Megan Chao Smith started taiko in Boston, migrating west in search of skills and a Japanese mentality. She studied with Tiffany Tamaribuchi, and assisted her in hundreds of workshops, performances, and contests around the world. MCS then spent 12 years in Japan, learning dance as well as taiko, knocking on doors of top groups to prove herself in tryouts. She finally gained the skills she sought, living and training as a member and producer with SHIDARA in the bamboo forests of TOEI-CHO. She was the first foreigner in 800 years to dance in the town’s harvest festival. She currently resides in Minneapolis, became a nurse, and in addition to performing, is now using her traditional artistic practice towards community healing and empowerment, especially for BIPOC, LGBQTIA+, and homeless youth.
