Born in Nagano Japan , Mariko started her dance training at age three. Before she graduated high school she had won the Prix de Lausanne Scholarship Award at the 17th Lausanne International Ballet Competition in 1989. After studying at the Royal Ballet School in London on one year of scholarship, Mariko joined Birmingham Royal Ballet in 1990 and started her professional career.  In the early 90’s she danced for the Colorado Ballet as a principal dancer. She received a Bronze Medal at the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson in 1994. In the mid 90’s she performed the leading role of Luise in the musical Carousel with the Imperial Theater of Japan. After dancing for St. Petersburg Ballet (Leningrad Ballet) of Russia as a guest principal dancer in 1998, Mariko was invited to join the New National Theater Ballet of Tokyo, Japan. She continued regular appearances in the Japan Ballet Festival from 1998 – 2005.   Mariko performed with the Expo Super World Orchestra, comprised of top musicians from all over the world, dancing Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” choreographed by Robert Sund in the opening ceremony of the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi Japan . Among the 2,400 audience members were , Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.  She currently teaches GYROTONIC® and  Ballet at GYROTONIC® MIAMI and Miami Contemporary Dance Center.  This is Mariko’s first season with Miami Contemporary Dance Company.