Jeri Galeai Crowned The 2023 Women’s World Fireknife Champion
Top three men move on to the championship round on Thursday, May 11
May 11, 2023 – Lā‘ie, Hawai’i – Thirty five adults, featuring 30 men and five women, gathered at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) to compete in the Men’s and Women’s Division competition of the 30th Annual We Are Samoa: World Fireknife Championship.
Kicking off the competitive evening, the women participants performed their meticulously crafted routines that showed off their strength and skills in fireknife dancing. After a tough round of performances, the five competitors in the Women’s Division patiently waited for their name to be called as the winner of this year’s competition. The final winners of the Women’s competition are:
Results: Women’s Division
1st Place: Jeri Galeai, Lā‘ie, HI
2nd Place: Aaliyah Ava, Lā‘ie, HI
3rd Place: Hoku Matalasi Canto, Altadena, CA
Continuing the heated competition, 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 30 competitors in the Men’s Division were creative and outstanding in performing energetic routines and twirling up to two fireknives. Advancing to the Men’s Division championship round tonight (May 11) are the following three finalists:
- Matagi Lilo, ‘Ewa Beach, HI
- Falaniko Penesa, Puipa‘a, Sāmoa
- Hale Motuapuaka, ‘Aiea, HI
Tonight (May 11) will be the final night of the 2023 World Fireknife festivities. The three finalists will be competing in the Men’s Division Championship for the title of 2023 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. To receive updates, event invitations and promotions, join the ʻOhana Club for free here.
Photo and Video Courtesy: Polynesian Cultural Center
Link to download: www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/nsby0iku3kek05q6zp9zj/h?dl=0
ABOUT POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER
Located on O‘ahu’s beautiful North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is the only cultural attraction of its kind in the world and a favorite of both locals and visitors to Hawai‘i. 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