About Us

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).

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.