With the power of an elemental force of nature, men and women play with the passion of complete abandon, fully committing their bodies and spirits to the beautiful, precise choreography and powerful, surging rhythms expressed by taiko. Using a background of thunderous drums, graceful movement and colorful pageantry, Burlington Taiko provides a unique opportunity for entertainment and education. Since 1987, Burlington Taiko has been mesmerizing audiences with the powerful, spellbinding and propulsive sounds of the taiko. Inspired by traditional Japanese drumming, Burlington Taiko performers use the power and beauty of taiko to transcend cultural barriers and to foster greater understanding of the Japanese American culture. The group has twice been recognized by the International Taiko community, having been selected to perform at both the 30th and 40th International Taiko Festival in San Francisco, the 1999 North American Taiko Conference in Los Angeles and the Gaina Festival in Yona