African Caribbean Dance Theatre: A Hidden Gem
- Mar 27, 2017
- 3 min read
Take a walk with me across the railroad tracks near the campus of FAMU. When you reach Railroad Avenue and Gaines Street, turn right and walk one block on Gaines Street. The first business that you might recognize on that side of the street is Pink Shoe Bag but you have walked too far! Because hidden in the mix is a building with the sign “Margo’s Balloons and Baskets,” (often overlooked while driving).
Now come inside to be pleasantly surprised. It’s a Dance Studio with an African and Caribbean ambiance. This place is like no other. It’s unique. More than half of the dance class was made up of little girls and their mothers.
It is called The African Caribbean Dance Theatre(ACDT), a family-orientated organization for youth and adults ages five and up. During the African Dance class, there is live drumming to go along with the class.The drumming is being performed mostly by the men while the mothers and daughters mostly dance but these roles do reverse at times.
One lady stood out during my sit in on a class due to her enthusiasm and advanced dance moves. Tiffany Thompson is a mother of 4 and has been dancing with ACDT for 11 years. Thompson has two boys and two girls.
“Your community is here and your family is here. It’s not only a break from reality, its the glue that makes reality worth it,” said Thompson. “Those of us here without a family, get that immediately family here.
Thompson also stressed the physical improvements since she have seen dancing with ACDT. “I’ve had 4 children and the biggest size I’ve been was 18, now I am an 8. This is the fittest I’ve ever been.
Thompson provided logical advice for students who are thinking about trying out ACDT. “This is more than just a college organizational club, after you graduate, this is something that will stick with you for the rest of your life,” said Thompson. “ACDT is a great way to start getting connected to your roots and get your body and mind open to a different world.”
Outside of the participants they serve through year-round/weekly classes, they are in schools and communities both urban and rural. Outreach is significant, particularly because of ACDT’s mobility to go anywhere and do a workshop or performance.
ACDT was started with passion and enthusiasm for African dance and desire to share with others. Marcus and Jevelle Robinson began dancing as adults with the Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre at FAMU under instruction of Dr. Beverly Barber and the Black College Dance Exchange. The couple found their niche in African dance.
ACDThas had a great impact on the community. The Robinsons’ wanted to pass on what African dance did for their life, to others in the community.
“African dance saved our lives, we were compelled to share with others in hopes that it would be just as impactful,” said Robinson.
“For the past 24 years, our workshops and performances have taken us into most schools in the Big Bend,” said Robinson. “We have also been a part of countless weddings, birthday celebrations and cultural events.”
ACDT makes sure to teach anyone wo participates in their class, not only dance skills but invaluable tangible skills.
“When a student and his or her family comes into our environment, we utilize it as an opportunity to mold them with character development skill sets that can be transferred to all aspects of their life,” said Robinson. “African dance is innately physical, mental and very culturally stimulating”
Robinson encourages young people who want a career in the arts or are looking to start up and own their own business, to strategize and plan very carefully.
“Marcus and I would suggest that if young people are interested in some aspect of the arts (visual or performing), always keep it as a part of their lives,” said Robinson.
“If you can make a living at it then do it! It can be difficult to subsist on an artist’s salary. Keep your passion for the arts in your life, but be realistic about making a living from it,” said Robinson.
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