PCC's Pacific Theater Will Heat Up For the Winning Routines Tomorrow
La'ie, HI – May 16, 2008 – After three solid days of hot competition in the annual World Fireknife Championships, the top three challengers who will advance to compete for the title of world's best in the 16th Annual World Fireknife Dance Championships are:
- Viavia Tiumalu - Orlando
- Joseph Cadousteau – Papeete, Tahiti
- Mikaele Oloa - Orlando
Orlando friends and duet champions will compete against each other and Tahiti's best to see who will be the new world champion in tomorrow's finals held in the PCC's Pacific Theater.
The playing field started yesterday with 27 warriors and only 9 advanced to the semi-final competition tonight. 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. Muscle cramps and dropped knives couldn't dampen the Samoan pride on display in each of the competitors. Each semi-finalist received a $500 check for his participation and is pre-qualified to compete in the 2009 competition.
In addition to the Fireknife Championship 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 six 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 Henry S. Mataalii Company, Hawaiian Airlines, Turtle Bay Resort, Electric Pencil, Cirque du Soleil, Pepsi, Bank of Hawaii, Galumalemana Lester W.B. Moore, June Fabrics, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Western Union and the City and County of Honolulu, 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. Reservations are required. Call 293-3333 to make reservations and check on available seating. Video and photo clips are being posted throughout the competition on the PCC's website www.Polynesia.com in the "What's New" section so fans can track their favorites and share highlights with family and friends.
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.
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For media requests or photography, contact:
Amy Hennessey or Maria Quidez
808-531-0244
