Documentation of "Introduction to AfrikFusion/VogueAfrik" with Omari Wiles of The House of Nina Oricci and Les Ballet Afrik. Recorded June 20, 2020 Omari Wiles combines voguing and ballroom with West African and contemporary dance to create AfrikFusion. Participants will learn basic vogue moves, including catwalk, duckwalk, floor performance, spins and dips, and hand performance. No dance experience is necessary. Following the lesson, Wiles will lead a discussion identifying the stylistic influences from African and Latin cultures on VogueAfrik. Omari Wiles is the legendary founder of The House of Nina Oricci and Creative Director of Les Ballet Afrik. He began his training in African dance forms at the age of six, and in his teens took on the role as Assistant Director of The Maimouna Ketia School of African Dance, established by his family. Omari worked with master African dancers, and his understanding of African cultures, rhythms, and dance has been his foundation.  Omari will be assisted by Shireen Rahimi, a first-generation Iranian-American dancer from the Bay Area. Shireen is one of the first company members of Les Ballet Afrik and also works as Omari’s right-hand assistant. Shireen has been a part of the Underground ballroom scene for 10 years representing Women’s Vogue.

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