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In the end the difference between the Polynesian
Cultural Center’s World Fire Knife Dance champion and
the 1st and 2nd runners-up came down to two points and a bit
of fire which got away from a knife:
Alex Lefolasa Galeai edged out Tuione
Tovo by just two points, according to the judges' marks, to
claim the 2004 PCC World Fire Knife Dance championship.
It was one of those competitions where
you wouldn’t want to be a judge: All three finalists
were awesome. In fact, all nine semi-finalists who competed
May 14 thrilled the crowd with their skill and showmanship.
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Alexander
Galeai – Demonstrating his strength and courage
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But it came down to three finalists
who performed in the middle of two evening shows. Judges scored
their performance in each show, and combined the results to
determine the winner. In the second show, Galeai’s three-knife
moves were truly impressive. They probably gave him the edge
over Tovo, whose tumbling moves and on-stage personality are
incredible. Second runner-up Jerome Slade, who is perhaps
the fastest dancer, was as surprised as the audience when
a little extra flaming gas from his knife splashed on his
chest. He dropped the knife, quickly rubbed the fire out with
his hand, and resumed his dance… but the accident seemed
to shake his rhythm a little.
After they received their respective
cash awards and ceremonial fireknife trophies, Samoan dancers
carried champion Alex Galeai on a special victory march across
the stage; and then in the true spirit of aloha, family and
friends presented each of them with leis and the three champions
hugged each other.
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From
L-R, Tuione Tovo 1st Runner-up, Alexander Galeai 2004
World Fire Knife Champion, Jerome Slade 2nd Runner-up
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But even as they posed, they were also probably
thinking already what they’re going to do in 2005 when
the PCC’s 13th annual World Fire Knife Dance Competition
comes around again. Plan to be there.
•
Press Release
• Finalist Interviews
• Friday
May 14, 2004 Fire Knife Finals
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