The winner of the World Fireknife Championship's Junior Division
(ages 6-11) is Manasseh Tuliloa of Lā'ie. Haukea Moua of Punaauia,
Tahiti took the trophy for the Intermediate Division (ages
12-17).
LAIE, Hawaii , May 7, 2024
/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On May Day at
the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), the future of fireknife
dancing – 4 boys and girls ranging from ages six to 17 – dominated
the stage at the 2024 World Fireknife Championship.
"Every year, we look forward to our World
Fireknife Championship to celebrate the cultural heritage of
Samoa and showcase our talented
competitors from all over the world."
The winner of the World Fireknife Championship's Junior Division
(ages 6-11) is Manasseh Tuliloa of Lā'ie. Haukea Moua of Punaauia,
Tahiti took the trophy for the Intermediate Division (ages
12-17).
All 46 competitors beautifully showcased how this iconic Samoan
tradition continues to live on with their performances. As they
performed their intricately choreographed routines, their skills in
twirling, hurling, and swinging fireknives showed off their
strength, giving everyone in the audience a grand show.
Fifteen competitors displayed skills way beyond their years in
the Junior Division and 31 competitors in the Intermediate Division
showed that some of them will soon be graduating to the elite men's
and women's divisions in future years.
All the competitors received prize packages along with the top
three in each division who were presented with special
fireknife-designed trophies.
Results: Junior Division (ages 6-11)
1ST Place: Manasseh Tuliloa, Lā'ie, HI
2ND Place: Mosese Volavola,
Lā'ie, HI
3RD Place: Keanu Tap Toliniu, Seatle, WA
Results: Intermediate Division (ages 12-17)
1ST Place: Haukea Moua, Punaauia, Tahiti
2ND Place: Carmine Taetuna-Fautanu, Kealakekua, HI
3RD Place: Akilei Malo, Orlando,
FL
Celebrating its 31st year, the 2024 World Fireknife Championship
is taking place over three nights, May
1, 8 and 9, with competitors showcasing their talents in
four divisions – Junior, Intermediate, Women's and Men's Divisions.
The renowned Lā'ie Drummer's Core provided the beat for tonight's
competition. Creasepaul "Fune" Tofa made his emcee debut with
co-emcee John Milford.
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.
Fireknife dancing is rooted in the Samoan ailao, a warrior knife
dance traditionally performed before battle utilizing the nifo oti,
or "tooth of death."
"Every year, we look forward to our World Fireknife Championship
to celebrate the cultural heritage of Samoa and showcase our talented competitors
from all over the world," said Delsa
Moe, Vice President of Cultural Presentations. "We're proud
to be a platform for the next generation of fireknife dancers as
they continue to carry on this Samoan tradition."
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 images:
www.dropbox.com/transfer/AAAAAM4_p4WfJh0Ox4iz4zUOGVR2AJq7axVN3bMj-bgVNKs_STBQmgM
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, A FINN Partners Company, 1 (808)
539-3434, sheree.quitevis@FinnPartners.com
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SOURCE Anthology, A FINN Partners Company