Student Testimonials
NM’s wonderfully hidden treasure...
Ka La Kapu Polynesian dance school. It is so much more than learning the art of Hula, & the power of Tahitian, while understanding the culture behind it... its a feeling...warm and welcoming. By brilliantly talented, Instructor Kellie and students. I have created friendships (Ohana) that will last a lifetime. I’ve gained confidence and found positivity in all challenges in dance and life. Kellie has a divine vision and nurtures it beautifully. You will fall Love with Ka La Kapu dance! But, gain SO MUCH MORE
- Sharon B.
I moved around a lot and always searched for a hālau that valued not only the dance aspect of Polynesian performing arts, but also the narratives with which dance is imbued. For me, learning about narratives is an important reminder of the history, language, culture, and fortitude of the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people. They’re living lessons, and it’s a privilege to be able to learn and perpetuate these lessons through song and dance. I'm humbled to have had the privilege to do this with Ka Lā Kapu Polynesian Dance School. So glad I found you! Mahalo nui loa!
–Anni L.
Kellie is the most patient woman I know. She took me, the person who can barely walk and talk at the same time, and made me a decent dancer. More importantly than that, she made me a cultural practitioner. She taught me how to deeply connect with hula in a spiritual way. I was always encouraged to grow as a dancer but allowed the time and pacing to do so properly. She fosters a community of connection and Aloha that I have never experienced before. There is so much love, patience, responsibility and respect ingrained in the culture of this school. I take pride in being a member of Ka Lā Kapu.
- Jade N.
My experience as a student of Ka La Kapu has been incredibly beautiful to say the least. We are more than just a dance school we are a family. My fellow brother and sister students are some of the most loving, caring, and supportive souls that I know, and have helped me grow a lot as a person over the years. The school is a great place to disconnect from life’s daily stressors, offers a beautiful workout blend of Polynesian dance styles, and is just a great overall cultural experience. Ka La Kapu definitely brings aloha to the 505. And as a performance member, seeing the smiles on people’s faces during and after a show, knowing that we are bringing joy to the people of Albuquerque with our dance in celebration with others, is an honor.
- Allison S.
Amazing place and great people. A true experience and loving atmosphere.
- Alan Griffin
Client Testimonials
“I hired Halau Ka Lā Kapu for my daugter's first Lūʻau December 2018, and wow we had a blast. No pāʻina is complete without mele and hula, and their performance definitely exceeded my expectations! Kelly made the whole process easy from communicating to being clear about the services they offer. Still to this day I hear of how much fun my guests had and how much they enjoyed the performances, Halau Ka Lā Kapu absolutely brings the spirit of Aloha to the 505. It is without reservation I recommend this Halau for your next Lūʻau, pāʻina or any special occasion!
MAHALO NUI Ā E'O HALAU KA LĀ KAPU!”
"Their performance was absolutely mesmerizing. It made my mother's 70th birthday party one of the most memorable that I've been a part of. Mahalo. "
- Tony Derieux
just a little over one year ago my husband and I celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary and I was so happy to have contacted Ka La Kapu Polynesian Dance School for our very special Hawaiian themed anniversary.
The other day we were at Chama Brewing Company for dinner and we talked about how much we enjoyed having you provide us with entertainment for our anniversary.
When Rick and I decided to celebrate our anniversary we knew what we wanted and there was no question as to whom we wanted to provide us entertainment. Especially since we were going to follow our anniversary party with a trip to Kaui a couple weeks later.
When I contacted your studio I was so impressed with your response and how kind you were to provide us with a short notice dance show.
Your dance team was so beautiful and graceful I was certain we were in Hawaii that evening. Your smiles and gentle demeanor was so very impressive I wanted to give each of you a huge hug. The three of you were so pretty not only with your outer beauty but with your inner beauty and elegance.
Thank you for providing us our entertainment for a special anniversary, something we will always treasure.
Sincerely,
Rick and Eleanor Harris
Our annual A Taste of Diversity event honors and celebrates how cultural diversity contributes to the richness in our communities. Ka La Kapu shared the beauty and deep tradition that is Polynesian Dance. Their dances expressed a connection across cultures that made us all feel human in a shared appreciation for our natural environment. It's critical for us to continue these cultural exchanges. Keep dancing Ka La Kapu!!
- Steven Lucero
"Ka La Kapu Polynesian Dance School put on a program as the finale for our summer reading program. It was so much fun to have a different and unique program to offer our patrons. The dancers were so professional and enthusiastic about their craft that it created such a positive atmosphere in our library. The patrons loved the dancers and enjoyed being able to participate during one of the dances, children and adults were shaking their hips the rest of the night! The fire dancer was an added bonus and was such a great compliment to the dancers. We loved having the school out to do a performance and would recommend them to any entity looking for a great all ages program."
- Jenna Wells, Teen Librarian
We’ve worked with the Ka La Kapu Polynesian Dance School a number of times - from performances at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market to workshops at ¡Globalquerque. Whether performing, teaching or participating in workshops we are offering, Kellie and the rest of the school always engage with good quality and a high level of enthusiasm. They’ve been a real pleasure to work with.
- Neal Copperman, director of AMP and the co-director of ¡Globalquerque!