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Poi: The Power of Spinning 热力四射「火球舞」

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繁體中文譯本

A woman swings two flaming objects in circles at her sides, gradually weaving the fire in more complex and hypnotic ways, quickening the pace to the music’s beat. Sweat drips off her brow, and flames swirl around her body. As the music-fueled movements reach a fever pitch, it seems as if the woman and the fire have merged as one.

一名女子在身体两侧甩着两个着火的物体，渐渐地用更复杂、具有催眠效果的方式，交错摆动这些火光，并配合音乐的节奏加快速度。汗水从她眉头滴落，火焰在她周围飞舞。当这随音乐起舞的动作到达极致时，女子彷佛与火焰融为一体。

This is the ancient art of poi. It involves using balls on ropes which are then swung in circular patterns to perform various tricks. It was originally practiced by the Maori people of New Zealand and had a variety of useful purposes. Women practiced it to make their hands more flexible, while men used it to train their reflexes and gain strength for battle. Today, most people practice it for fun and exercise.

这是一项古老艺术－「火球舞」，用划圆方式甩动绳索上的球来表演各式技巧。此艺术源于纽西兰毛利人，具有各种实用目的。女人练习甩球让手部更为灵活，男人则为训练征战时的反应能力及增强力量而练习甩球。如今，大多数人练习甩球是为了娱乐和运动。

These stunning displays of skill can be learned relatively quickly. Beginners can start off with a dry run using a pair of long socks stuffed with tennis balls. The easiest way to find inspiration for movement is to follow along with the music and rhythm of the beat. First try some basic moves, such as split-time swinging. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced tricks like behind-the-back weaves.

这些惊人的技巧表演很容易就可学会。初学者可用塞了网球的袜子进行模拟练习。最简单的动作灵感来源，就是跟着音乐及节拍来甩动。首先，可试试一些基本动作，如「交叉回旋(split-time swing)」。一旦精通基本动作后，便可进一步学习更艰深的招式，例如「背后交叉回旋(behind-the-back weaves)」。

Perhaps the ultimate expression of poi is achieved through the addition of fire. An experienced performer will use special poi made of Kevlar soaked in kerosene. The flames are the sparks of life that flow from the performer through the poi to ignite the senses of those watching. This exotic and thrilling dance is sure to set the house on fire!

火球舞最极致的表现大概便是透过「火」了。一名有经验的表演者，会利用浸过煤油的克维拉(Kevlar)纤维所制成的特殊甩球来进行表演。这些火焰是活力之火，透过表演者的甩动刺激了观者的感官。这种充满异国情调、刺激的舞蹈，肯定令所有人为之疯狂！

−by Ryan Campbell

Vocabulary

单词发音

weave [wiv] v. 交织

hypnotic [hɪpˋnɑtɪk] adj. 催眠的

flexible [ˋflɛksəb!] adj. 有弹性的

stunning [ˋstʌnɪŋ] adj. 令人惊奇的; 令人震惊的

dry run 排练；演习  an occasion when you practice doing something to make sure there will be no problems when you really do it

move on 继续进行[+to]

ultimate [ˋʌltəmɪt] adj. 终极的; 极限的

spark [spɑrk] n. 火花，火星

exotic [ɛgˋzɑtɪk] adj. 异国情调的；奇特的

thrilling [ˋθrɪlɪŋ] adj. 引人入胜的; 令人激动的

More Information

单词发音

quicken [ˋkwɪkən] v. 加快

brow [braʊ] n. 眉毛

swirl [swɝl] v. 打旋，旋转

fever pitch 狂热；极度兴奋  a state of extreme agitation or excitement

trick [trɪk] n. 戏法，把戏；特技

reflex [ˋriflɛks] n.【生理】反射（作用），本能的反应

split [splɪt] v. (使)分离

kerosene [ˋkɛrə͵sin] n. 煤油，火油

ignite [ɪgˋnaɪt] v. 激起；使激动

set something on fire   使…情绪激动

Reading Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of poi?

A. Increased flexibility of the hands.

B. Improved reflexes and strength.

C. Fitness and entertainment.

D. inspiration for music.

2. What is the purpose of lighting the ball on fire?

A. To keep the performer warm during the show.

B. To intensify the excitement of the performance.

C. To simplify the action of spinning the balls.

D. To warn the performer not to touch the balls.

3. Which of the following would be the most appropriate alternate title for this article?

A. The Art of Twirling Fire

B. Fire, Music, and People

C. Poi for Women and Beginners

D. New Zealand’s Fiery National Sport

Fire Poi in New Zealand

Answer