Who is Kelly Kamalelehua Smith?
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner, hula dancer, and educator who has dedicated her life to perpetuating and revitalizing Hawaiian culture.
She is the founder and director of the Hlau o Kekuhi, a hula school that teaches traditional Hawaiian dance and culture to students of all ages. Smith is also a highly respected cultural consultant who has worked with numerous organizations and institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Through her work, Smith has helped to raise awareness of Hawaiian culture and its importance to the Hawaiian people. She is a passionate advocate for the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian traditions, and her work has had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Hawai'i.
Main Article Topics:
- Smith's background and early life
- Her work as a hula dancer and educator
- Her role as a cultural consultant
- Her impact on Hawaiian culture
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner, hula dancer, and educator who has dedicated her life to perpetuating and revitalizing Hawaiian culture. She is a highly respected cultural consultant who has worked with numerous organizations and institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution and the National Endowment for the Arts.
- Cultural practitioner: Smith is a respected cultural practitioner who has worked to perpetuate and revitalize Hawaiian culture.
- Hula dancer: Smith is a accomplished hula dancer who has performed and taught hula for many years.
- Educator: Smith is a dedicated educator who has taught Hawaiian culture and hula to students of all ages.
- Cultural consultant: Smith is a highly respected cultural consultant who has worked with numerous organizations and institutions.
- Advocate: Smith is a passionate advocate for the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian traditions.
- Leader: Smith is a leader in the Hawaiian cultural community.
Smith's work has had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Hawai'i. She has helped to raise awareness of Hawaiian culture and its importance to the Hawaiian people. She is a role model for young Hawaiians and an inspiration to all who are interested in learning about and perpetuating Hawaiian culture.
Personal details and bio data:
| Name: | Kelly Kamalelehua Smith |
| Birthplace: | Hilo, Hawai'i |
| Occupation: | Cultural practitioner, hula dancer, educator, cultural consultant |
| Awards and honors: | National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, Eddie Aikau Award from the Polynesian Voyaging Society |
Cultural practitioner
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a cultural practitioner who has dedicated her life to perpetuating and revitalizing Hawaiian culture. She is a highly respected cultural consultant who has worked with numerous organizations and institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution and the National Endowment for the Arts. Smith's work has had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Hawai'i. She has helped to raise awareness of Hawaiian culture and its importance to the Hawaiian people.
- Preservation of traditional knowledge: Smith has worked to preserve traditional Hawaiian knowledge and practices, including hula, traditional crafts, and the Hawaiian language.
- Education and outreach: Smith has taught Hawaiian culture and hula to students of all ages, both in Hawai'i and on the mainland. She has also developed educational programs and materials for schools and community organizations.
- Cultural revitalization: Smith has been involved in a number of cultural revitalization projects, including the restoration of traditional Hawaiian fishponds and the establishment of new hula schools.
- Advocacy: Smith is a passionate advocate for the protection of Hawaiian culture and the rights of the Hawaiian people. She has testified before Congress on issues related to Hawaiian sovereignty and cultural preservation.
Smith's work as a cultural practitioner is essential to the perpetuation and revitalization of Hawaiian culture. She is a role model for young Hawaiians and an inspiration to all who are interested in learning about and perpetuating Hawaiian culture.
Hula dancer
Hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance form that has been passed down through generations. It is a sacred art form that tells stories, expresses emotions, and celebrates the beauty of the Hawaiian culture. Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a accomplished hula dancer who has dedicated her life to perpetuating and revitalizing Hawaiian culture. She has performed and taught hula for many years, both in Hawai'i and on the mainland. Smith is a highly respected hula dancer and teacher, and her work has had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Hawai'i.
Smith's hula dancing is a powerful expression of her Hawaiian identity. Through her dance, she shares the stories and traditions of her people. She also uses her hula to advocate for the protection of Hawaiian culture and the rights of the Hawaiian people. Smith is a role model for young Hawaiians and an inspiration to all who are interested in learning about and perpetuating Hawaiian culture.
Smith's work as a hula dancer is essential to the perpetuation and revitalization of Hawaiian culture. She is a master of her art form, and her dedication to teaching and sharing hula is invaluable. Smith is a true cultural treasure, and her work is a gift to the people of Hawai'i and the world.
Educator
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a dedicated educator who has taught Hawaiian culture and hula to students of all ages. She is the founder and director of the Hlau o Kekuhi, a hula school that teaches traditional Hawaiian dance and culture to students of all ages. Smith is also a highly respected cultural consultant who has worked with numerous organizations and institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution and the National Endowment for the Arts.
- Preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture: Smith's work as an educator is essential to the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture. Through her teaching, she is passing on the traditions and values of her people to the next generation.
- Inspiring and empowering students: Smith's teaching is not only about passing on knowledge and skills. She also inspires and empowers her students to be proud of their Hawaiian heritage and to be active participants in their culture.
- Building community: Smith's hula school is more than just a place to learn hula. It is also a community center where students can come together to share their culture and to learn from each other.
- Promoting cultural understanding: Smith's work as an educator also helps to promote cultural understanding. Through her teaching, she is sharing Hawaiian culture with people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a dedicated educator who is making a significant contribution to the perpetuation and revitalization of Hawaiian culture. Her work is inspiring and empowering students, building community, and promoting cultural understanding.
Cultural consultant
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a highly respected cultural consultant who has worked with numerous organizations and institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution and the National Endowment for the Arts. In this role, she has provided expert advice on Hawaiian culture and traditions, and has helped to develop and implement cultural programs and initiatives.
- Preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture: Smith's work as a cultural consultant has helped to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture. She has worked with organizations to develop educational programs, cultural events, and other initiatives that promote the understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian culture.
