Fire Knife Girl

20th International Siva Afi Competition 2022 Taloooooooofa!

Greetings to you all from beautiful Aotearoa! My name is Emillie Elizabeth Pritchard-Lovett a Siva Afi fire knife dancer, I am 11 years old from the hearty but humble South Auckland. My journey of self-identity and cultural discovery began as a member of Le Taupou Manaia Dance Academy in 2019, where I learnt the art of Siva Samoa and the traditions and customs that go with it. My Siva journey has allowed me to connect to the different types of traditional arts and the many crafts our beautiful Polynesian culture has to offer. Here is where I became aware of and deeply inspired by the art of Siva Afi. At 8years old I built up the courage to leap out of my comfort zone and explore Siva Afi.

In 2021 I entered my first Siva Afi competition. There were two of us girls in my age division competing against some amazingly talented school aged boys. I was so excited to place 1st - claiming the NZ Junior Champion title. This year I competed again and came runner up. I have been blessed with an opportunity to compete in this year’s 20th International Siva Afi Competition in none other than my beautiful homeland of Samoa. With my Aiga (family) by my side and the endless hours and dedication of my amazing trainer, Popea LAUTALA, who is three time Teuila Festival (Samoa) Siva Afi Champion and the many teachers along the way, I am able to continue on this journey to develop and perfect my craft and showcase our beautiful Polynesian culture through Siva Afi. I am so grateful to be given this opportunity to compete and with that I humbly ask for your support.

This funding will help with my flights, registration fees and towards upgrading my double knives and costume for the competition. I thank you for your time, and graciously ask that you be so kind as to assist me in making this possible. Please, come on this spiritual voyage with me across these oceans, allowing me to showcase my craft and continue my journey.

Ma lou fa'aaloalo lava, Soifua manuia Emi