TOP THREE FINALISTS NAMED FOR WORLD FIREKNIFE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Competitors Vie for Title Tomorrow Night in the PCC Pacific Theater
Laie – Following the conclusion of the third night of competition, the top three challengers who will advance to vie for the title of world’s best in the 15th Annual World Fireknife Dance Championships are:
- Andrew Sexton, Orlando, Florida
- Joseph Cadousteau – Papeete, Tahiti
- Alexander Galeai – Laie, Hawaii
The journey to champion began yesterday for 25 warriors with only 9 advancing to the semi-final competition. After grueling routines that wowed the crowd of nearly 1,000 people, it was clear that the slightest mistake would be necessary to narrow the steep competition down to the final three. Each semi-finalist received a $500 check for his participation.
In addition to the Fireknife Championship events tomorrow night, visitors have the opportunity to attend the Samoan Cultural High School Arts Festival in the PCC’s Pacific Theater starting at 9 a.m. Students from Hawaii high schools will demonstrate their Samoan cultural knowledge and skills in friendly competitions such as basket weaving, coconut husking, banana peeling, fire making, singing, dancing, and oration.
Sponsored by Cirque du Soleil, Electric Pencil, Galumalemana Lester W.B. Moore, Hawaiian Airlines, Henry S. Mataalii & Company, Turtle Bay Resort, and the PCC, this annual competition draws spectators from around the world.
Tickets for tomorrow night’s finals are $40 for adults and $30 for children ages 3-11, but there are very few seats left. Call 293-3333 to make reservations and check on available seating. Visit the PCC website at http://www.polynesia.com for updates on the results of the 15th Annual World Fireknife Dance Competition.
Since its beginning in 1963, the Polynesian Cultural Center has entertained more than 33 million visitors by preserving the spirit and cultures of Polynesia. This week, all guests are invited to attend the Fireknife Championships and even learn the ancient art of fireknife dancing first-hand during free, on-site seminars in the Samoan Village.
