bio takayasu

Mariko Takayasu (*1957) was born in 1957 into old traditions in the former imperial city of Kyoto. From a very early age, she became familiar with Bushi-Do – the essence of the Samurai – and the art of fighting. When she was five, she became seriously ill with rheumatism and could hardly move for many years. At the age of thirteen, she became acquainted with Kundalini Yoga and the breathing techniques of Tibetan Buddhism, which alleviated her physical pain. In 1974 she went to Portland, Oregon to study dance and clinical psychology. Afterwards she worked as a therapist for Vietnam veterans and for people sentenced to life imprisonment. She later studied at the Alvin Ailey School, and the Martha Graham School in New York City, and learned the Limon technique. Since 1974 she has composed more than 100 solos and pieces for large groups. When she returned to Japan in 1985, she first went to Tokyo where she founded the Mariko Dance Theatre. Takayasu now lives and works in her home town of Kyoto, where she organises the annual Student Recital.