Marie Basse-Wiles

Sabar

Marie Basse-Wiles 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.

Marie’s 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. She has created numerous ballets throughout her career as well as a piece for The Center For Traditional Music and Dance "Bedenya 97" Festival, that is archived at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Marie is the founder/CEO and Artistic Director of the Maimouna Keita School of African Dance (MKSAD), in Brooklyn, NY, where she teaches weekly classes in Sabar and Djembe dance. Marie has also hosted the MKSAD African Dance Conference annually for the past 27 years.