Greetings! Welcome to my website!
Please note that the Belly Dance, Belly Dance Photos and Rock 50's tabs all have "drop-down menus" at the top of this page. My shows are high energy, visually stimulating, full of variety and unique in content! For inquiries and booking dates, please send me an email via the Contact link above. Please note that I live in Windsor, Ontario close to the U.S. border. My entertainment services are available throughout Windsor and Essex and Kent counties for individual shows and up to a 300 mile radius for scheduled 10 day tours. As per work history, I am a published freelance writer, who has written for Canadian and U.S. publications. I am currently writing for two women's magazines in Windsor. Prior to this, I was a Real Estate Appraiser throughout southern Ontario and Toronto. My musical background dates back to grade school; wherein, I played the piano for several years and took lessons at the "The Ursuline Academy of Music." Such training has given me the knowledge to understand the dynamics of music, which is instrumental in the playing of percussion instruments. I wish to thank my awesome percussion teacher, who's lessons have given me the opportunity to increase my knowledge. My entertainment profile follows.
An experienced professional entertainer/dancer/percussionist will provide "Hawaiian Luaus, Belly Dance, Rock n' Roll 50's-60's and Tribal" themed shows for indoor and outdoor events and special occasions such as fundraisers, weddings, anniversaries, engagements, bridal showers, birthday parties; adult and childrens parties (no bachelor parties), corporate affairs and events, family get-togethers and reunions, barbeques, festivals, retirement and nursing homes, etc. My shows contain the visual and creative elements necessary to keep an audience engaged for up to an hour of entertainment and fun! I am on the "Spark's List of Preferred Performers" for Kent County; as well I have permission from the Toronto Supervisors of "Chartwell-Reit and Leisureworld" to perform in any of their establishments.
ALOHA! "Hawaiian Luau Celebrations" are colorful, festive occasions; and I'll bring the party to your place of choosing! A luau is a celebration of life, a grand occasion, which consists of "authentic hula dancing" to popular Island music and the use of props such as uli ulis (feathered gords), bamboo sticks, shakers, silk fans, etc. Having practiced the art form of T'ai Chi sword for 15+ years, I'll sometimes perform a "tribal-fusion dance" with an authentic t'ai chi sword containing a 28 inch cutting blade. This is done in commemoration of the battles and historical events that took place on the Islands centuries ago. For weddings or anniversaries, a special presentation of "The Wedding Song" includes lei-giving to the bride.
My "Belly Dance Extravaganzas" include dancing with and without props: Props include such items as colorful veils and a pair of 5' long silk fans. I play percussion instruments such as a Rik/Egyptian Tambourine, an Arabic Doumbek Drum, finger cymbals aka zills and the maraccas. I also play the Spanish filigrana and the wooden castanets on an expert level of experience. I explain the "origin and relevance" of each dance and percussion instrument as they are being presented during the show. My choreographies are my OWN, with the exception of a "pop lock" routine for which I have the "consent of the choreographer" to present her interpretation and to credit her by name.
My "Tribal Shows" consist of dancing to the heavy beat of Brazilian, African, Caribbean and rock music while playing such percussion instruments as the maracas, the Spanish filigrana and wooden castanets, three kinds of tambourines including the Egyptian tambourine, finger cymbals or zills, the cabassa, and Arabic Doumbek drum. I enjoy putting on these types of shows, because it allows me to do what I love to do most and that is the playing of percussion instruments. Tribal shows really get the crowd going strong, and the energy that fills the air is exhilarating to say the least.
I have added a "Rock n' Roll 50's-60's" show and have currently performed 20 Rock Shows since its introduction late last year. The 50's-60's was an era of Rock n' Roll music where kids wanted to be different but alike at the same time, thus, rebelling against traditional family values much to the displeasure of their parents. At the same time, there was an onslaught of new technology taking place such as the invention of television, tail fins on cars, the Paper Mate leak free ball point pen, the first copy machine, the invention of plastic, Jonas Salk's polio vaccine, the first plastic coke bottle in 1958; and the launching of an 184 pound satellite called the "Spudnik" by the Russians, which marked the beginning of the space race when the US launched a similar satellite 4 months later; This generation had it's eye set on the future. So, come take a step back in time, kick up your heels and join the fun no matter what age you are or what shape you're in! Here's a cool show featuring artists many of whom are in the "Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame" such as Bill Haley and the Comets, Roy Orbison, The Silhouettes, The Beach Boys, Elvis "the pelvis" Presley; the "Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; Jay and the Americans, Chuck Berry, Sha Na Na, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and many more artists including music from the modern movies "Grease" and American Grafitti." I've recently included popular tunes from the "BIG BAND" Golden Era featuring Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. As is the case with all my shows, there's always ample opportunity for audience and staff participation and the chance to learn some rock n' roll dances - the Twist, Watusi, Funky Chicken, The Monkey, Hitch Hike, The Bop and many more. Tambourines are handed out to audience members to play along to the beat and get in the groove. It's crazy, man!
