Instructor Profile

2025 Instructor lineup
Fen Aisling

Fen has spent much of their time in the last 30 years intensely studying design, performance, the circus arts and a myriad of self-care and meditation techniques. These studies led them to what are now collectively called the Flow Arts, and specifically into the study of the Flow State, also commonly known as “being in the zone”. Their approach to flow is a unique patchwork of multiple disciplines, and as such is cross applicable to literally any field of study, management effort, or act of creation that one might engage in. One of their prime purposes in life has become the sharing of their experience with those who can benefit from adding some intentional flow into their lives.

Currently managing the theatre costume shop at WKU, Fen is a trained craftsman, musician, and dancer with decades of experience. Over the years they have directed plays, acted on stage, designed shows, built puppets, managed internationally known costume studios, washed uncountable piles of performer’s laundry, and learned how to change an actor’s clothes from one 3 piece suit into another in 30 seconds. A longtime circus enthusiast, Fen first learned to juggle 35 years ago, and has been a poi spinner for 2 decades. They are genuinely excited to share with others the techniques and tricks they have learned over the years.

Intro to Poi Spinning
This workshop will take the beginner at poi spinning through the very basics. We will cover: what is a poi, where poi come from, the parts of a poi, the origins of poi spinning, terminology, and a set of foundational moves. Those moves include but are not limited to: forward and reverse spinning in wheel plane and wall plane, together and split timings, basic wall plane butterflies, turning while spinning, simple stalls, and basic weaves. This class goes as far as I can take the students in one session. Usually we make it through all the material above, and students always leave with plenty to practice as they move into becoming poi spinners. All ages are welcome, and, please be aware that children under 8 may find this very challenging. There will be some spare poi available for use, but if you can bring your own, please do.
Horizontal Poi Spinning
This class is aimed at the progressing beginner or intermediate spinner looking for a little spice. There are no pre-requisites but having some poi spinning experience will be helpful. We’ll start with horizontal presentation concepts, followed by exploring some various ways and reasons to spin on the horizontal plane. We will cover ways to get there, including plane breaking techniques. We will then move into *horizontal* versions of various techniques including but not limited to: body breaks, corkscrews, “tornados”, windmills, butterflies, isolations, spiral wraps, and more. Come level up your poi play by discovering a whole new set of moves!