Mariko was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She started dancing at age five. Mariko studied classical ballet for thirteen years, training at Boston Ballet, Ballet Theatre of Boston, and American Academy of Ballet. She earned her Bachelor's Degree at Harvard University, where she served as Captain of the Harvard Ballroom Dance Team. It was her pleasure to come back to coach the Harvard Ballroom Dance Team after she began her professional career.

Nazar and Mariko started dancing together in 2012. They are US National Professional Rising Star Finalists, International Championship Professional Rising Star Semi-Finalists, and UK Championships Professional Rising Star Semi-Finalists. They are also finalists of Professional Ballroom Championships across the United States, and two-time Eastern United States Dancesport Champions. They are also winners of the Eastern United States Showdance Championship, the Yankee Classic Showdance Championship, and the Windy City Showdance Championship. Mariko and Nazar are Licentiate members of the International Society of Teachers of Dancing.

With their students Nazar and Mariko have won the following titles:

• World Professional Showdance Vice-Champion
• World Pro-Am Senior Standard Champion
• United States National Senior Standard Champion
• United States National Gentlemen’s Silver B Standard Champion