A blazing choreography

The dance of fire is practiced by many civilizations around the world. This is a rite deeply embedded in the Polynesian culture. In the past, the fire dance was executed by adepts as messages addressed to divinities – a request or thanks. According to other ancient ma’ohi beliefs, the fire dance also gave nature to be fertile and abundant during harvest seasons. Finally, this dance was used again as a warrior ritual of provocation and intimidation during wars between tribes of the Pacific region.

This tradition remains alive and well until today. Indeed, we cannot imagine a traditional Polynesian dance show without a fire dance part. This is a fully-fledged performance.

Polynesian fire dancers perform their show as a group or alone. They perform rhythmic movements and rotations with breathtaking agility and speed. Nobody can remain insensitive to the magic of the flames dancing in the night.

Wearing traditional attire, the dancers execute their show with fire knives. These fire knives are originally Samoan machete with two extremities wrapped with sort of towels. The towels are soaked with alcohol and then lighted for the dance. There is a small hook at the end of the blade that allows to tie two knives together: this “double knife” gives more amplitude to the artist’s figures.

It seems so easy when you look at them, but do not be fooled. The fire dance needs the resistance of the dancer’s wrists and arms and its entire concentration. Burns happen sometimes to remind the dancer that the risk is real.

Each year, a fire dance competition called “Te Ahi Nui” is organized at Le Meridien Tahiti resort. Numerous competitors come from around the Pacific Ocean to become the best fire dancer of French Polynesia. The competition is still a successful event with a growing public. The dancers are more and more creative and skillful to impress the jury. The winners of this prestigious competition will have the chance to participate to the fire dance world championships that takes place later in Hawaii.

You can attend to these « burning » shows in the main resorts during your stay in our islands. Indeed, more and more hotels propose fire dance shows for the enjoyment of visitors.