18 Men Light Up A Fiery Start To The2022 World Fireknife Championship
May 12, 2022 – Lā‘ie, Hawai’i – Eighteen men gathered at the Polynesian Cultural Center to kick off the Men’s Division competition of the 29th Annual We Are Samoa: World Fireknife Championship. Male fireknife dancers from all over the country and world displayed their skills and knowledge of this Samoan tradition. Through rigorous choreographed routines, the competitors showcased their strong, breathtaking performances for the chance to become a finalist in the competition.
Judged on skill, excitement, and costumes, the 18 competitors in the Men’s Division were creative and outstanding in performing energetic routines twirling one and two fireknives. Advancing to the Men’s Division championship round tonight (May 12) were these three finalists:
- Lopati Leaso, California
- Hale Motu‘apuaka, ‘Aiea
- Joseph Cadousteau, Tahiti
Tonight (May 12) will be the final night of the 2022 World Fireknife festivities. The three finalists will be competing in the Men’s Division Championship for the title of 2022 World Fireknife Champion. The World Fireknife Championship was established by the Polynesian Cultural Center in 1993 to showcase this proud Samoan tradition and encourage future generations to perpetuate this amazing combination of artistry, acrobatics, skill and bravery. Fire-knife dancing is rooted in the Samoan ailao, a warrior knife dance traditionally performed before battle utilizing the nifo oti, or “tooth of death.”
For more information about the World Fireknife Championship, visit www.worldfireknife.com.
For information about the Polynesian Cultural Center or to make reservations, visit www.polynesia.com, or call (800) 367-7060. In Hawai‘i, call 293-3333.
Photo and Video Courtesy: Polynesian Cultural Center
Link to download: www.dropbox.com/sh/qqoc7tvdbbtsth5/AADdmdO_ulFp9QbFG8S9OAjVa?dl=0
ABOUT POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER
Located on Oahu’s beautiful North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is the only cultural tourist attraction of its kind in the world and a favorite of all visitors to Hawaii. An engaging, interactive celebration showcasing the people, culture, arts and crafts of Polynesia, the PCC has entertained millions of visitors from around the world since opening in 1963. A non-profit organization, 100 percent of PCC’s revenue goes to daily operations and to support the education of its student-employees from neighboring Brigham Young University-Hawaii. For more information, visit www.Polynesia.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Shere’e Quitevis
Anthology
(808) 741-1668
Sheree.Quitevis@FinnPartners.com