A native of Worceste, in the Republic of South Africa, Hisham Omardien has been a recognized member of Columbus’ artistic community for over two decades. Following his training at the Julia Hickman Academy of Dance in Worcester, and upon graduating from the University of Cape Town, Omardien danced with both Cape Town City Ballet (then CAPAB) and the former State Theatre Ballet before joining BalletMet in 2000. A two-time recipient of the prestigious South African Balletomanes Award, Omardien also earned the 2004 Violeta Boft Award. His favorite performance roles were: Couple Four In Rudi van Dantzig’s Four Last Songs (Vier Letzte Lieder), Black Knight in Ninette De Valois’ Checkmate, Lead Man in George Ballanchine’s Who Cares?, the title role in David Nixon’s Dracula and Armand in Veronica Paeper’s Camille. Now retired as a Dancer and Ballet Master, Omardien is married to fellow retired BalletMet Dancer Olivia Clark, with whom he is raising daughter Safiyyah and son Zayn. When he’s not engaged with the local artistic community on a project basis, Omardien and his family proudly operate their food truck, Hisham’s Food , featuring a unique and artistic blend of South African, Indian and American cuisines. (streetfoodfinder.com/hishamsfood)