Hawaii: Leilani

We're pleased to have Desiree Rodgers (Leilani Kalaniwehikapu Kaaimaka) share her heritage with us. Desiree is a seventh generation descendant of King Kamehameha. Her family teaches and performs Hawaiian dance. Though born in Kansas, she is influenced by her grandmother, who was born and raised in Hawaii, and also by her aunts who continue the legacy of her Hawaiian heritage. Desiree learned her first hula at the age of five. As an adult Desiree has become an enthusiastic student of dance and wishes to share the precious legacy of the Hawaiian people. She is instrumental in producing Safira's annual theatre shows.