How long have you been fireknife dancing?
3 years
Why did you start?
Because my dad was a fireknife dancer and I wanted to do it too.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
I want to participate.
Have you won any other competitions?
Not yet!

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Name
Michael Ahuna
How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Since the 6th grade
Why did you start?
Tradition
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
To get better
Have you won any other competitions?
Do you perform anywhere?
Family shows, Halekua

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For Immediate Release
May 14, 2008
Youngest Girl Takes Title in Teine Toa O Samoa Women’s Competition
Laie, HI - Two years in a row – it’s a reoccurring theme with the boys from Orlando as they once again took the title of World’s Best Duet at the 2008 World Fireknife Championships at the Polynesian Cultural Center. [...]

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Name Yuji Alex
How long have you been fireknife dancing? 5 years
Why did you start? I saw it since I was a child in “Spa Resort Hawaii”
Why did you enter PCC’s competition? To experience the world wide level of fire knife dance
Have you won any other competitions? [...]

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Name Lafo Brown
How long have you been fireknife dancing? 10 years
Why did you start? My father and it was nice love it
Why did you enter PCC’s competition? Yes, 2001
Have you won any other competitions? Never enter any other, just this one
Do [...]

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Name
Joseph Cadousteau
How long have you been fireknife dancing?
9 years
Why did you start?
I danced in a Tahitian group (Toa Reva) and all the men dance the fireknife
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
To one day become the best fireknife dancer. But if not, just to be with my fireknife dancers
Have you won any other competitions?
Te [...]

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Name Jacob Filipo
How long have you been fireknife dancing? 2 years
Why did you start? Friend
Why did you enter PCC’s competition? Try and have fun
Have you won any other competitions?
Do you perform anywhere?

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Since I was 10 years old.
Why did you start?
My dad taught me and I wanted to try it out.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
For fun, to have a good time.
Have you won any other competitions?
Not yet
Do you perform anywhere?
PCC night show and Samoan village

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Name
Conan Kipi Higa
How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Since 1996
Why did you start?
It’s a way to express myself and Polynesian culture
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
I am a burn survivor. I wanted to perform as an expression of thanks to God. I live by faith and not by fear.
Have you won any [...]

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Name
Hawaka Jeremiah
How long have you been fireknife dancing?
10 years
Why did you start?
Been around dancing and fireknife since I was young
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
For the experience
Have you won any other competitions?
No
Do you perform anywhere?
Waikiki Princess Kaiulani, Tihati Productions, Royal Hawaiian Hotel Luau, Sea Life Park Luau

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
5 years old.
Why did you start?
Looked fun
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Compete at the PCC
Have you won any other competitions?
American Samoa Championship 2007
Do you perform anywhere?
My family performs together at Sadies and Tradewinds Hotel

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Name Creasepaul Lifu
How long have you been fireknife dancing? 2 years
Why did you start? For fun and it applies to my work
Why did you enter PCC’s competition? I work at PCC
Have you won any other competitions?
Do you perform anywhere?

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Name Daniel Long
How long have you been fireknife dancing? 2 years
Why did you start? I enjoy the fire and excitement of the drums
Why did you enter PCC’s competition? I want to put my skills into the competition
Have you won any other competitions?
Do you [...]

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Name Spencer Lonoa’a
How long have you been fireknife dancing? 12 years
Why did you start? Looked fun
Why did you enter PCC’s competition? Have friends competing
Have you won any other competitions? Not yet
Do you perform anywhere? At parties

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Name Brandon Maneafuga
How long have you been fireknife dancing? 7 years
Why did you start? Always wanted to know since I was little
Why did you enter PCC’s competition? It is the biggest competition in the world for fire knife dancers
Have you won any other [...]

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Name Paul Morimoto
How long have you been fireknife dancing? 6 years
Why did you start? Wanted to explore more of Polynesia
Why did you enter PCC’s competition? Commiderary
Have you won any other competitions?
Do you perform anywhere? Luau Kalamakau, Kauai Hawaii

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Since I was 3.
Why did you start?
Always been around it my whole life, just picked it up
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Wanted to dance on the same stage as my idols from the past (Ifi So’o, Pati Levasa, all of them)
Have you won any other competitions?
World Fireknife Championship 2005 [...]

