BAM Affiliation Featured at BAM in eight DanceAfrica productions, the International Afrikan-American Ballet was founded by Olukose Wiles and Rhonda Morman. At that time, in 1975, most African-American dance companies performed dances from Ghana and Nigeria. However, these NYC artists directed their attention to the West African region known as the Old Mali Empire, and created the International Afrikan-American Ballet. The Company quickly became noted for their authentic presentations, and the country of Senegal presented the Company with an award for their performances of West African folklore.