Marie-Basse Sabar

Marie Basse-Wiles was born in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa. The granddaughter of the Bambara singer and dancer Maimouna Keith, Marie began her professional career at the age of 9. She began teaching at the age of 12 as a member of the National Ballet of Senegal. Her professional accomplishments include resident work with Kinne N’Diaye Rose, daughter of master drummer Doudou N’Diaye Rose, and Papa Dougoufana Traoré, as well as renewed choreographers Mamadou N’Diaye, Demba Diallo, Oumy Sene, and Raymon Sylla. Her international touring experience includes performances with the National Ballet 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 many ballets throughout her career, as well as a piece for the Center for Traditional Music and Dance “Bedenya 97” Festival, archived at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.