Samoan dance full of flash, fire

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

LA'IE — Samoan fireknife dancing takes center stage tonight at the Polynesian Cultural Center in a competition that has spread the art form around the world and brought recognition to this tiny community for advancing Pacific islanders' culture.

Previous winners have been tapped to perform in shows such as Cirque du Soleil and in Las Vegas, Florida and Japan.

Since its beginning 12 years ago the competition has elevated the level of fireknife performances and increased interest in the dance. Today competitions also take place on Kaua'i and Maui, and in Tahiti, Samoa, Las Vegas, Alaska and Los Angeles, said Pulefano Galeai, 59, who initiated the World Championship in 1993 in an effort to bring more tourists and residents to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

"Fireknife dancing is very exciting because it makes a young man feel like a warrior," Galeai said. It stems from a ceremonial tradition performed by warriors returning victorious from battle. One warrior would perform the ailao, the twirling of the knife, to intimidate the enemy in a display of strength and power, he said.

The Samoan knife dance had been part of the La'ie Hukilau Beach entertainment for years before fire was added to the knife, or nifo oti — tooth of death — in 1946. Years later, the fireknife made its way to Hukilau Beach, and when the Polynesian Cultural Center opened in 1963 fireknife performances were part of the evening show. Soon after, tourists began seeing it performed in Waikiki as well.

Galeai said La'ie has become the center of fireknife dancing and the competition spread the popularity of the art form throughout the world. Fireknife dance schools operate in La'ie and children of all ages practice it. This year a 4-year-old will give a demonstration at the competition.

"We're growing every year," he said. "We wanted 18 to 20 competitors (this year) but it's double the amount."

Some 48 seniors and 27 juniors will pit their skills against one another trying to be faster, more agile and present new movements for the judges.

Delsa Moe, director of cultural presentation at the Polynesian Cultural Center, said fireknife dancing has its roots in American Samoa and was brought to La'ie soon after Freddie Letuli, the father of modern fireknife dancing, created the new style. One of Letuli's students was Galeai, who performed all over the Pacific and on the Mainland.

The fact that people in Japan, Korea and the Mainland are drawn to the art underscores its growing appeal, Moe said. It's not a part of Hawaiian culture but it appears in almost every lu'au show, she said.

It's all made possible because "Hawai'i is so open to all these cultures and provides a nurturing condition where these cultures can continue to grow outside their own countries," Moe said.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.