Jeannie Vieve Polinahe Waltrip

Professional Hula Dancer with Pu'uloa Hawaiian Band

Jeannie Vieve Polinahe Waltrip was born in the Philippines and, being born into a military family, grew up in various places around the world. She is an alaka’i (instructor) under Kumu Hulas (master teacher) Keith Awai, Kimo Awai, and Pomaika'i Krueger of Hawai'i at Hālau O ʻAulani, a Hawaiian cultural school and non-profit organization, teaching hula as well as enrichment classes. Poli is a forever student of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, but she is a professional hula dancer with experience in many styles of Polynesian dance, including Tahitian, Samoan and Maori. 

Poli has traveled the world, sharing the spirit of Aloha in the Philippines, Hawaii, South Pacific, California, and all along the east coast from New York to Florida. She has had the pleasure of studying under renowned kumu hula (hula masters) and performing with world-class musicians.

Poli is a dedicated community leader, sharing her knowledge and values with everyone around her in order to help preserve the Hawaiian culture.

Notable Performances:

• Hālau O ‘Aulani annual Hoʻolauleʻa (festival)

• Hawaiʻi and South Pacific cruises

• Aloha Concert at Carnegie Hall with Hoʻokena and The Hiram Olsen Trio

• First Lady’s Luncheon and Senate Dinner

• Annual King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony

• National Cherry Blossom Festival

• Smithsonian Folklife Festival

• National Museum of the American Indian Hawai’i Festival

• Hōkūle’a welcome ceremonies in Virginia and Washington, DC, during their worldwide voyage 

Poli would like to acknowledge and thank the following people:

Ke Akua, for surrounding me with wonderful people and blessing me with endless opportunities to share the spirit of aloha. 

My sister, Jonalyne Hepualahaʻole Lazo-Andres Walker, who shares my passion for Hawaiian culture, music and dance, and has always supported me in every way. 

Kumu Hula Keith Awai, Kumu Hula Pōmaikaʻi Krueger and Kumu Hula Kimo Awai for their endless Aloha, teachings and guidance throughout the years. 

Hālau O ‘Aulani, for creating a family-like environment where hula thrives and the Hawaiian culture is passed on.

And to all the audiences who've joined in the spirit of Aloha—mahalo for allowing me to share this gift.