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.

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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