MEET OUR OHANA
Our "ohana" (family) of dancers and musicians come from all over northeast Ohio and all walks of life for the joy of performing Polynesian dance!
Audrey
Founder of PPE and Performer
Along with her dear friends, Audrey created Pacific Paradise Entertainment LLC, comprising of dedicated friends who enjoy dancing and performing to perpetuate the Polynesian culture. In addition, Audrey is a cardiology nurse practitioner. Dancing is her way to express her innermost feelings.
Pat
Co-founder of PPE and Performer
Pat is a medical provider who joined PPE for the health benefits of dance. She enjoys performing hula, aparimas and Tahitian dances with the team. For her, the greatest benefit is gaining a family of like-minded people, who love each other as much as dancing.
Nikitha
Co-founder of PPE and Performer
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Jennifer
Performer
A marketing manager by day and busy bee by night, Jennifer stays very active at home, in the community and in her social life. Her childhood love for dancing and the Hawaiian culture brought her to Polynesian dancing with PPE since its inception.
Donna
Performer
Born and raised on the island of 'Oahu, Donna dances hula and Tahitian along with her children. Donna and her family currently live in Indiana, where she works as a respiratory therapist at Parkview Regional Medical Center.
Gideon (Mana)
Performer
Born and raised in the island of Saipan in the Northern Marianas Islands, Mana shares stories, spirits and legends with the gifts shared from his family, Tekan'hau Nui (International Polynesian Dance School of Saipan). Mana shares these stories through Tahitian and Hawaiian dance, as well as through Samoan Fire Knife and Marques Fire Poi art.
Steve
Musician
Steve has served as principal musician for PPE since its founding. A lifelong musician, he plays drums of many types, ukulele, keyboard and also sings. Find more information about his musical exploits at stevepopernack.com.
Joseph
DJ
As part of the stage crew, Joe is the primary DJ for PPE. Husband to PPE Founder, Audrey, he enjoys watching the group grow and exude their passion.
Ern
Emcee
Ern serves as the Emcee and member of the stage crew for PPE. He has enjoyed performing with Polynesian dance troops for many years, in his many roles as dancer, Emcee and stage crew. Much love to all his Ohana!
Roseann
Performer
Roseann started Polynesian dancing with Halau Hula I Kona Kai o Pua in 1992. Rose dances kahiko, auana, Maori, Tahitian and fire poi/fan.
Louise
Performer
For Louise, dancing with PPE has been a joy and a challenge - from practicing the drills and learning great choreography to working with beautiful and gracious dancers.
Ruby
Performer
Ruby is a Nurse, mother, wife and sister. Dancing is Ruby's passion; to her, it’s like magic, literally! No regrets about the past, no worries about the future... it is like a Carpe Diem moment for Ruby.
Evangeline
Performer
Currently working at MetroHealth as a Nurse Manager, Evangeline is also a BSN, RN, MPA. Growing up, Evangeline remembers dancing with her dad and sisters. Those memories fill her heart with glee and continued to do so when she joined PPE. "I am going to dance until I can't. I'll be old, but I will still be swaying these hips."
Nina
Performer
Nina has been a member of PPE since May 2019. Dancing is one of the things she loves to do. Nina also loves spending time in the gym; it makes her feel at peace with her mind and body.
Jeanie
Performer
Not everyone was born to be a dancer, but practice makes perfect. Jeanie has always loved art and considers herself as one. She spent her childhood watching and cheering performances and promised herself that one day she would own that stage. Here she is now sharing good energy through dancing.
Lorraine
Performer
Lorraine has her MBA and loves running and dancing. She started dancing with PPE in May 2019 and has enjoyed every minute of it.
Joy
Performer
Joy has always loved dancing, but never thought she could actually be a member of a professional dance team. Here she is, almost a year later, dancing with the PPE family and loving it!
Rose
Performer
Dancing has been a means for Rose to relieve stress and anxiety. Since she has joined PPE, her health has improved, mentally and physically.
Carol
Performer
Carol is an OR nurse at the Cleveland VA. She is a student of hula and Tahitian dances since 1990s and a cancer survivor.
Michelle
Performer
Michelle has been dancing hula since the age of 4. She has had the opportunity to study with Halau Kalama of Denver and Ke Kai O’Uhane of Monterey. She has also participated in hula competitions (Ho’ike Hawaii, E Hula Mau) and attends workshops to continue her education. She is really excited to be dancing with PPE!