Events

As part of the Program in Dance’s fall 2021 co-curricular dance offerings, Omari Wiles leads a class on Afrobeat.

This class series develops a diverse understanding of hip-hop’s foundational forms. With an emphasis on physical techniques, the class exposes dancers to the many dance forms that exist under the umbrella of hip-hop. Through the sessions, students will understand the basics of hip-hop’s form and will also be challenged to synthesize elements of groove, musicality, texture, footwork, and personal expression in their own individual improvisation. The series is curated by Princeton dance alum Lauren Auyeung ’19 and taught by Auyeung and guests. All experience levels welcome.

View full class schedule including guest artists » 

Join the Class

These classes are free and open to all University students, alumni, faculty, and staff. No signups or registration needed; just show up! Princeton alumni who wish to participate must email Cindy Rosenfeld: cr17@princeton.edu.

Accessibility

If you are in need of access accommodations in order to participate in this event, please contact the Lewis Center at 609-258-5262 or email LewisCenter@princeton.edu at least 2 weeks prior to event date.

 


COVID-19 Guidance + Updates

Per Princeton University policy, all audiences attending indoor events are required to be fully vaccinated and to wear a mask. Visitors may attend outdoor events and are not required by current University policy to attest to COVID-19 vaccination or wear a face covering.

ABOUT

omari with serious expression in white tee with black hoodie

Photo courtesy Omari Wiles

Omari Wiles 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.

Omari loves to cook, act, and travel during his free time, and feels deeply committed to his role as a teacher in the community. Constantly looking to expand his knowledge of African-rooted dance forms, he has found his-own voice by creating “AfrikFusion” a style that fuses traditional African dances and Afrobeat styles with House dance and Vogue.
Omari Wiles received the status of Legend after 10 years of competing in the Vogue Ballroom scene in NYC.

Presented By

  • Program in Dance

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