Ayodele Casel
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Ayodele Casel | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 5, 1975 |
| Occupation(s) | Tap dancer, choreographer |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Website | www |
Ayodele Casel (born June 5, 1975)[1] is an American tap dancer and choreographer. Raised in Puerto Rico, she derived inspiration for her tap style from salsa music. She became the first and remains the only woman to be a member of Savion Glover's Not Your Ordinary Tappers.
Ayodele Casel was born in the Bronx in New York City. Her parents were martial artist Tayari Casel and Aida Tirado. Ayodele moved to Rincon, Puerto Rico when she was in the 4th grade, returning to New York in 1990. In Puerto Rico, Casel listened to the music of Hector Lavoe, the El Gran Combo, and Celia Cruz. Their salsa music would influence her tap dance style.[1] While in high school, Casel became "obsessed" with the films of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.[2] She also attended acting classes at the William Esper Studio.
As a young artist, Casel attended Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center and was a member of the Positive Youth Troupe (PYT). Casel attended the Tisch School of the Arts for acting.[1][3] While at Tisch, in 1995, Casel began studying tap dance under Charles Goddertz. She also became friends with Baakari Wilder. During that time, Wilder was a principal dancer for Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk. Wilder taught Casel tap steps and she accompanied him to tap events at clubs in New York, where she would learn improvisation.[1] She joined the New York Shakespeare Festival Institute of Tap.[2] With the encouragement of Wilder, Casel started studying under Barbara Duffy. He also introduced her to Savion Glover, who would help Casel launch her career.[1]