Thirty nine adults, featuring 32 men and seven women, gathered
at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) to compete in the Men's and
Women's Division competition of the 31st Annual World Fireknife
Championship.
LĀ'IE, Hawaii, May 10, 2024
/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Thirty nine adults, featuring 32 men and
seven women, gathered at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) to
compete in the Men's and Women's Division competition of the 31st
Annual World Fireknife Championship.
The women kicked off a very fiery evening with meticulously
crafted routines that showed off their strength and skills
in fireknife dancing. After a tough round of performances, the
seven 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: Aliyah Galea'i-Ava,
Lā'ie, HI
2ND Place: Silhouette Lemana Mauga-Sagaiga , Olympia, WA
3RD Place: Chandae Galea'i-Ava, Lā'ie, HI
Male fireknife dancers from all over the country and world
continued the heated competition and 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 32 competitors in
the Men's Division were artistic and exceptional in performing
enthusiastic routines and twirling up to two fireknives. Advancing
to the Men's Division championship round tonight (May 9) are the following three finalists:
• Jacktai Laban, Apia,
Samoa
• Tafili Galea'i, Lā'ie, HI
• Fumiya Matsushima, Wahiawa, HI
Tonight (May 9) will be the final
night of the 2024 World Fireknife festivities. The three finalists
will be competing in the Men's Division Championship for the title
of 2024 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: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/orpyrn9acm5jm1zh1du6i/AEBXEAQV_9IeX9mW5glLGhg?rlkey=b9kxh9g780niieto7pskq8wej&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, A FINN Partners Company, 1
(808) 539-3434, sheree.quitevis@FinnPartners.com
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/aliyah-galeai-ava-crowned-the-2024-womens-world-fireknife-champion-302141873.html
SOURCE POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER