Interactive project for children exploring Brazilian Culture

About Us

Ta Tum Tum! is an interactive project designed for children to explore Brazilian culture through live music, creative movement and storytelling! It also explores body awareness and different rhythms used in Brazilian music.Ta Tum Tum! is an onomatopeia inspired by the sounds of drums and percussion. Brazilian rhythms have its roots in Africa and are one of the most recognisable rhythms in the world. Samba is enacted most spectacularly in the Brazilian Carnaval celebrations, which have captured the global imagination in its pulsating rhythms, its decadent revelry, its extroverted performativity and its extravagant exhibitionism.

Kasia EliaszKasia Eliasz is the artistic director of Ta Tum Tum, where she leads the storytelling elements, guiding the performance from one part to the next. With a deep connection to Brazilian folklore, she weaves the narrative in a way that invites young audiences into the story, keeping them engaged through vibrant storytelling and dynamic transitions. Her role is to create a seamless flow, ensuring that the music, movement, and story come together in an interactive and immersive experience. Through her direction, Kasia brings the tale to life, fostering a rich cultural experience for children.www.kasiaeliasz.com

William KanelaOriginally from Porto Alegre, Brazil, William Kanela is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer. In Ta Tum Tum, he leads the vocal parts, guiding children through the sounds of the Portuguese language. Using call-and-response techniques and playful rhythms, he creates a fun, interactive environment where kids can sing along and engage with the music while learning the language. His approach brings the rhythm and melody of Brazilian culture into a dynamic, hands-on experience for young audiences.

Franklin MartinOriginally from Rio de Janeiro, Franklin is a multi-instrumentalist and composer, specialising in cavaquinho and percussion. In Ta Tum Tum, he leads the movement elements, incorporating capoeira and samba to bring energy and rhythm to the performance. Through his expert guidance, he fuses traditional Brazilian dance and martial arts with live music, creating an immersive experience that highlights the dynamic relationship between movement and sound. His work deepens the connection to Brazilian culture, engaging audiences in a vibrant celebration of rhythm and movement.

Marcio TarktarovOriginally from Pernambuco, Marcio is an accomplished percussionist who plays a variety of instruments in Ta Tum Tum, including pandeiro, tamborim, agogô, shekere, and surdo. He leads the percussion section, using these instruments to bring the vibrant rhythms of Brazil to life. Marcio also teaches traditional Brazilian rhythms such as samba, forró, and frevo, helping both performers and audiences connect with the authentic sounds and cultural richness of his homeland.

Workshops

The Ta Tum Tum workshops offer a hands-on, immersive exploration of Brazilian music, rhythm, and dance, engaging children of all abilities. With a collection of over 40 handheld instruments—including caxixi, pandeiro, tamborim, agogô, and shekere—participants are introduced to a variety of Brazilian music styles such as samba, bossa nova, frevo, forró, and capoeira. Each session provides an opportunity to explore rhythm and sound through playful, interactive learning.Rhythm and body percussion are at the heart of the workshops, teaching children to use their own bodies as instruments.
Singing also plays a key role, with call-and-response songs in both English and Portuguese encouraging participation while introducing the sounds and flow of the Portuguese language. These musical activities allow children to connect to rhythm, melody, and language in a fun and accessible way.
Movement brings the workshops to life, with children exploring dance styles like samba, forró, and capoeira. Capoeira, a unique blend of martial arts and dance rooted in Afro-Brazilian culture, introduces dynamic movement while connecting music and storytelling.The workshops culminate in a vibrant carnival party where children celebrate what they’ve learned. With small sensory props adding a playful element, the final celebration brings together music, movement, and joy, creating an inclusive and unforgettable experience.

Children 0-3 and Their ParentsThe Ta Tum Tum workshops for babies and toddlers (0-3 years) focus on sensory exploration, bonding, and play. Parents and children are introduced to gentle rhythms and sounds using handheld instruments like caxixi and shekere, creating a calm and playful musical environment. Simple call-and-response songs in English and Portuguese encourage early language exposure, while soft movements inspired by samba and capoeira provide a sensory and developmental experience. These workshops are designed to nurture connection, stimulate curiosity, and introduce little ones to the joy of music and rhythm in an engaging, age-appropriate way.

Children 3-6For preschool-aged children (3-6), Ta Tum Tum workshops are lively and interactive, filled with rhythm, movement, and singing. Children explore Brazilian instruments such as tamborim, agogô, and pandeiro while learning basic rhythms and body percussion. Call-and-response songs in English and Portuguese encourage participation, while dance elements inspired by samba, forró, and capoeira get children moving in a fun and accessible way. These sessions emphasize creativity, play, and early exposure to music, movement, and language, fostering confidence and engagement through hands-on experiences.

Workshops for Schools (Ages 3-6 & 7-12)The Ta Tum Tum workshops for schools are tailored to suit different age groups, introducing students to Brazilian culture through music, rhythm, and dance. For younger children (3-6), the focus is on playful exploration: learning rhythms with handheld instruments, body percussion, call-and-response songs, and simple dance moves inspired by samba and forró. Older children (7-12) dive deeper into Brazilian music styles like samba, bossa nova, frevo, and capoeira, learning more intricate rhythms, movements, and body percussion. These workshops encourage teamwork, creativity, and cultural awareness, culminating in a joyful carnival celebration that brings together music, movement, and play.

Children with Special NeedsThe Ta Tum Tum workshops for children with special needs offer a fully inclusive, sensory-friendly experience. Using handheld instruments, body percussion, and gentle rhythms, children explore music at their own pace, guided by a playful and supportive environment. Singing in English and Portuguese, combined with call-and-response techniques, invites participation while fostering language development and confidence. Movement elements inspired by samba, forró, and capoeira are carefully adapted to ensure accessibility, allowing children to experience the joy of rhythm, music, and dance in a way that suits their needs. The workshops conclude with a sensory-rich carnival celebration, filled with small props and joyful participation.

Adults with Special NeedsFor adults with special needs, Ta Tum Tum workshops provide an inclusive and engaging exploration of Brazilian music, rhythm, and movement. Participants are introduced to handheld instruments, body percussion, and Brazilian music styles such as samba, bossa nova, and forró in an accessible and supportive environment. Call-and-response singing in English and Portuguese encourages participation and connection, while movement inspired by samba and capoeira promotes gentle physical activity and creativity. The workshops are adapted to suit all abilities, fostering joy, engagement, and community, and culminating in a vibrant carnival celebration that brings participants together through rhythm, music, and sensory play.

Workshop DetailsCapacity: Up to 30 children and their accompanying adultsAges: Varies depending on the workshopSpace Requirements: A clear, open space that comfortably accommodates movement for up to 30 children and their adultsFee: Please contact us for detailsLocations: Available nationwide across IrelandFacilitators: Workshops can be delivered by the full Ta Tum Tum team, which includes an interactive performance, or by two Ta Tum Tum facilitators.When led by two facilitators, the workshop will focus on one key area:
- Dance & Movement
- Music & Singing
- Music & Percussion

Ta Tum Tum has performed at a variety of prestigious events, including:Cruinniú na nÓg 2022, Riverbank Arts Centre
Kilkenny Arts Festival 2023 & 2024
Five Lamps Festival 2023
Funtropolis Festival 2023 & 2024
Cavan Arts Festival 2023
Kildare Jazz Festival 2023
Drumlinia Festival 2024
Polish Arts Festival 2024
Tradoodle Festival 2024
Upcoming Events:2025:
6th of April - Kildare Jazz Festival, Riverbank Arts Centre, ft. Ceol Connected
13 - 15th of May - School Tour, Co. Louth
27 - 29th of May - School Tour, Co. Cavan

Interactive Shows for Arts Centres, Festivals, and SchoolsTa Tum Tum offers engaging, interactive performances that bring the vibrant rhythms and culture of Brazil to life. These shows are designed to be flexible, suitable for venues of all sizes and can be adapted to different audience levels, making them ideal for arts centres, festivals, and schools.The performances encourage active participation, inviting audiences of all ages to sing, move, and explore body percussion alongside the performers. Drawing inspiration from Brazilian music styles such as samba, forró, and capoeira, each show immerses the audience in the dynamic energy of Brazilian culture.Capacity: Depending on the venue
Age: Suitable for all levels
Space: Minimum stage size 2m x 2m
Perfect for any event, these interactive shows offer a joyful, inclusive experience that enhances creativity, rhythm skills, and cultural awareness, all while having fun and moving to the beat of Brazil!

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