Fierce and acrobatic Samoan fireknife dancing returns to the Polynesian Cultural Center from May 14 to 17 for the 16 th Annual World Fire Knife Competition. Fireknife dancers from across the world will battle for the supreme title of World Fire knife Champion.

The art of fireknife dancing is one of the most intense, skillful, but beautiful Samoan traditions in which dancers twirl a sharp knife with both ends on fire at high speeds and with acrobatic finesse. The fire is very real, and dancers often make contact with different parts of their body with only a short lavalava wrap around their waist. As any fire knife dancer will tell you, they do get burned, as dancers use no other form of protection.

In addition to the adult and junior competitions, the Warrior’s Duet Fireknife Competition and women’s competition, Teine Toa o Samoa, return for a second year.

For more information or to make reservations, please call the Polynesian Cultural Center ticket office at (800) 367-7060 or visit the PCC Web site at www.polynesia.com. In Hawaii, call (808) 293-3333.