A Tribute to Paramount Chief, Letuli Olo Misilagi: The "Father of the Knife Dance"

NB: Upon first glance of this blog, it may appear as one dedicated to self-promotion. Well, yes and no...

The purpose of this blog is not solely for my benefit, but to show case the majestic SAMOAN art form, the siva afi.

Where to begin then but by paying homage to the "Father of the Fire Knife Dance", Letuli Olo Misilagi.

I had the privilege of meeting this great man. He and his lovely wife opened their door to our dance troop when we were in Pago and showed us great hospitality. He also went out of his way to view our talents a year later at the very first World Fire Knife Competition in Samoa back in 2002.

Below is some info on the man who started it all, Letuli Olo Misilagi.

• Sopi Jensen

Uluao Letuli Misilagi: April 30th, 1919 - Nu'uuli Village, American Samoa.

Known as the Father of the Knife Dance, Uluao "Freddie" Letuli ("Freddie” because he was known to dance like Fred Astaire) originated the fire knife dance in 1946 at the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Prior to that time he danced with two knives in Hawaii and Los Angeles.

During the late 40's, the 50's, and the 60's, Freddie Letuli performed with his many different dance troops throughout the United States and Europe. Originally, he used only his name: "Freddie Letuli and the Flaming Sword of Samoa" to showcase his talents and his island.

"The Samoan Warriors", "Freddie Letuli and his Wild Polynesians", "Freddie Letuli and the Samoans", and "Freddie Letuli and the Hawaiians" were some of the other troupes he formed to fill his contracts and to keep up with the demand for Polynesian shows. The shows were performed regularly in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Reno, and wherever else good contracts were offered.

Letuli took his Samoan Warriors to Italy to fulfil one of his contracts and frequently performed in Chicago, Kentucky, and New York. He also taught all the early fire knife dancers.

Letuli's dance troupe was asked to perform in the movies "Pagan Love Song", "Salome", and "Sailor Beware" to name a few. He also danced and played roles in many other movies, as well as television shows. He was a regular on "Adventures in Paradise" and "The Bob Cummings Show".

When Letuli returned home to American Samoa at the urging of Governor Rex Lee, he joined the Department of Education and taught numerous school children the art of Polynesian dancing. He took dance troupes to Washington and Australia.

After serving as Assistant Director of Tourism, he later served as a Senator in the Legislature of American Samoa, and as an Associate Judge in the High Court of American Samoa.For forty years Letuli held the High Talking Chief title of "Olo" and was bestowed the Paramount Chief title of "Letuli" in 2001, becoming one of only seven Paramount Chiefs in American Samoa.

In 2003 P.C. Letuli and his family formed the "Flaming Sword of Samoa" and in May of 2003 hosted the first annual World Fire Knife Competition in American Samoa. Letuli was on hand to award the prizes; he also frequented the daily workshops, continuing to pass along his expertise and love of the knife dance.

P.C. Letuli and his wife Patricia raised ten children together, until his passing July 22, 2003. Having touched so many people with his life and his accomplishments, P.C. Letuli Olo Misilagi was laid to rest at his home in American Samoa

• Source:

www.sivaafi.org – “Nifo Oti Club of American Samoa”