Ka Lā Kapu Polynesian Dance School

Looking for something fun and enriching for your little one? We're hosting our 2nd annual keiki summer camp featuring Polynesian Dance, Crafts, Language, and Storytelling. Camp is for 5 to 10 years old. Space is limited for this amazing experience. For full details regarding pricing and how to enroll, please check out our link in our bio!

📣Calling All Dancers: This is your chance to learn ‘ori Tahiti (Tahitian dance) from the amazing right here in Albuquerque! Whether you’re looking to refine your technique or just want to try ‘ori for the first time, these workshops are for you. Visit www.abqpolynesia.com to register today! 🌺🌴

💌Looking for that perfect gift for someone special? Send a hula gram this Valentine’s Day! Limited availability, email [email protected] to book yours today! 🌹💝

It’s been almost 2 months since our Holiday Hōʻike! Time flies but memories last forever.

Mahalo .laylay 📸

MELE KALIKIMAKA FROM THE KA LĀ KAPU TEAM! Mahalo for all the love and support you have shown us this year! 💚🫶🏼❤️

Open enrollment is just around the corner, the perfect time to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and introduce each of our instructors at Ka Lā Kapu! (Want to sign up or learn more about our co-ed open enrollment? Check out the link in bio or visit www.abqpolynesia.com)

Meet: Krystal Namakaokalani Bixel, Instructor

Here’s what Krystal has to say about teaching:

“I love being a part of Ka Lā Kapu because I am always challenged to grow and step outside of my comfort zone. At the same time, I feel confident to do so because there is such a great system of support. I am looking forward to my next step in my new role as Keiki (Kids) Intro to Hula instructor because I will have the opportunity to share something that I love so much. It is so sweet watching the keiki grow in their dancing and I am honored to be given the privilege of being a part of the new students’ journeys.”

Open enrollment is just around the corner, the perfect time to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and introduce each of our instructors at Ka Lā Kapu! (Want to sign up or learn more about our co-ed open enrollment? Check out the link in bio or visit www.abqpolynesia.com)

Meet: Kaupiliokalani “Pili” Burkett (‘Ilima Class

Here’s what Pili has to say about teaching:

“Dancing hula for Ka Lā Kapu keeps me grounded in my cultural practices as a Kanaka Maoli and has immersed me in a strong and compassionate community that I’m proud to be part of. I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach the keiki and youngest dancers of Ka Lā Kapu about hula, perpetuating the Hawaiian culture, ‘ōlelo (language), and mele (songs).”

Open enrollment is just around the corner, the perfect time to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and introduce each of our instructors at Ka Lā Kapu! (Want to sign up or learn more about our co-ed open enrollment? Check out the link in bio or visit www.abqpolynesia.com)

Meet: Heather Lokelani Tanner, Instructor

Here’s what Heather has to say about teaching:

“I love teaching and dancing hula for Ka Lā Kapu because it keeps me feeling connected to my family’s roots in Hawai’i, to the ‘āina (land), and to this amazing community. It’s such a great feeling to share my love of hula with my students and I am so proud of the inclusive and supportive community that we’ve built. It’s an honor and a joy to teach, and I continue to be blown away by the enthusiasm and mana (energy) that our students bring to their hula!”

📺🎄Looking for a holiday video to watch with the ‘ohana? Enjoy the video of our 2024 Holiday Hō’ike! If you weren’t able to attend, or if you’re ready to enjoy the show all over again, enjoy the recording: https://youtu.be/lNt8kUW41wo?si=M41j8oTpPOFbKyge

Open enrollment is just around the corner, the perfect time to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and introduce each of our instructors at Ka Lā Kapu! (Want to sign up or learn more about our co-ed open enrollment? Check out the link in bio or visit www.abqpolynesia.com)

Meet: Meiguey Hewahineno’eauka’ika’i Ponce

Here’s what Meiguey has to say about teaching:

“Teaching for Ka Lā Kapu has really challenged me in a good way. I’ve accomplished things I never thought I could. It has always been a dream of mine to be able to teach something I love to do and now I get to call that dream a reality. Teaching has also brought out my creative side that I never thought I had. It’s such a wonderful feeling to create and see my vision brought to life with my students. It has also given me the opportunity to get to know more of our students on a personal level which I love. I’m so happy to contribute to the school in this way. And I’m very grateful and honored to be an instructor.”

