My name is Sopi Jensen and I am a world renowned traditional Samoan “nifo oti” or “siva afi” performer. I am available to perform this magnificent traditional Samoan art form for any event or function.
The fire knife is a traditional Samoan cultural implement that is used in ceremonial dances. It was originally composed of a machete wrapped in towels on both ends with a portion of the blade exposed in the middle. Tribal performers of fire knife dancing (or Siva Afi as it is called in Samoa) dance while twirling the knife and doing other acrobatic stunts. The towels are set afire during the dances thus explaining the name.
TRAINING
Began training as a fire knife dancer at the age of 8 years in 1991.
ACHIEVEMENTS
2015 – Selected to represent New Zealand at Super Talent Competition in Germany
2003 – Semi-finalist, Ranked 4th in the world- World Fire Knife Competition – Hawaii
2002 – 1st Runner up: World Fire Knife Competition- American Samoa
2000 – Winner: World Fire Knife Competition – Apia Samoa
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2015 – Current – Fire Dance Tutor – Fireitup Siva Afi School, Auckland
2010 – 2015 – Fire Dance Tutor – Pacific Dance, Auckland
2005 and 2006 – Selected to represent Samoa and New Zealand as fire dancer for the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai
2005 – 2006 – Pacific Xpressions – Auckland, New Zealand
2001 – 2004 Siva Afi / Ailao Club Fire Dancer, Fire Dance Instructor – Apia, Samoa
2001, 2002 and 2003 – Selected to represent Samoa as fire dancer at Liu Fu Village theme park, Taiwan
1996 – 2004 Aggie Greys Hotel – Cultural and Fire Dancer -Apia, Samoa
1991 – 2003 Margarita’s Dance Troop – Cultural and Fire Dancer – Apia, Samoa
CORPORATE EVENTS AND PERFORMANCES
April 2018 Ferrari Drivers Tour Function, Waiheke Island
May 2018 Mercedes Benz Function
June 2017 Lions Tour Chiefs vs Lions Pre Game Activation
June 2017 Lions Tour Wellington Fan Walk June
July 2017 Hyundai Kona Launch Auckland
November 2016 Unitec Graduation Festival
June 2016 Deloitte Energy Excellence Awards Sky City
2012 Auckland Carnival
2012 Indian Auckland Community gathering
2012 Lake House Arts Festival
2012 International Thai Boxing event
2012 Deepavali Festival
2012 Pacific Direct Line
2012 Tempo Dance Festival, Auckland
2012 Glen Innes Carnival
2011 Fundraising for animals in the Pacific
2011 Premier of ‘Spartacus’
2010 Launch of Pacific Pearl cruise ship
2008 Pacific festival
2007 Pacific festival
2006 Opening of All Blacks game
2006 Opening of Vector Arena
2005 Pacific Beat “Fire Dance feature”
2005 Pasifika Festival opening night, Auckland
2005 Pacific Prosperity Conference Auckland
2005 Samoa Sports Awards, Auckland
MEDIA
November 2016 Television: Game of Bros Season 2, Auckland
2015 Super Talent, Germany
2015 Both World, New Zealand
2014 Sticky TV, New Zealand
2012 Good Morning Show, New Zealand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkzCenVAl-I
2012 New Zealand’s Got Talent
2013 Manukau Courier, North Shore Times, Central Leader, Eastern Courier
2012 Lucky Break Magazine
Where I perform
Parties
Corporate Events
Weddings
Gallery
Email Fireitup to get a quote for your special event.
For a no obligations quote or general enquiry please email me by clicking the link below.