Teresa Enrico
Teresa also began performing with Portland Taiko Ensemble in 1996. She has classical piano and flute training and performs the shinobue, or Japanese bamboo flute, in PTE's shows. Teresa also helps coordinate PTE's groundbreaking community outreach work, including the group's community-based creative projects.
Michelle Fujii
Michelle joined Portland Taiko leadership in 2005 after touring nationally with PTE for several years. Known for her innovative fusion of taiko and dance, Michelle is a member of the North American Taiko Conference Advisory Board. She started her taiko training as a performing member of San Jose Taiko and went on to become artistic director of UCLA Kyodo Taiko the first collegiate taiko group of its kind. After graduating with a degree in Ethnomusicology, Michelle rejoined San Jose Taiko as artistic staff. In 2001 she was awarded the prestigious Bunka-cho fellowship from the Japanese government to study with Japan's foremost traditional folk dance troupe, Warabiza, where she studied under the tutelage of master dancer/choreographer Shohei Kikuchi.
Dane Fujimoto
A Japanese-American, who grew up in Aiea, Hawaii, Dane is the Secretary for PT's Board of Directors and teaches the Adult Beginning Taiko Class. In July 2006, Dane completed PT's intensive artistic summer training program taiko players from Seattle and California. When not playing taiko, Dane visits Hawaii often to see his family.
Toru Watanabe
Toru is a renowned folk dance artist and performer. He began performing and choreographing in college for Yassokoi Team. In 2001, Toru became a member of Warabiza, one of Japan's foremost folk dance performing groups based in the northern prefecture of Akita. He appeared in three original musical productions and has taught within Warabiza' in-house residency program for youth.