Meet Gabrielle Ott of Tamali’i Polynesian Entertainment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Ott.

Gabrielle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My father is from American Samoa where dance is an important part of the Samoan culture. My parents, Totoe and Aimee Moea’i, began Tamali’i as our small family luau show in 2008 with my brothers, Hunter, Wyatt, and myself. Later, we added a couple more dancers and luau services that we did for birthday parties, graduations, weddings, and other celebrations. In 2012, I met my husband, Dion Ott, who is also from American Samoa, and he and I found joy in choreography and teaching Polynesian dance together.

Today, Dion and I own and operate Tamali’i Polynesian Entertainment with the support of my parents and brothers. We teach both children and adults various Polynesian islands styles of dance. In addition to the birthday parties, graduations, and weddings we’re hired to dance for, we now enjoy dancing at the AZ Aloha Festival each year, with this being our third. We have also performed at the Island Reggae Festival in San Jose, California and at the Pure Aloha Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We’re going through what we call, “growing pains”. Although, it’s not that painful when you have amazing people to work with and have a strong support system.

For instance, we didn’t always have a place to practice and had to use our home, churches, or parks. We didn’t always have the funds or means to get the supplies we needed and were graciously given donations, or used our own personal resources. We began the group with only a few people and now have grown exceptionally.

I wouldn’t say we’re done yet or have even reached our goals since this is only the beginning for us. Every day we’re learning and it’s the best! We’ve had a great journey so far and embrace every aspect, test, and trial that comes with it.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Our company specializes in Polynesian dance and entertainment services. We teach, perform, greet your guests with lei’s, send hula grams, DJ, and have Moana and Maui characters available for hire. What sets us apart is our unique and modern approach to traditional styles of Polynesian dance. We like to keep it upbeat and fun for all ages.

What we’re most proud of is our dance school – Tamali’i Tamaiti. Tamali’i in the Samoan language means “High Chief”, and “Tamaiti” means children or kids. Our dance school’s mission is to create a positive environment for our students to learn and embrace the Polynesian culture through dance.

How do you, personally, define success? What’s your criteria, the markers you’re looking out for, etc?
Success is what you reach when you are absolutely satisfied with what you have achieved.

Contact Info:

• Website: tamaliientertainment.webs.com
• Phone: (480) 415-3603
• Email: tamaliientertainment@gmail.com
• Instagram: @tamaliientertainment
• Facebook: facebook.com/tamaliientertainment
• Other: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jzL1FnNhrOY

Image Credit:
Vizzun Entertainment

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