You want a simple demonstration of the power of rotating objects, look at the piece of fishing line that goes in your WhipperSnipper. Nice and soft and flexible, but spin it at 5000rpm and it will cut through wood.
Same with your rotor blades - if you tried to pick up an R-22 by lifting the blades while they are stationary, they will bend and break. But spin them up and there is your lift to carry the loaded machine.