoyler5533]

Nick Woosley, you are my hero. Thank you for all the love you spread through poi

[@Donler]

Seeing Nick Woolsey, Drex, and Guinto spin on KZbin has dramatically impacted my life. They are the reason I got into glowstringing now fire poi. Special thanks Drex and Nick here. You've both been relevant to me and my wife in the best way possible :)

[@chrisloza1851]

You guys inspired the world of poi today and it is amazing to hear you guys talk because hearing you say the best part is the people you meet is even more inspiring because to me poi has never been a source of revenue and probably never will be but it has been one of the most meaningful things in my life for the last 10 years because of the people I share it with and the peace it brings me

[@tcastle1913]

This is such a great interview Drex. Is the full version still available anywhere? I love Nick so much, (and of course, love you too!) You guys are such inspirations, such wonderful teachers, and bring so much light with you. I'd like to see the whole interview, but it looks like you might have removed it from your website? Thanks in advance

[@nicosartcorner]

I have watched this so many times. Nick was the first person I started following tutorials on. Nick showed me how to be okay with my self, my body, my mind. To let go, be free and enjoy what I do. I love this interview. It is hard to hear that Nick sometimes views himself as washed up, but the mind is a fickle friend, so I understand. I, too, lose my vision some days. Drex, I am so glad you had the opportunity to interview many of the inspirations that we spinners have, and compiled them on youtube for us. It is really refreshing to hear and see the raw beauty that you all possess. And my heart goes out to all of you. Continuing to do what you love, sharing your struggles, your passions, and your own growth is encouraging. Much Love!!

[@EloiseWithersKilburn]

This seems to me to be what real life super heroes are about.

[@Dyallo1988]

You guys are the most influential and inspirational poi spinners for me and you're definitely not washed up. I wish I could meet you guys in person on a Spinning Camp somewhere soon. I'm gonna buy and download that interview now. Thanks and keep it up, both of you! You're the best. I would be nothing (as far as poi goes) without you, seriously. I've spent hours replaying your videos. Dennis Dyallo Stockholm, Sweden

[@Gftw]

Making dreams come true

[@mcnappy33]

Nick Woolsey, you are an amazing person and inspired my dream in one of the biggest ways.

[@kameyeam]

Changed my life. Nick gave me something I can never pay back. Because I haven't gotten rich either. But I am surrounded by the best people in the world. Everything in my life today, is a direct result of a lifestyle change. I chose Poi, and djembe. Over a useless path. Thanks.

[@WhiteWulfe]

First and foremost, he's Canadian? That's awesome! Nick's the one who made me go "wait a second, poi isn't JUST on New Zealand, and only practiced by the Maori" and realized there's a whole art to it that's worldwide, and his videos are ones that kept me going through some rather rough times over the years.

[@thecaptaintaz420]

One of my greatest dreams is meeting the man who helped.me through my first few years of my poi. Amd then challenge to the most fun flow jam session ever!!!! It would be a dream.come true and so I stay practicing and home someday hell see my video. Drex same to you! Coming for you too lol You're amazing!

[@gin5sey]

you are by FAR the best poi teacher I have encountered nick (sorry drex) and will always be a legend in this community, we love you brother!

[@cai42069]

So... Nick telling me to be authentic is bullshit? Got it! Haha I love you Nick!

[@Zyliah]

This one made my heart burst.

[@Patback22]

Nick I appreciate everything you do for the community. You are authenticity is divine. Poi is growing and you are apart of that movement. I just started spinning because I saw your videos. You are what got me to start. Cheers to you bud, you have given the gift of sharing your strengths and talent. You persevere even though the struggle was so real.

[@whyrockski]

It saddens me to hear him say he is a washed up poi spinner. He was my inspiration when I first started spinning and I learned more form his tutorials than any other KZbinr. I hope he understands how many peoples lives were improved by his lessons.

[@justapera]

This guy is my favourite spinner, hands down.

[@life_with_movement]

i feel the same, a lot of the time i question myself why am i partaking in flow arts? Where am i going with it? but watching videos like these make me feel awesome because i know im not alone..