- Promoting cultural understanding: Smith's work has also helped to promote cultural understanding between Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians. She has worked with organizations to develop cross-cultural programs, workshops, and other initiatives that bring people together to learn about and appreciate each other's cultures.
- Advocating for the rights of the Hawaiian people: Smith is a passionate advocate for the rights of the Hawaiian people. She has worked with organizations to develop policies and initiatives that protect Hawaiian culture and the rights of the Hawaiian people.
- Building community: Smith's work as a cultural consultant has also helped to build community. She has worked with organizations to develop community-based programs and initiatives that bring people together to share their culture and to work towards common goals.
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a dedicated cultural consultant who is making a significant contribution to the preservation, perpetuation, and promotion of Hawaiian culture. Her work is inspiring and empowering Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians alike, and is helping to build a more just and equitable society.
Advocate
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a passionate advocate for the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian traditions. She has dedicated her life to perpetuating and revitalizing Hawaiian culture through her work as a cultural practitioner, hula dancer, educator, and cultural consultant. As an advocate, Smith has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of Hawaiian culture, to protect Hawaiian cultural rights, and to promote the perpetuation of Hawaiian traditions.
- Cultural preservation: Smith has been a vocal advocate for the preservation of Hawaiian culture. She has worked to protect Hawaiian cultural sites, such as fishponds and heiau (temples), and has advocated for the preservation of the Hawaiian language and traditional Hawaiian practices.
- Cultural rights: Smith has also been a strong advocate for the protection of Hawaiian cultural rights. She has worked to ensure that Native Hawaiians have the right to practice their culture and to protect their cultural heritage.
- Cultural perpetuation: Smith believes that it is essential to perpetuate Hawaiian traditions for future generations. She has worked to develop educational programs and other initiatives that teach Hawaiian culture to young people and to encourage them to participate in traditional Hawaiian practices.
- Cultural revitalization: Smith has also been involved in a number of cultural revitalization projects, such as the restoration of traditional Hawaiian fishponds and the establishment of new hula schools. These projects are helping to revitalize Hawaiian culture and to ensure that it continues to thrive for future generations.
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a passionate advocate for the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian traditions. Her work has had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Hawai'i, and she is an inspiration to all who are interested in preserving and perpetuating indigenous cultures.
Leader
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a leader in the Hawaiian cultural community. She is a respected cultural practitioner, hula dancer, educator, and cultural consultant. Her work has helped to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture, promote cultural understanding, and advocate for the rights of the Hawaiian people.
- Cultural revitalization: Smith has been involved in a number of cultural revitalization projects, such as the restoration of traditional Hawaiian fishponds and the establishment of new hula schools. These projects are helping to revitalize Hawaiian culture and to ensure that it continues to thrive for future generations.
- Cultural advocacy: Smith is a passionate advocate for the protection of Hawaiian culture and the rights of the Hawaiian people. She has testified before Congress on issues related to Hawaiian sovereignty and cultural preservation.
- Mentorship and leadership: Smith is a mentor to many young Hawaiians and is actively involved in leadership roles within the Hawaiian cultural community. She is a role model for young Hawaiians and an inspiration to all who are interested in perpetuating Hawaiian culture.
- Community building: Smith's work as a cultural practitioner, educator, and advocate has helped to build community among Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians alike. She has brought people together to learn about and appreciate Hawaiian culture, and has worked to create a more just and equitable society.
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a leader in the Hawaiian cultural community because of her dedication to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture, her advocacy for the rights of the Hawaiian people, and her work to build community. She is an inspiration to all who are interested in preserving and perpetuating indigenous cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelly Kamalelehua Smith
This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Kelly Kamalelehua Smith, her work, and her impact on Hawaiian culture.
Question 1: What is Kelly Kamalelehua Smith known for?
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is known for her work as a cultural practitioner, hula dancer, educator, cultural consultant, and advocate for the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture.
Question 2: What are some of Smith's most notable accomplishments?
Smith's most notable accomplishments include founding and directing the Hlau o Kekuhi hula school, receiving the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, and being named a Living Treasure of Hawai'i.
Question 3: How has Smith contributed to the preservation of Hawaiian culture?
Smith has contributed to the preservation of Hawaiian culture through her work as a cultural practitioner, hula dancer, educator, and cultural consultant. She has worked to preserve traditional Hawaiian knowledge and practices, teach Hawaiian culture to students of all ages, and advocate for the protection of Hawaiian cultural sites and rights.
Question 4: What are some of the challenges that Smith has faced in her work?
Smith has faced a number of challenges in her work, including the loss of Hawaiian cultural knowledge and practices, the decline of the Hawaiian language, and the ongoing impacts of colonization. Despite these challenges, Smith has remained committed to her work and has made significant contributions to the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture.
Question 5: What can we learn from Smith's work and example?
We can learn a great deal from Smith's work and example. She teaches us the importance of preserving and perpetuating our cultures, the power of education, and the importance of advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples. Smith is an inspiration to us all, and her work will continue to have a positive impact on the world for generations to come.
Summary: Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture. Her work has had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Hawai'i, and she is an inspiration to all who are interested in preserving and perpetuating indigenous cultures.
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Conclusion
Kelly Kamalelehua Smith is a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian culture. Her work as a cultural practitioner, hula dancer, educator, cultural consultant, and advocate has had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Hawai'i, and she is an inspiration to all who are interested in preserving and perpetuating indigenous cultures.
Smith's work reminds us of the importance of preserving and perpetuating our cultures, the power of education, and the importance of advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples. She is an inspiration to us all, and her work will continue to have a positive impact on the world for generations to come.
