Baakari Wilder

Baakari Wilder is a young man who has had an astounding career. One of his most noted accomplishments is as Savion Glover's replacement in the Broadway production of "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk." Baakari's career began right here in the DC Metropolitan area.

At the age of 12, Baakari opened for tap legends Harold Nicholas, Sandman Sims, and Brenda Bufalino at the Kennedy Center. At 15, he won the Steve Condos Award which granted him a scholarship to one of the first American tap festivals, in Boulder, Colorado. At 18, Baakari did his first tap dance recording for the series "Making The Music," with the legendary Jazz artist Wynton Marsalis.

Baakari has taught and performed not only around the country but also around the world and has acting credentials that include both film and television. His dancing has delighted audiences in places such as the Kennedy Center, Smithsonian, Carnegie Hall, and Jazz @ Lincoln Center. He has shown his versatility as an actor with performances at Folger's Shakespeare Theater and Bowie State University. Baakari has a list of television appearances to his credit, as a dancer (Jazz Central on BET, Savion Glover on BRAVO), an actor (Homicide on NBC), and guest (The Today Show, Rosie O'Donnell, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The 1996 and 1997 Tony Awards). He also appeared as a dancer in Spike Lee's film "Bamboozled."

Baakari studied tap under Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Jimmy Slyde, Honi Coles, Cholly Atkins, Harold Nicholas, LaVaughn Robinson, Maurice Hines, Brenda Bufalino, Yvonne Edwards, and Renee Kreithen. He was the original dance captain of Tappers With Attitude, and has two pieces of choreography with the company. Since returning to Maryland, Knock On Wood has been extremely fortunate to have him as a faculty member. Baakari also teaches in DC and Virginia.

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