Dance

Ayodele Casel: The Remix

Sponsored By: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Venue: College of Charleston Sottile Theater

Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

Overview

Celebrating the richness of American artistry, Ayodele Casel returns to Spoleto Festival USA with The Remix, a dynamic exploration of tap dance as a uniquely American art form. In The Remix, Ayodele Casel fondly reflects on her decades-long journey as a tap dancer, beginning amidst the undeniably indelible 1990s tap renaissance. She reinterprets a selection of her choreographic works from the past 20 years through the lens of the music and cultural expression that defined that decade.

The evening is a tribute to the spirit of innovation, togetherness, and authenticity found in hip-hop culture, the iconic sounds of the 1990s, and the dynamic community that emerged from the tap movement of that era.

Remaining deeply committed to collaboration, Casel and Director Torya Beard have assembled a compelling group of friends, dancers, and musicians with whom they have built lasting relationships over the years. The cast’s unique voices as multi-hyphenate artists will be on full display. Ayodele will perform works choreographed and composed by Naomi Funaki & Caleb Teicher, Quynn Johnson, and Ryan Johnson, along with musical compositions by Keisel Jimenez and Raul Reyes, with electronic music contributions by Liberty Styles and Jared Alexander. Casel also celebrates the 20th Anniversary of her work, “Audrey,” a tribute to Dave Brubeck, Honi Coles, and Cholly Atkins, danced within its original context as a program highlight.

“A tap dancer of fine-grained musicianship” – The New Yorker

Suggested for ages 8+
Content Advisory: This performance includes haze

Core Creative Team
Creator / Choreographer: Ayodele Casel
Co-Creator/Director: Torya Beard

Guest Choreographers
Naomi Funaki & Caleb Teicher
Quynn L. Johnson
Ryan K. Johnson

Musicians
Keisel Jiménez, Percussion
Raúl Reyes, Bass
Jared Alexander (Electronic Music/Mixing)
Liberty Styles (DJ/Electronic Music/Mixing)

Cast
Ayodele Casel
Jared Alexander
Time Brickey
Naomi Funaki
Tony McPherson
Kate Louissaint
Izaiah Montaque Harris
Keisel Jiménez
Quynn L. Johnson
Ryan K. Johnson
Raúl Reyes
Funmi Sofola
Liberty Styles
SuB a.k.a Elijah Bullard

Design / Creative / Production Team
Director: Torya Beard
Lighting Designer: Julie Ballard
Associate Lighting Designer: Ely Kleinsmith
Scenic Designer: Tatiana Kavegian
Co-Costume Designers: Camilla Dely & Amanda Roberge
Original Compositions: Keisel Jiménez & Raúl Reyes
Assistant Director: Ryan K. Johnson
Assistant Choreographer/Rehearsal Director: Naomi Funaki
Dance Captain: Jared Alexander