As for experience from February 19th, 2008 to April 24, 2012, I have performed 179 shows, 161 of which were SOLO performances. Under the "Schedules" tab found at the top of this page, I have recorded every show I have ever done along with the date and the place. In 2011, I performed 48 shows. The areas I have covered have been Windsor and Essex County and in the regions of Chatham, Dresden, Tilbury, Ridgetown, Blenheim, London, Aylmer, St. Thomas, Mississauga, Toronto, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Port Perry, Bowmanville, Port Hope and Cobourg with many repeat performances. In 2009, I did two tours of Toronto, the first of which included 12 shows in 13 days. In October 2010, I did an Ajax to Cobourg tour - 16 shows in 9 days. In May 2011, I completed another tour from Scarborough to Cobourg - 13 shows in 9 days. During a performance, I never leave the audience unattended. I am personable and possess a sense of humor. Shows run from 45 minutes to 60 minutes in duration. I have incredible energy and stamina and have performed up to 3 shows a day. I possess the ability to connect with a crowd no matter the age group involved. Entertainment is continual and with opportunities for audience and staff participation including mini-lessons if desired. *References from performance venues and videos are available upon request. I am now entering my fourth year of entertaining.
Basically, I provide several genres of shows to suit individual needs: 1.) Hawaiian Luau or Tropical Island 2.) Belly Dancing 3.) Half and Half: These types of shows feature a 30 minute Hawaiian Luau followed by 30 minutes of Belly Dance or vice versa. 4.) Belly Dancing and Hawaiian Luau Showcases: "Showcases" include a 15-20 minute Belly dance or Hula mini lesson at the end of the show for those who'd like to shake their booties and learn some basic moves. 5.) Rock n' Roll 50's - 60's: Music & Dancing from the Golden Era! 6.) My Tribal Shows as previously described 7.) Themed Shows are individually choreographed and suitable for specific occasions such as Hallowe'en, Mardi Gras, Christmas, etc.
This year I will be doing a special themed show, a "Mardi Gras Masquerade" for the Canadian Cancer Society Fundraiser on JUNE 15, 2012. It's for the "RELAY for LIFE Masquerading for a Cure" at the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle. From 8:0opm-9:30pm in the Activity Tent, I'll be teaching dance classes and how to play the maraccas and tambourine specifically for the people who'd like to participate in the show. Then from 9:30pm-10:30pm, my "Mardi Gras Masquerade Show" will take place. With regards to all types of shows, in the case of parties for children or teenagers, presentations are geared toward a younger audience. *Flyers will be provided free of charge. If the show has a special theme, the flyer will be designed to your specific needs.
My CJAM utalking2me radio interview with DJ, Big JD, took place on November 29th, 2010. We discussed Belly Dancing and Hawaiian Luaus, past performances and many interesting topics including putting on a successful show and touring as well. The video runs 29 minutes with an introduction that lasts 4 minutes in duration before our interview actually begins. If you would like to listen to it, just click on the link a few lines below. In the pop-up window which appears immediately, you must then hit the "save" button. Another pop-up window will appear quickly and just hit "save" to desktop for easy access. The link is http://www.utalkin2me.ca/audio/uT2M_CJAM_11_isabel_tatoui.mp3 You may also access this interview from the sublink "My CJAM radio interview with BigJD" which can be found under the "Video" tab at the top of this page.
I'm starting but haven't finished a summarized BLOG entry that will span a period of four years of entertaining right up to present time-- 178 shows later. It can be found under the "Schedules Tab" at the top of this webpage. I'll check in from time to time to make new entries and to answer comments as well. Please feel free to add comments or any questions you might have to my blog. To inquire about booking a show or for more information please refer to the "Contact" tab at the top of this page.
