Ayodele Casel is turning The Joyce into a vibrant celebration of tap dance and community with her new show ‘The Remix’, a history-rooted celebration that promises to transform the way audiences view and experience this percussive art form.
As the queen of tap, Ayodele Casel is turning The Joyce into a party, and everyone is invited. Her newest show, ‘The Remix’ , is a vibrant, history-rooted celebration of tap dance and community that promises to transform the way audiences view and experience this percussive art form.
Ayodele Casel is a contemporary dance company based in the United States.
Founded by Ayodele Nzinga, the company focuses on creating innovative and immersive performances that blend traditional African and modern techniques.
With a strong emphasis on storytelling through movement, Ayodele Casel has gained recognition for its unique style and engaging stage presence.
A Celebration of Tap Dance History
Casel’s mission has been to showcase the sophistication and depth of expression in tap dance, moving beyond the expectation that it should only entertain or move ‘fast and funky.’ She wants to highlight the genre’s history, from the beauty of a soft shoe to the showmanship of legendary performers like Sammy Davis Jr. and Gregory Hines.
Tap dance is a form of dance that emphasizes the use of metal plates on the ball and heel of the foot to create rhythmic sounds.
It originated in the early 20th century in African-American vaudeville shows, where dancers would wear special shoes called 'taps' to create music while performing.
Tap dance combines elements of jazz, ballet, and percussion, requiring precise timing and coordination.
The most famous tap dancer of all time is Fred Astaire, who popularized the art form through his films in the 1930s and 1940s.
The Remix: A Labor of Love
Co-created with her wife and creative collaborator Torya Beard, ‘The Remix’ is rooted in history but focuses on the 1990s, a pivotal decade for tap renaissance in the U.S. The show remixes highlights from Casel’s two-decade repertoire while paying tribute to the music, movement, and cultural spirit of the era.
A remix is a reworked version of an existing song, often created by incorporating different sounds, styles, and techniques.
This musical evolution has been around since the early days of hip-hop, where DJs would extend and modify tracks to create new beats.
Today, remixing involves using software and digital tools to manipulate audio elements, creating unique soundscapes and reimagining original material.
The process requires creativity, technical skill, and an understanding of the source material's essence.
A Personal Journey
Casel grew up in The Bronx, influenced by ‘Janet Jackson‘ ‘s music and watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies. She discovered tap through Baakari Wilder, a ‘real tap dancer,’ who showed her the art form’s vast expressive possibilities. This led to her dedication to percussive art, which was rapidly changing before her eyes.
A Celebration of Community
The ensemble for ‘The Remix’ consists of nine top-of-their-game tap artists, including Casel, as well as a poet, freestyle artist, and two musicians. Liberty Styles will DJ, while Jared Alexander created a new musical score inspired by the music of the 90s. The show is a testament to Casel’s career and also something entirely new.
A Message of Joy and Appreciation
Casel hopes that ‘The Remix’ will bring audiences a jolt of joy in these uncertain times. She wants people to feel a deeper understanding and appreciation for tap dance, an art form constantly evolving. By joining the show, viewers are invited to expand their expectations and stay open to the world-class artists involved.
“The Remix” runs May 28 through June 8 at The Joyce Theater in New York City.
