Tapping Into Our Past, Tapping Into Our Future: Ayodele Casel

Short

United States, 10 Minutes

Director Jennifer Burton and Ursula Burton

Producers Jennifer Burton, Gabrielle Burton, Maria Burton, Ursula Burton, and Charity Burton

Screenwriters Ayodele Casel, Jennifer Burton, Gabrielle Burton

Executive Producers Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Editor Gabrielle Burton

Cinematographer Allie Humenuk

Music By Joel Larue Smith

Cast Ayodele Casel, Farrah LeRay

TAPPING INTO OUR PAST, TAPPING INTO OUR FUTURE: AYODELE CASEL follows the personal journey of choreographer Ayodele Casel as she discovers and is energized by tap artists who came before her. Named a breakout star of the year by The New York Times, Casel creates work inspired by the rich history of Black tap dancers. Her story reinvigorates the legacy of women in tap and draws light to the complexity of individual and creative experience shaped by systemic forces. Ayodele means joy, and this joyful short, executive produced by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., highlights the complexity and diversity of our shared historical stories.