The founder and organizer of the recent 20th International Siva Afi competition in Samoa, has come under fire for starting a separate women’s category.
Samoa Observer reports… Leota Lene Leota has been criticized for allowing women to compete in what is predominantly seen as a men’s dance.
Leota said, this is the first time he has introduced a women’s category and he may have to rethink this in future.
“This is for all the kids who want to learn about their culture. But if there is no support for it then I have to think again about it,” he said.
But this is not the first time girls have competed in the annual event.
The winner of this year’s event, Melanie Lesoa, competed and won the junior division in the early years of the competition.
Part of her prize that year was the opportunity to compete in the intermediate division of the 
International Fire Knife Competition, in Hawaii.
After some hesitation by the organizers there, she was allowed to compete, and won against an all boys field.
Melanie was born in Si’umu, where she was trained by her father Lesoa.
Leota said, he may have to rethink the styles for the girls competition.
“There is an ancient way of doing the Siva Samoa with a knife but without fire. It is a very elegant performance by a taupou, village maiden,” he said.
Photos: Siva Afi Entertainment
