Uncle David Galea’i is a three-time world fireknife champion and current fireknife dancing instructor at the Polynesian Cultural Center. In 2006, he organized local fireknife dancing group Vaimatina. Today Vaimatina travels worldwide to teach, perform, and host fireknife dancing competitions.

In this episode Uncle David shares how he got involved with fireknife dancing and gives some advice for beginners. He explains that, while “fireknife dancing is dangerous,” it is also a beautiful art form that connects us to our culture and the inner toa Samoa inside of all of us.

*This episode was filmed at the Hale Ohana of the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Fireknife Dancing Advice: Get involved with the community and find people to talk to. The best way to improve is to connect with seasoned fireknife dancers and get their input.

Connect with Uncle David: For more fireknife dancing tips and to see what Vaimatina is up to, look them up on Facebook and Instagram.

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