Fire knife dancer remembers his roots on world stage

When Falaniko Solomona Penesa discovered he would be performing with Cirque du Soleil, memories of his childhood days spent in Sāmoa helping his father fish and harvest coconuts flashed before his eyes.

The 33-year-old fire knife dancer hails from the village of Toamua, Puipa’a, Aele Fou and after years of pursuing his dream, is currently in Spain, on tour with the largest contemporary circus act in the world.

A former Maluafou College student, Falaniko says his older brother Poloma Ulusolo Toomalatai taught him Siva Afi, which has led to the adventure of a lifetime – working at hotels and resorts around the world, in Hong Kong with the Lion King theatre, and now with Cirque du Soleil.

“Siva Afi is our traditional dance, and it is deeply valued in our culture,” says Falaniko, who is also the current world fire knife champion.

“I am very grateful, blessed, and honoured to have had Poloma as my teacher.

“He passed on his talent, knowledge, and taught me not only Siva Afi but also Polynesian dance and how to truly be a Sāmoan warrior both on and off stage.

“He also taught me the importance of having a strong mindset, especially when you feel like giving up - it’s a beautiful journey that requires hard work, training, pain, and dedication.”

Falaniko first saw the Cirque du Soleil Alegría show in 2011, on YouTube.

“I saw the fire knife act and told myself one day I would perform on that stage and share our fire knife culture - fast forward and it has come true.

“I believe when we set our minds to something and truly believe in what we tell ourselves, our goals and dreams become a reality.

“It’s important to speak positively to ourselves because our body follows what we say to our mind, soul, and heart.”

Falaniko had a plan in mind, and in 2017 started applying to perform with Cirque du Soleil.

“I sent in my portfolio, hoping to land this big role in their world entertainment tour.

“After four years, I finally received a phone call from the company, and from 20 fire knife dancers who had applied, I was selected to be part of the company and perform a solo fire knife act in the Alegría show - it was a dream come true for me.

“I am just a boy from the island who has helped my family from a young age, going fishing with my father, collecting coconuts, and cooking.

“All my memories from the past to the present flashed in my mind, so many blessings have led me to this role, and it is so beautiful.”

Falaniko Solomona Penesa wants to build a school to teach the next generation his skills and cultural expertise. Photo/ Supplied

Over the past few years, Falaniko has toured with Cirque du Soleil in British Columbia (Canada), Oregon and California (USA), Seoul (South Korea), Osaka and Tokyo (Japan), London (UK), and Barcelona, Malaga, and Alicante (Spain), where he has had the chance to meet people from around the world and experience different cultures.

“Everyone in the circus is among the best of the best in the world, and I am very grateful to be part of this team – it is an amazing and wonderful company to work with.”

Being the best means working extremely hard, which Falaniko relishes.

“Every six months, everyone in the show has a fitness evaluation.

“We perform five days a week and rehearse one day each week, helping us to maintain and improve our act.

“Then we typically have fitness training three times a week … I also do my own training to stay fit and keep my body in shape, which is important to help improve your body strength, mindset, and overall conditioning for the show.

“I’ve been training my whole life for this.”

Falaniko is soaking up every experience, lesson and opportunity gained from the renowned troupe, but he always keeps an eye on the future.

“It is a pleasure to have my name associated with the number one circus show in the world.

“The level of fire knife performance at Cirque is very professional and unique, and my vision is to work with them and hopefully in the future, create more opportunities for young generations, as well as to have fire knife acts in other Cirque shows.

“I always keep the next generation in mind and do this for them, because they are our future.”

Eventually, Falaniko says he would love to build a fire knife school to teach the next generation about Sāmoan fire knife dance and the importance of preserving traditions and culture.

“I’ve started a small business called Tamatoa Ole Afi, which offers fire knife products.

“I handcraft the knives myself, and I also plan to create my own competition in the future to help the young generation stay strong, focus on their visions, and believe in themselves.

Being able to showcase Sāmoan culture on the world stage is incredibly humbling for Falaniko and his aiga.

“It means everything to me, my family, and my culture.

“My family and my parents are very proud of who I am today, and I like sharing my life story of growing up on the island.

“I always follow the guidance and teachings of my parents, who have shown me the right way and how to go in a good direction, and I’m very proud of my family for always being my best supporters.

“I also thank the Lord Almighty for the gifts and strength He has given me to continue with my talents, which have helped me and my family in many ways.”

Watch the Cirque du Soleil Alegría Official Trailer on YouTube.