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Since I was 9.
Why did you start?
My father is a fireknife teacher.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
This is the place to compete for a title.
Have you won any other competitions?
Teahinui 2007 Champion (Tahitian Competition)
Do you perform anywhere?
Hotels in Tahiti

Forget about the hip shaking otea, Heiva Potelle, one of four [...]

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Name Sakato Harry Pupuali’i
How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Why did you start?
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Have you won any other competitions?
Do you perform anywhere?
Semifinals performance

Sakaio Pupualii was a semifinalist in last year’s competition. It’s not wonder, with all the tricks he has up his [...]

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Name Tapaga Biz Purcell
How long have you been fireknife dancing? 22 years
Why did you start? My dad was a fire knife dancer
Why did you enter PCC’s competition? It’s the big one
Have you won any other competitions? No
Do you perform anywhere? [...]

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Name
Andrew Umi Sexton III
How long have you been fireknife dancing?
20 years
Why did you start?
My grandfather & father
Have you won any other competitions?
Nope, just one!
Do you perform anywhere?
Walt Disney World Polynesian Resort Luau
Disney Animal Kingdom
Festival of the Lion King Show
2008 semifinals performance

Umi Sexton is an entertainer, you can tell it by his performance and [...]

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Name Richard Siolosega
How long have you been fireknife dancing? 11 years
Why did you start? Family
Why did you enter PCC’s competition? For fun and excitement
Have you won any other competitions? No

Do you perform anywhere? Germaines Luau and PolyPride Productions

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Name
Jerome Slade
Semi finals performance

How long have you been fireknife dancing?
12 years
Why did you start?
Father, wanted me to be like him, always been around.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
See where I stand w/everyone
Have you won any other competitions?
In first place 2001 for the Juniors
Do you perform anywhere?
Big Island with Tihati’s

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Name Frank N. Souza
How long have you been fireknife dancing? 6 years
Why did you start? No other person would
Why did you enter PCC’s competition? I was told to try
Have you won any other competitions? No

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Dana

How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Since I was 9.
Why did you start?
To practice the Polynesian culture.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Nobody wants to miss this competition.
Have you won any other competitions?
Teahinui 2007 Champion (Tahitian Competition)
Do you perform anywhere?
Hotels in Tahiti

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Name Thomas Thompson
How long have you been fireknife dancing? 2 years
Why did you start? Messing around at the age of 8
Why did you enter PCC’s competition? I love my culture
Have you won any other competitions? Spelling Bee
Do you perform anywhere? [...]

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Since I was 3.
Why did you start?
Cultural experience, fun, inspired by parents
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
It’s the World Fireknife Championship
Have you won any other competitions?
LA 3 times, juniors champion 2005, 2006 & 2007
Do you perform anywhere?
Seaworld Orlando with Netane Polynesian Productions
Final Round (longer clip)

Final Round

Finals Round 1 - [...]

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How long have you been fireknife dancing? 8 months
Why did you start? I’m a tour guide and learned how to teach guests. I was so much fun that I decided to learn more.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
My friends in the Samoan village encouraged me and thought it would be a great [...]

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
3 weeks
Why did you start?
My friend Dolly convinced me to join
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
To have fun and participate.
Have you won any other competitions?
First time
Do you perform anywhere?
BYUH cultural club

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
2 weeks
Why did you start?
I noticed that not too many had signed up to compete so I thought I’d sign up and get some experience.
Have you won any other competitions?
This is my very first competition.

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
8 months
Why did you start?
My brothers encouraged me and its helps me stay out of trouble
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Because my brothers have been entering
Have you won any other competitions?
No, this is my first competition
Do you perform anywhere?
At parties

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
2 years
Why did you start?
Look fun & I wanted to try.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
To get more money.
Have you won any other competitions?
No, first time.

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
5 years
Why did you start?
Because my parents worked at the Hawaiian Hut and I got really interested in the Polynesian culture.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Cause I wanna have fun
Have you won any other competitions?
Yes, lots of times
This is my 3rd time competing

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Since I was 3
Why did you start?
Because I was watching my dad’s videos on TV and was inspired.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Because I want to win.
Have you won any other competitions?
World Fireknife Championshop - Junior Division 3rd Place

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
8-9 years
Why did you start?
Cause it’s cool
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Because I wanna try to win.
Have you won any other competitions?
Not yet!