[@safirerose133]

Thank You Drex=) WE LOVE YOU NICK!!

[@ryannevanwesten8927]

Nick. You got me into poi. You are for all intents and purposes my guru. You are not washed up. You are our wise man.

[@NullM0niker]

So stoked to learn he was born in Halifax (My home town). Keep on spinning Nick!

[@eirinikoukouzeli8322]

Awesome interview ❤️🔥🥰 thanks

[@dimethylhydantoin]

Best advice ever, right at the end : )

[@Jaylade]

Why did he get banned in the US..?

[@rischidm]

Just out of interest, if I buy the extended interview, will Nick get some of the proceeds?

[@DrexFactor]

SoulPoipose Right now it's more of an experiment than anything else. If this becomes a significant source of income I'll happily pass on some of the proceeds to Nick. If you'd like to help Nick continue to do the work that he's doing, the better option is to donate directly to him at www (dot) playpoi (dot) com (slash) community (slash) poiticipate and use the donate button at the bottom of the page. Cheers! :)

[@FireandWater.Elements]

I love Nick. He inspired me to start spinning. His love of the dance, his spirit in the movement is love.

[@FireandWater.Elements]

I miss him so very much..

[@pb5940]

I also would like to thank Nick Woolsey for being so dedicated and passionate about the work he does. I had my first contact with poi in Thailand and I still remember when I started looking for more information online and I found the PlayPoi channel. All those videos were extremely useful and an inspiration. =)

[@dragonsteps8739]

super inspiring and honest.

[@lb2525]

Nick is my other poi dad! Both he and Drex have been so influential in how I’ve developed in the flow community, and how I’m not afraid to be bad at a trick initially, and to remember that at its core poi spinning is self expression! You can try different styles like hats but how you express yourself is unique!

[@shannaburley3571]

You inspire me! I’ve watched so many of your videos and I’m still trying to find more, you’re an amazing teacher, I’ve been doing this for nearly a month and you’ve helped me learn all the basics, I can’t wait to learn as much as you have to offer. :)

[@JoriAcharya]

Nick Woolsey Great Poi Guru Ji, Namaste Namaste....Shanti Shanti to you 😃

[@elliotw5918]

Huge thanks to Drex and Nick for being inspirational and teaching me through the years. Poi has brought love and light back to my life when I thought it was all gone. Thanks guys, keep kicking ass!!

[@V1pEzZ]

Wanted to purchase the whole interview but unfortunatly i noticed that i'm gonna need paypal in order to get it. :/ too bad. i'm really mad about seeing the whole one..

[@rmk7120]

Your very inspirational, have learnt so many movements from your KZbin Tutorials. To attend a retreat and learn more from you is on my bucket list. Please come to Australia

[@Aqu4m4n]

thx for uploading. nick all my skills i got from you. Thank you for doing all the work!

[@emmettorr8311]

All the Love, kind sir 💗 You’ve done it, you’re doing it & you’ll continue to do it!!!

[@bryanberquist549]

some time i have a bad day. i come home grab my poi and see what new move u can tech me.i loose my self in that moment and at the end of a session i'am smiling. never give up hope

[@SolRiso]

Im really glad I just watched that. Thanks guys.

[@camlei7701]

yeah yeah yeah ;)!

[@ashuwaju]

Thank you Drex !! thank you Nick!!!

[@firedancingphoenix]

I really enjoyed this one. thanks for sharing

[@maniacgrabe8799]

my top one favorite spinner among others

[@KassandraMorrison]

Truly an inspiration

[@poiboy43]

What was the music used? Loved the video btw, awesome edit, and awesome interview :)

[@DrexFactor]

poiboy43 It's Didgerihang by Ocno.

[@poiboy43]

Thanks! I'm having trouble finding it though, where can I purchase it?

[@DrexFactor]

poiboy43 Either on CD Baby (where I got it) on on the artists' website at ocno (dot) es.

[@doublestaff1843]

truly inspiring.

[@SacredGter]

I love you!

[@corinthasmith2978]

Thank U Nick you're amazing!! I've learnt so much from you. Nuff Respect goes out 2 ya!!!