Open enrollment is just around the corner, the perfect time to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and introduce each of our instructors at Ka Lā Kapu! (Want to sign up or learn more about our co-ed open enrollment? Check out the link in bio or visit www.abqpolynesia.com)

Meet: Kellie Kalehua Villicano, Principal Instructor & School Owner

As owner and lead instructor, Kellie is a regular instructor in all of our classes, but she focuses her time primarily with our intro classes and with our advanced dancers. Here’s what Kellie has to say about teaching:

“Starting Ka Lā Kapu has been one of the best decisions Iʻve ever made. From being a student and becoming a teacher of Polynesian dance has changed my life in such a positive way. I created such a beautiful ‘ohana (family) here in Albuquerque and gave others the same opportunity of having a great community for themselves and/or for their kids. I also love having a team of instructors to help be able to offer more classes that allows more people to join us!”

Open enrollment is just around the corner, the perfect time to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and introduce each of our instructors at Ka Lā Kapu! (Want to sign up or learn more about our co-ed open enrollment? Check out the link in bio or visit www.abqpolynesia.com)

Meet: JacquieLynn “Jacquie” Kapi’olani Gonzalez, Instructor

Here’s what Jacquie has to say about teaching:

“I have always loved dancing with Ka Lā Kapu since the very beginning! Kellie, our lead instructor, is an amazing choreographer and I always loved her dancing. She truly inspires people through her dancing, not only because it is beautiful, but she has a way of emoting that is second to none. She is what I inspire to become, as a hula dancer as well as an instructor. This hālau hula (hula school) has changed so much since the beginning and a lot of that is because of Kellie and her giving heart and soul. Kellie, when it comes to you, ‘I go where you go.’ As for teaching, I never really wanted to do that in the first place, but I finally gave in with Kellie’s words of encouragement. These past 4 years, I have really grown to love teaching. I LOVE to teach people what I know and to share my knowledge. This year was my cherry on top, if you will. Until this year, I never really understood what Kellie tells us as instructors, about how it feels to watch students dance what you created. I have never felt so much love and gratitude that I felt at this year’s ho’ike after watching my students dance their songs. It’s truly amazing. I still have a lot to learn about being an instructor, but I’m always up for the challenge. Mahalo nui to Kellie for allowing this opportunity for me.”

Open enrollment is just around the corner, the perfect time to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and introduce each of our instructors at Ka Lā Kapu! (Want to sign up or learn more about our co-ed open enrollment? Check out the link in bio or visit www.abqpolynesia.com)

Meet: Carmen Cabrera, Instructor

Here’s what Carmen has to say about teaching:

“I love teaching because hula and ‘ori Tahiti are my biggest passions, and it ignites my spirit to share that love and passion with others. Having our sisterhood, and now brotherhood, is such a great feeling of ‘ohana (family). Teaching my students is so rewarding, it’s so fulfilling to see them find their motivating spark, their interests, whether that’s learning choreography or just improving as dancers. I love watching my students execute their songs as best they can, it’s one of the most rewarding moments for me as a teacher.”

Open enrollment is just around the corner, the perfect time to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and introduce each of our instructors at Ka Lā Kapu! (Want to sign up or learn more about our co-ed open enrollment? Check out the link in bio or visit www.abqpolynesia.com)

Meet: Neilina Kepo’omaikalani Kaleikini Seay, Instructor

Here’s what Neilina has to say about teaching:

“I enjoy teaching hula for Ka Lā Kapu because I love being part of the enjoyment people have learning about my culture. Those ‘aha’ moments when things finally start making sense fill me with so much pride knowing I was a small part of making that happen. I love dancing for Ka Lā Kapu for the same reasons - I love being with people who enjoy and celebrate my culture so far away from home. It grounds me and reminds me that you can find home wherever you are in the world.”

Open enrollment is just around the corner, the perfect time to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and introduce each of our instructors at Ka Lā Kapu! (Want to sign up or learn more about our co-ed open enrollment? Check out the link in bio or visit www.abqpolynesia.com)

Meet: Kimberly “Kimi” Meulang Caalim Napuanani McKinney

Here’s what Kimi has to say about teaching:

“I love dancing with Ka Lā Kapu because it’s a home away from the islands. I have built amazing relationships with this family that will last a lifetime. My students are so special to me, and seeing their growth over the years brings tears to my eyes!”

✨CO-ED OPEN ENROLLMENT!✨join us in 3 weeks for our first open enrollment for the year! It is a 5 month cultural and dance immersed course that will help pave the way for a successful hula and ‘ori journey to come! Link in our bio to sign-up or visit www.abqpolynesia.com for more info 🤙🏼

Last weekend was a dream! Mahalo to everyone who came out to celebrate, 10 years, Maui, and the Holidays with us! ✨

Mahalo .laylay for capturing these beautiful pictures of our performance. 🤍

More photos and videos to come! 💖🤙🏼