Playing with fire is a normal routine for youth participants in the World Fireknife Competition’s junior division. 15 children between the ages of 6-11 drove up to Hale Aloha of the Polynesian Cultural Center to compete for the title of best up-and-coming fireknife dancer. “The fireknife dance was used for war and they used fire to intimidate their opponents,” said 11-year-old Dayton Daong, who returned to the competition after placing first in the junior division last year.The modern take on the ancient dance uses a staff about three-feet long with a hook on one end. Both ends are wrapped in towels soaked in gas then lit on fire. Dancers initially begin with one “knife” and usually work up to two or three in their performances. Most of the dancers’ routines included them spinning knives around and under themselves.Five year-old Mamalu Lilo was allowed to participate as a special guest and took the opportunity as a warm-up to get acquainted with the stage and performing in front of large audiences. Lilo who started dancing when he was three was an exception to the rules set by the World Fireknife Competition committee.“Being the youngest to participate is kind of easy, but I’m worked and always given a hard time,” Lilo added when asked about his experience in fireknife dancing.Among the other competitors was 10-year-old Kekai Nielsen-Cabagason who started dancing in September of 2013. “My grandma got me started with fireknife dancing,” stated Nielson-Cabagason. He also said him and his grandma would watch fireknife dancing together before he started competing. “Doing fireknife you have to be brave and that’s been the hardest thing for me,” the bashful 10 year-old added.Fireknife dancing doesn’t come easy to those who have dedicated themselves to the art. The three boys stated that all together they practice about 12-14 hours a week and they are all planning on moving up to intermediate levels.Dayton Daong of Waipahu won first place, Vincent Galeai, 11, of Laie won second place, and Mose Lilo, 6, of Ewa Beach won third place. The junior fireknife competition was held on May 8, 2014 in Laie, Hawaii.
Writer: Jared Roberts ~ Multimedia Journalist
