Omari Wiles Rothrock Residency

Posted on 2023/04/07 by Allison Carroll

We’re thrilled to welcome dance artist Omari Wiles to campus, thanks to the winning Rothrock Residency proposal by Brys Peralta-Grant ’25.

MONDAY, APRIL 17, 2023

Vogue Fem with Omari Wiles
7:00 PM ET
Mahaney Arts Center Dance Theatre

Join Omari Wiles for a beginner-level breakdown of the Five Elements of Vogue Fem: Hand/Arm Performance, Catwalk, Duckwalk, Spins & Dips, and Floor Performance. Learn exercises and techniques to help you better develop your performance quality and usage of Elements and personality. Class is led with a warmup and stretch before taking the Elements across the floor! A Student-supported Rothrock Residency event.

Free, Open to the Public.

NOTE to STUDENTS interested in performing with Omari Wiles in the April 21 Showcase:

Middlebury College students interested in performing with Omari on Friday, must attend this Monday workshop plus three more rehearsals, and sign-up here>>.
Rehearsals: Tuesday–Thursday, April 18–20; 7:00–8:30 PM, MAC 110/Dance Theatre

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023

Artist Talk with Omari Wiles
5:00–6:00 PM
Mahaney Arts Center Dance Theatre

Come and Listen to New York-based Dancer and Choreographer Omari Wiles as he shares his Dance journey and experience in the Ballroom community.

Wiles began his training in West African dance as a child, and himself learning, training and falling in love with other styles such as Hip-Hop, House, Modern, Jazz, and Vogue. Wiles has had the opportunity to work with many artists, featuring his range of dance. His choreography has been featured with Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, John Legend, Jidenna, and Rashaad Newsome, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and many more. Wiles also appeared with his house as a contestant on Legendary Season 2 on HBOMax.

Wiles is now evolving his own style of dance with his company LES BALLET AFRIK, blending African, Vogue, Modern, and House as one. Sponsored by the Rothrock Family Residency Fund.
Free. Open to the Public.

FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023

Showcase featuring Omari Wiles
7:30 PM
Mahaney Arts Center Dance Theatre

Ousmane Omari Wiles is an African American West African and Vogue dancer, who has performed at the Joyce Theater, Harlem Stage, Gibney Dance, and with Works and Process at the Guggenheim, and Lincoln Center.

For the culminating event of his Rothrock Residency, Omari Wiles and students will be exhibiting choreography worked on across the week of his residency, as well as Wiles’ own work.

A student-supported Rothrock Residency event.
Free. Open to the Public.