West African and Afrobeat Workshops
With Marie Basse-Wiles and Ousmane Wiles
Thursday, September 20, 2018:
- West African Open with Marie Basse-Wiles: 5:30 – 7:00pm
- West African Discussion Panel with Michele Moss: 7:45 – 8:45pm
Friday, September 21, 2018:
- West African & Afrobeat Fusion Open with Marie Basse-Wiles & Ousmane Wiles: 6:00 – 7:30pm
- West African Intermediate with Marie Basse-Wiles: 7:30 – 9:00pm
Saturday, September 22, 2018:
- Afrobeat Open with Ousmane Wiles: 1:30 – 3:00pm
- West African Open with Marie Basse-Wiles: 3:15 – 4:45pm
Class Descriptions
- West African: Vibrant dance, intoxicating drums. Come dance the many and varied rhythms of West Africa.
- Afrobeat: Afrobeat is a music genre which developed in the 1960s to 1970s when Nigerian musicians began combining elements of West African musical styles such as fuji music, highlife with American funk and jazz influences. Join guest artist Ousmane Wiles for a trip through amazing percussion and groove-based dance.
Level Description
The average skill level of participants will determine the level of class. It is recommended that students have some movement experience.
What to Wear
Non-restrictive active wear and bare feet are recommended.
You must have an active DJD Membership to register. Please purchase your membership through our Online Store prior to registering for your class.
About Marie Basse-Wiles
Marie was born in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa. The granddaughter of Bambara singer and dancer Maimouna Keita, Marie began her professional career at the age of nine. She began teaching at the age of 12 as a member of the Ballet National of Senegal. Her professional accomplishments include resident work with Kinne N’Diaye Rose, daughter of master drummer Dou Dou N’Diaye Rose, and Papa Dougoufana Traore, as well as renowned choreographers Mamadou N’Diaye, Demba Diallo, Oumy Sene and Raymon Sylla. Her international touring experience includes performances with the Ballet National of Senegal and Koumpo Dance Company, under the direction of Ibrahima Camara. She has won numerous awards for her commitment to the community and accomplishments in dance.
About Ousmane Wiles
Ousmane (Omari Mizrahi) was born in Senegal, West Africa. His passion for dance and the arts grew over many years of watching his mother and father Olukośe Wiles and Marie Basse Wiles dance and play the drums. His parents are the founders of the Maimouna Keita School of African Dance in New York City. Omari has trained with Ron K Brown, Assane Konte, Ephrat Asherie, The House of Mizrahi and Marie Basse-Wiles. Over the years he has trained in Contemporary, Vogue, Hip-Hop, West African, and House dance. Omari has performed with Rashaad Newsome, John Legend, Gargon City, Wunmi, Gala, The Maimouna Keita Dance company, Ephrat Asherie Dance, Forces and most recently choreographed and performed with recording artist Jidenna at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Date Range: September 20 – 22, 2018
Price: $20
For more information, visit decidedlyjazz.com.
