Ayodele Casel

"The music I make comes from within, from everything that I live, hear, and feel. Nothing comes only from me. It comes from God. Before I perform, I say a prayer asking God to help me get out of my own way. There are times when everything seems to make sense - the movement, the rhythm, the way you and the band seem to be on the same page, all improvised. I look up and smile knowingly. " ~Ayodele Casel

Ayodele Casel, a native New Yorker, began her professional training at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She is a recent graduate of a two year professional training acting program with William Esper in NYC. As a tap dancer, she toured internationally as the only female member in Savion Glover's company, N.Y.O.T.s. Ayodele is drawn to characters who are seen as very strong, tough and able to handle any situation thrown at them. They are, however, very vulnerable and underneath not quite as sure of themselves as people think they are. They usually hold deep secrets that have made their tough exterior necessary for survival. Her favorite roles/characters have been Savage from John Patrick Shanley’s Savage in Limbo, Donna from Shanley’s The Dreamer Examines His Pillow, Dawn from Kenneth Lonergan’s Lobby Hero among others. 

Ms. Casel, has been featured in many television roles including "Third Watch", "Law & Order", and "The Jamie Foxx Show". She has had the honor of performing at The White House twice for President Bill Clinton, Carnegie Hall as part of a tribute to the legendary Nicholas Brothers, Radio City Music Hall for ABC Television and Madison Square Garden as a soloist during the halftime show of a New York Liberty game.

Ayodele, who splashed on to the tap scene in 1997, has made quite a mark in the tap dance world. In just a few short years Ms. Casel has managed to land on the Cover of American Theater Magazine and The Village Voice as well as being featured in numerous articles in major dance magazines. In 2000, PAPER Magazine named Ayodele one of 50 Beautiful People in their yearly issue. Ayodele starred in and directed three sold out, solo tap concerts in New York City. She has closely worked with and performed with the greatest tap dancers including the late great Gregory Hines. As a member of N.Y.O.T.s (Not Your Ordinary Tappers) she was featured in "Savion Glover's Nu York", "Monday Night Football" and on an off-Broadway stage in Downtown: Live Communication.