ALOHA! "Hawaiian Luau Celebrations" are colorful, festive occasions; and I'll bring the party to your place of choosing! A luau is a celebration of life, a grand occasion, which consists of "authentic hula dancing" to popular Island music and the use of props such as uli ulis (feathered gords), bamboo sticks, shakers, silk fans, etc. Having practiced the art form of T'ai Chi sword for 15+ years, I'll sometimes perform a "tribal-fusion dance" with an authentic t'ai chi sword containing a 28 inch cutting blade. This is done in commemoration of the battles and historical events that took place on the Islands centuries ago. For weddings or anniversaries, a special presentation of "The Wedding Song" includes lei-giving to the bride.
My "Belly Dance Extravaganzas" include dancing with and without props: Props include such items as colorful veils and a pair of 5' long silk fans. I play percussion instruments such as a Rik/Egyptian Tambourine, an Arabic Doumbek Drum, finger cymbals aka zills and the maraccas. I also play the Spanish filigrana and the wooden castanets on an expert level of experience. I explain the "origin and relevance" of each dance and percussion instrument as they are being presented during the show. My choreographies are my OWN, with the exception of a "pop lock" routine for which I have the "consent of the choreographer" to present her interpretation and to credit her by name.
My "Tribal Shows" consist of dancing to the heavy beat of Brazilian, African, Caribbean and rock music while playing such percussion instruments as the maracas, the Spanish filigrana and wooden castanets, three kinds of tambourines including the Egyptian tambourine, finger cymbals or zills, the cabassa, and Arabic Doumbek drum. I enjoy putting on these types of shows, because it allows me to do what I love to do most and that is the playing of percussion instruments. Tribal shows really get the crowd going strong, and the energy that fills the air is exhilarating to say the least.
I have added a "Rock n' Roll 50's-60's" show and have currently performed 20 Rock Shows since its introduction late last year. The 50's-60's was an era of Rock n' Roll music where kids wanted to be different but alike at the same time, thus, rebelling against traditional family values much to the displeasure of their parents. At the same time, there was an onslaught of new technology taking place such as the invention of television, tail fins on cars, the Paper Mate leak free ball point pen, the first copy machine, the invention of plastic, Jonas Salk's polio vaccine, the first plastic coke bottle in 1958; and the launching of an 184 pound satellite called the "Spudnik" by the Russians, which marked the beginning of the space race when the US launched a similar satellite 4 months later; This generation had it's eye set on the future. So, come take a step back in time, kick up your heels and join the fun no matter what age you are or what shape you're in! Here's a cool show featuring artists many of whom are in the "Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame" such as Bill Haley and the Comets, Roy Orbison, The Silhouettes, The Beach Boys, Elvis "the pelvis" Presley; the "Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown; Jay and the Americans, Chuck Berry, Sha Na Na, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and many more artists including music from the modern movies "Grease" and American Grafitti." I've recently included popular tunes from the "BIG BAND" Golden Era featuring Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. As is the case with all my shows, there's always ample opportunity for audience and staff participation and the chance to learn some rock n' roll dances - the Twist, Watusi, Funky Chicken, The Monkey, Hitch Hike, The Bop and many more. Tambourines are handed out to audience members to play along to the beat and get in the groove. It's crazy, man!
As for experience from February 19th, 2008 to April 24, 2012, I have performed 179 shows, 161 of which were SOLO performances. Under the "Schedules" tab found at the top of this page, I have recorded every show I have ever done along with the date and the place. In 2011, I performed 48 shows. The areas I have covered have been Windsor and Essex County and in the regions of Chatham, Dresden, Tilbury, Ridgetown, Blenheim, London, Aylmer, St. Thomas, Mississauga, Toronto, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Port Perry, Bowmanville, Port Hope and Cobourg with many repeat performances. In 2009, I did two tours of Toronto, the first of which included 12 shows in 13 days. In October 2010, I did an Ajax to Cobourg tour - 16 shows in 9 days. In May 2011, I completed another tour from Scarborough to Cobourg - 13 shows in 9 days. During a performance, I never leave the audience unattended. I am personable and possess a sense of humor. Shows run from 45 minutes to 60 minutes in duration. I have incredible energy and stamina and have performed up to 3 shows a day. I possess the ability to connect with a crowd no matter the age group involved. Entertainment is continual and with opportunities for audience and staff participation including mini-lessons if desired. *References from performance venues and videos are available upon request. I am now entering my fourth year of entertaining.
