If you have visited a cultural center in Hawaii, you may have witnessed the fire knife dance. This exciting tradition has been adapted for a modern audience but has a rich history, which is explored below.

Early Beginnings

Even though many cultural centers in Hawaii feature the fire knife dance, it originates from other islands. One form of inspiration came from the Samoan knife dance ailao, the first to use fire. It was originally designed to demonstrate battle prowess. 

New Zealand’s Maori poi tradition also has a hand in the fire dance. Poi was an exercise used to train for battle and hunting and featured heavy balls swung around a string to build strength and flexibility. Over time, the exercise turned into a storytelling dance, but it was Samoans in the mid 20th century who lit the poi balls on fire.

In 1946, Samoan-American Uluao Letuli, also known as Freddie Letuli, was inspired by a fire-eater and a baton twirler with lights on the end of her baton to light his knife on fire for his performance at the San Francisco’s Shriner’s Convention. After his stunning performance, other elements of Polynesian dancing like the poi, hoop, and staff were also set on fire.

In Hawaii, luau began featuring fire dances in the 1950s. The popularity of these performances, particularly for tourists, paved the way for other items to be included in the art, such as whips, fans, and umbrellas.

The Fire Dance Today

Modern fire knife dances grew in popularity in the 1990s and began popping up in more than luau. Performers brought the art to concerts, clubs, and even raves. Nowadays, there are fire-dancing troupes that perform both the traditional style and their own brand of the exhibition.

Now, there is a competition to display their unmatched skill in fire handling, athleticism, and showmanship. The World Fire Knife Dance Competition at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu is an annual event, and there is even a Junior World Fire Knife Competition for younger performers aged 12 to 17.

To take in the beauty of the fire dance, visit Experience Nutridge in Honolulu. The cultural center offers guests a one-of-kind experience filled with authentic Hawaiian cuisine, entertainment, and an immersive experience at a historic site. Get involved in an intimate luau that engages your senses as you learn the traditional cooking process in the imu and participate in stories, songs, Makahiki games, and arts and crafts. For more information on this Hawaiian cultural experience, call (808) 531-5050 or visit them online.