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When you combine the mesmerizing charm of the hula dancer, the elegance of a rhythmic gymna st, the roaring free spirit of an artist, the thrilling boldness of a flamethrower, the inexhaustible passion of an athlete, and the enthusiasm of a kid at heart playing with an awesome new toy, you’ve somehow put together a Zipper – not that you could ever etch the dynamics of Zipping (just as you could never administer any formula to art) – but its appreciation will always be unerring.
Inspired by the Maori dance of “Poi,” literally “ball on a cord,” the art of Zipping is one of the hippest forms of physical activity. It makes use of aerodynamic, weighted multicolored ribbons, known as Zips. Fired up by moves from Tai Chi, Arnis, rhythmic gymnastics and other graceful dances, Zipping entails the skillful maneuvering of the body, immense hand and eye coordination, and some patience, to execute symmetrical patterns and striking dance movements.
Zipping was formally introduced to the Philippines in 2005 by a group of friends who came across this art from their travels abroad. After some training in Japan, the UK, and the US, they decided to form Planet Zips, the premier community of Poi enthusiasts in the Philippines.
Planet Zips is a three-part community. Cat Juan, one of its founders, shares: “The community involves teaching, distribution of the product (zips), and performances. We offer these classes (taught by both local and foreign visiting teachers), Zips, and performances all over the country. We have broken down our lessons into six simplified modules that encourage the students to go at their own pace. And with our head instructor Paulino Servado, standardizing our teaching methods, learning is made easier. From super beginners to more advanced students, we have seen many skillful Zippers graduate from our classes.”
 Growing into an active community of over 150 members and 20 professional performers, Planet Zips is an absolute venue for free flowing passion, fun, and creativity for people of all ages. Cat declares, “We always say that Zipping is for people 7 to 77! We have many children take our classes, especially in the summer. Often times we get parents and their kids joining the classes together!”
Zipping has other advantages to boot. One, it’s not just an art form (really, Zippers in action seem to be in a trance while performing –perhaps channeling their inner rhythmic spirits) –“a moving meditation” as they’d like to call it, but is actually an effective workout as well. Cat says, “Zipping is definitely a workout. It’s a physical activity that requires you to jump, squat, twirl… the possibilities are endless. And since the Zips are weighted each time you spin them, you work out your biceps, triceps, abs, and lower back for stability.” And of course, due to its minimalist equipment that fits perfectly in your bag, Zipping can be done anywhere. You can bring your Zips to any space you like – the park, the beach, or to any travel destination. Whether in a bikini or a comfortable pair of shorts and a tee, feel free to Zip away to any music of your choice.
A major, even “hotter” upgrade to Zipping is Fire Dancing (like Zips in flames). “Not all students of Planet Zips go on to take up fire dancing. Many people would rather perfect the art of ribbon Zipping which can be just as beautiful. Before a student can consider attempting fire, he first must get the approval of his or her instructor, and have mastered almost all the modules with regular Zips,” shares Cat.
Having performed for the SEA Games Athletes, Fete De la Musique, and other noteworthy events, plus the creation of Spindependence which is a celebration of the free flowing arts, and the expansion of classes to Cebu and soon in Davao, Planet Zips and its virtuosos of dance will continue to twirl and spin us into cosmic awe.
Planet Zips holds lessons in parks in Makati, Ortigas and Alabang. Be part of the Planet Zips Community. Click here for more details about Planet Zips.
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