Interviewing Marie Basse-Wiles

Thanks to our recent partnership with Cumbe, our teens had the opportunity to interview and dance with the renowned Senegalese dancer, Marie Basse-Wiles. Marie Basse-Wiles was born in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa and is the granddaughter of Bambara singer and dancer Maimouna Keita. She began her professional career at the age of 9, and began teaching at the age of 12 as a member of the Ballet National of Senegal. Throughout her career, Mrs. Basse-Wiles won numerous awards for her commitment to the community and her accomplishments in dance. She has also created numerous ballets, including a piece for The Center For Traditional Music and Dance “Bedenya 97” Festival that is archived at the New York Public Library’s Performing Arts Library.

NSBD teens dancing with Marie Basse-Wiles at Cumbe.

NSBD teens interviewing Marie Basse-Wiles at Cumbe.

Senegalese Culture on Fulton Street, Brooklyn

Equipped with cameras and vigilant eyes, our teens embarked on a street journey to discover Senegalese culture on Fulton Street, located in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn.  During the outdoor adventure we found many Senegalese owned businesses and establishments. Some of the places we explored including the Masjid At-Taqwa mosque and the Pulaar Speaking Association. During our trip we also had the opportunity to meet and greet several street vendors, restaurant owners, and hair stylists.

Street vendor goods being sold outside on Fulton Avenue.

The Pulaar Speaking Association Headquarters, located on Fulton Street.

The Masjid At- Taqwa mosque, located on the corner of Fulton Street and Bedford Avenue.

Commissaires en Herbe

Les jeunes découvrent leur futur galerie d’exposition. Une salle de 600m2!!!