Nilza Kehaulanikapuho'opunimekealoha Ka'uhane started Polynesian dancing at the early age of 7 in Baja California, Mexico with Carmen Casillas where she danced for 25 years. During this time they traveled many times to Hawaii for instruction and performances. She has been performing as a professional Hula/Tahitian dancer for most of her life and has participated in many Tahitian competitions like Tahiti fete of San Jose.
Her formal kumu hula training began in 2005 with Kumu Anne Blankenship in San Diego, learning not only dances but language, protocol, and Hawaiian culture. To Nilza, the most important part of her training is Hula Kahiko (ancient Hawaiian dance). Nilza studies the 'Iolani Luahine hula lineage.
Nilza has attended many workshops with renowned kumu hula in Hawaii, Mexico, and throughout the US mainland. Some of these include: Chinky Mahoe, Ray Fonseca, George Naope, Pi'ilani Lua, Nalani Kanaka'ole, Keali'i Reichel, Robert Casimero, Mark Ho'omalu, Cy Bridges, Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Kuana Torres Kahele, Kaumaka'iwa Kanaka'ole, and Taupori Tangaro. She has attended and participated in several Ka 'Aha Hula 'O Halauaola hula conferences as a dancer and as a kumu. Some of her sources and mentors include Dr. Amy Ku'uleialoha Stillman, Lance Koyama, and Kumu Anne Blankenship.
"You will always be a student of hula since there is an inexhaustible wealth of knowledge and people to learn from."