Basically, I provide several genres of shows to suit individual needs: 1.) Hawaiian Luau or Tropical Island 2.) Belly Dancing 3.) Half and Half: These types of shows feature a 30 minute Hawaiian Luau followed by 30 minutes of Belly Dance or vice versa. 4.) Belly Dancing and Hawaiian Luau Showcases: "Showcases" include a 15-20 minute Belly dance or Hula mini lesson at the end of the show for those who'd like to shake their booties and learn some basic moves. 5.) Rock n' Roll 50's - 60's: Music & Dancing from the Golden Era! 6.) My Tribal Shows as previously described 7.) Themed Shows are individually choreographed and suitable for specific occasions such as Hallowe'en, Mardi Gras, Christmas, etc.
This year I will be doing a special themed show, a "Mardi Gras Masquerade" for the Canadian Cancer Society Fundraiser on JUNE 15, 2012. It's for the "RELAY for LIFE Masquerading for a Cure" at the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle. From 8:0opm-9:30pm in the Activity Tent, I'll be teaching dance classes and how to play the maraccas and tambourine specifically for the people who'd like to participate in the show. Then from 9:30pm-10:30pm, my "Mardi Gras Masquerade Show" will take place. With regards to all types of shows, in the case of parties for children or teenagers, presentations are geared toward a younger audience. *Flyers will be provided free of charge. If the show has a special theme, the flyer will be designed to your specific needs.
My CJAM utalking2me radio interview with DJ, Big JD, took place on November 29th, 2010. We discussed Belly Dancing and Hawaiian Luaus, past performances and many interesting topics including putting on a successful show and touring as well. The video runs 29 minutes with an introduction that lasts 4 minutes in duration before our interview actually begins. If you would like to listen to it, just click on the link a few lines below. In the pop-up window which appears immediately, you must then hit the "save" button. Another pop-up window will appear quickly and just hit "save" to desktop for easy access. The link is http://www.utalkin2me.ca/audio/uT2M_CJAM_11_isabel_tatoui.mp3 You may also access this interview from the sublink "My CJAM radio interview with BigJD" which can be found under the "Video" tab at the top of this page.
I'm starting but haven't finished a summarized BLOG entry that will span a period of four years of entertaining right up to present time-- 178 shows later. It can be found under the "Schedules Tab" at the top of this webpage. I'll check in from time to time to make new entries and to answer comments as well. Please feel free to add comments or any questions you might have to my blog. To inquire about booking a show or for more information please refer to the "Contact" tab at the top of this page.
Growing up, our house was a place where music could be heard throughout the day. My dad, who used to play in a band, would entertain us with his saxophone, clarinet and harmonica. He had spreadsheets of music before him and a dream in his heart to one day play in a band again.
If dad were alive today, I am sure he would be coming to my shows and offering his support and advice. However, it wasn't until years after his passing, that I decided to become an entertainer. "Like father, like daughter," so my sister says.
If dad were alive today, I am sure he would be coming to my shows and offering his support and advice. However, it wasn't until years after his passing, that I decided to become an entertainer. "Like father, like daughter," so my sister says.
Entertaining people has become a real passion for me. Over the years, I have come to realize how beneficial and healing it has been for me in my life. I now have a broader understanding and a greater appreciation of the many artforms that encompass the different types of shows I do.
To entertain is not merely to get up in front of an audience and dance about the room, but rather it is the connection the entertainer has with each person in the crowd and the extension of self in a humble yet visually stimulating way.
To get "lost in the music" might seem self-serving to some; but it is in fashion that the dancer becomes one with the dance, and the musician becomes the very instrument they play!
OLE!
To entertain is not merely to get up in front of an audience and dance about the room, but rather it is the connection the entertainer has with each person in the crowd and the extension of self in a humble yet visually stimulating way.
To get "lost in the music" might seem self-serving to some; but it is in fashion that the dancer becomes one with the dance, and the musician becomes the very instrument they play!
OLE!
