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About Us
We're A NonProfit Youth and Adult Cultural Education Organization in Tallahassee, Focusing on Esteem, Confidence, Discipline and Community.
The African Caribbean Dance Theatre (ACDT) is a nonprofit youth and adult cultural education organization based in Tallahassee.
Its mission is to provide participants a program that ensures a high level of self-respect, self-esteem, self-confidence, discipline, community and cultural pride through African dance and drumming traditions.
By consistent participation in the program, ACDT aims to transform the individual through its weekly year-round program activities, and enrich its other audience members via workshops, performances and the annual Florida African Dance Festival (FADF).
Marcus and Jevelle Robinson, co-founders of ACDT, began their dance careers in the mid-1980’s with the Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre at Florida A&M University under the tutelage of Dr. Beverly Barber.
Through several years of studying, performing and traveling with Orchesis, each of them discovered their passion and niche in African dance. African dance had such a life-changing impact on the Robinsons, service to others became a compelling vehicle for their passion. Thus, ACDT was born.
In February 1993, ACDT rooted its beginnings at the Lincoln Neighborhood Service Center, a historical African American site in the Tallahassee community.
With only 10 youths ages 7 - 12, Marcus who served as the instructor/choreographer,
began establishing a training ground for African dance and drumming techniques.
After a period of six months, the number of youths increased to 30. The company started performing before a number of
audiences throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding area. Resources were received from performances, fundraisers and
individual donations. Recognizing the need to increase its funding capabilities, the company became incorporated in 1994,
applied for tax exemption in late 1995, and received 501(c)(3) status in early 1996. These series of events set the stage
for one of Florida’s most unique and fastest growing cultural education programs.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marcus Robinson, President
Information Systems/BluePrint 2000, Retiree from City of Tallahassee
Oral Payne, Treasurer
Mortgage Review Specialist & Realtor
Audrey Smith, Secretary
Leon County Sheriff's Office
Karen Kirksey
Public Information Coordinator, The Florida Bar
Dr. Kathleen Rodgers
Divisional Director, Leon County School Board
Sherwood L. Brown
Vice-President/Director of Lending, FAMU Credit Union
Jevelle Robinson, Executive Director
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Anjali Austin
Faculty, Florida State University Dance Department; Former Member of Dance Theatre of Harlem
Dr. Beverly Barber
Retiree, Florida A & M University, Former Director of Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre
Karla D. Ellis, Esq.
CEO and President, Law Office of Karla D. Ellis
Harold Knowles
Attorney, Knowles & Randolph
Tandy Seery
Director, Grassroots Free School
Harold Uzzell
CEO and Owner, The Uzzell Group
Kenia Escobar
The Florida Bar
Our Creatives
Jevelle Robinson
Founder
Marcus Robinson
Founder
Ready to create something awesome with ACDT?