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
2 years.
Why did you start?
I saw my uncle dancing and wanted to do it.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
To have fun
Have you won any other competitions?
Not yet, but this is my second competition

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Since I was 8.
Why did you start?
It’s a family tradition.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
For the experience
Have you won any other competitions?
Kauai Festival-1st Place (2007)

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
2 years
Why did you start?
My brothers’ influence
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
So I can go through the experience of dancing on the same stage where other firknife dancers have performed
Have you won any other competitions?
Not yet!

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Since the age of 3.
Why did you start?
Because my dad is the MC at the Royal Hawaiian Luau and I was around
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Get experience
Have you won any other competitions?
Not yet!

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
5 years old.
Why did you start?
Looked fun & brothers asked me to join.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
I heard it was going to be at PCC and wanted to come
Have you won any other competitions?
LA & American Samoa Championship 2005 & 2006
Do you perform anywhere?
My family performs together at [...]

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
13 years
Why did you start?
Because of my father, Quincy Leiataua.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
To get a free vacation, Turtle Bay Resort, and I don’t have to go to school
Have you won any other competitions?
Teahinui 2007 Champion (Tahitian Competition)
Have you won any other competitions?
3rd Place - Junior Division - [...]

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Congratulations to Julius for winning this year’s 12-17 year old championship.
How long have you been fireknife dancing?
14 years
Why did you start?
My dad, I wanted to be like my dad.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
For fun
Have you won any other competitions?
World Fireknife
Kauai Polynesian Festival

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Since I was 8.
Why did you start?
I saw that my uncle and dad dancing at Disney and that’s when I decided to give it a try.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
My practice partner Mikaele told me I was ready and so I decided to come try.
Have you won any [...]

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
1 year
Why did you start?
Sounded cool, and wanted to try
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Because it is cool
Have you won any other competitions?
No, this is my first

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Justene: 8 months
Ua Mana: 3 years
Why did you start?
Justene: Brothers’ influence and to stay out of trouble
Ua Mana: Follow my brothers’ footsteps

Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Justene: Because my brothers are entering and to see what it’s like to be on stage instead of being in [...]

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
David: Since I was 6 years old.
Boyd: 2 years old.
Kosena: 3 years old.
Lehi: All my life.
Why did you start?
David: I had to.
Lehi: I want to use my talents and share them with my family.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Boyd: I was forced to.
Kosena: [...]

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Madigan: Since I was 10 years old.
Benjamin: I’ve been fireknife dancing since I started walking.
Why did you start?
Madigan: My dad taught me and I wanted to try it out.
Benjamin: Family influence.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Madigan: For fun, to have a good time.
Benjamin: [...]

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Brandon: 5 years old.
Malakai: 5 years old.
Jerrel: 5 years old.
Why did you start?
Brandon: Looked fun & brothers asked him to join.
Malakai: Interested in the event.
Jerrel: Looked fun
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Brandon: I heard it was going to be at PCC and [...]

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Heiva: Since I was 9.
Dana: Since I was 9.
Why did you start?
Heiva: To practice the Polynesian culture.
Dana: My father is a fireknife teacher.
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Heiva: Nobody wants to miss this competition.
Dana: This is the place to compete for a title.
Have you won [...]

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How long have you been fireknife dancing?
Viavia: Since I was 3.
Mikaele: Since I was 3.
Why did you start?
Viavia: Cultural experience, fun, inspired by parents
Mikaele: Always been around it my whole life, just picked it up
Why did you enter PCC’s competition?
Viavia: It’s the World Fireknife Championship
Mikaele: Wanted to dance on the same stage as my idols [...]

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Posted in May 7th, 2008
Reigning Champions to Challenge at Hawaii’s Hottest Event
Contact: Maria Quidez, (808) 539-3493
Monday, March 10, 2008
2008 Fireknife Competition at PCC Lāʻie, HI – This May, the fierce and acrobatic art of Samoan fireknife dancing returns to the Polynesian Cultural Center for the 16th Annual World Fireknife Championships. At this fiery event, the [...]

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May 19, 2007
Red Raiders Repeat as Overall Winners at Polynesian Cultural Center’s Samoan Cultural Arts Festival

Nearly 3,000 Attendees Filled Pacific Theater with Samoan Pride and Excitement
Laie, HI – High school students from throughout Oahu gathered today at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) to show off their knowledge and skills of Samoa’s cultural traditions at the [...]

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