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"It's Ayoka for ME!"
Mission Statement
Our mission is to enrich lives through dynamic cultural programming that fosters holistic well-being, cross-cultural understanding, and community engagement. We share the rich African drum and dance traditions with youth, families, and elders, offering free and inclusive classes, health and wellness initiatives, and educational experiences. By building strong partnerships and creating accessible programs, Ayoka aims to uplift our diverse community, inspire creative expression, and promote a deep appreciation for the transformative power of African culture.
About Ayoka
Ayoka Afrikan Drum and Dance is a nonprofit organization born from a deep-rooted commitment to preserving and celebrating the vibrant traditions of African culture. Our journey began in 2018, when a group of dedicated members from the Afrikan Caribbean Dance Theatre (ACDT) came together to carry forward a 30-year legacy of dance, drum, and community-building in Tallahassee. ACDT, founded by Marcus and Jevelle Robinson, transformed countless lives through their artistic vision and community-centered programming, creating an inclusive space that fostered cultural understanding, health, wellness, and economic opportunity.
Inspired by their work, we established Ayoka to ensure this legacy would continue and expand. Ayoka is a beacon of cultural expression, health, and holistic well-being today. Our programs provide free dance and drum classes, health and wellness initiatives, character development, and cross-cultural educational experiences. Through our partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and health agencies, we create accessible opportunities for all residents of Tallahassee, particularly those from underserved communities.
To us, dance and drumming are more than just art forms—they are transformative tools for healing, joy, and community upliftment. At Ayoka, we celebrate diversity, cultivate creativity, and build lifelong connections through the shared rhythms of African culture. We invite everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability, to join us in experiencing the joy, unity, and vitality that the drum and dance bring to our lives.
Core Values
Our core values include celebrating and bringing joy through Afrikan Drum and Dance through our diverse community, pursuing excellence in all that we do, building relationships, cultivating creativity, and fostering a sense of belonging. We embrace and welcome all.
CELEBRATE COMMUNITY
We build meaningful and sustainable relationships within our community from all facets of service within our community and worldwide. We are creating connections that will last a lifetime.
EXCELLENCE
We welcome everyone with open arms for who they are, and the energy they bring into the space, work towards our collective goals, and bring joy in all we do! We offer programming and continuous learning through our collective experience inspired by Afrikan culture.
CREATIVITY
We encourage and celebrate everyone's spirit of creativity. We foster an environment that cultivates innovative ideas, artistic expression, and personal growth in our work, the partnerships we build, and the cultural experiences we share.
INCLUSIVITY
Dedicated to equity and diversity, we strive to remove barriers that prevent historically excluded populations from working, learning, or dancing with us. We create equitable and inclusive music and dance experiences for all. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. We ensure that everyone is respected and valued as a part of our dance family.
AYO (means Joy in Yoruba)
Our classes are saturated with joy. The drum brings joy. Dancing brings joy. The energy of each participant exudes joy.
Our Goals
What We Strive to Do
Expand Free Programming for All Residents in Tallahassee
We are committed to making African drum and dance accessible to everyone. By offering free classes, we remove barriers so that anyone—children, teens, adults, and elders—can experience movement and rhythm's physical, emotional, and cultural benefits.
Provide Culturally Enriching Programs for Families in Under-served Communities
Through a partnership with Parks and Recreation, we bring free, high-quality dance and drum classes to students and families in Southside Tallahassee. These classes do more than teach dance; they provide a safe space for self-expression, discipline, and connection, ensuring the next generation can access positive, uplifting experiences rooted in African heritage.
Promote Health and Wellness Through Movement and Education
Dance and drumming are not just art forms but tools for holistic well-being. Through partnerships with local health organizations, we integrate wellness initiatives that educate our community on the benefits of movement, mindfulness, and cultural connection, helping participants improve their mental and physical health.
Develop Leadership and Character in Our Youth
Ayoka is more than a performance group; it’s a family. We focus on character development, instilling confidence, discipline, and teamwork in our students. Through mentorship, training, and cultural education, we help young people develop leadership skills that extend beyond the dance floor.
Host an Annual Festival that Unites the World Through Culture
Every year, we bring world-class artists, dancers, and drummers to Tallahassee for a powerful celebration of African and diasporic traditions. This festival is more than a performance—it’s a cultural exchange, a learning opportunity, and a space where people from all backgrounds can unite through the universal rhythm and movement language.
Build Meaningful Partnerships for a Stronger Community
We know that true progress comes from collaboration. That’s why we actively build relationships with schools, cultural organizations, local businesses, and global networks to strengthen the reach and impact of our work. Together, we can create lasting change by celebrating and preserving the rich traditions of African culture.
How You Can Help
Our mission is more than just dance—it’s about transformation, joy, and unity. We believe in the power of rhythm, movement, and cultural connection to heal, uplift, and inspire. Every beat of the drum carries a story, every step of the dance builds confidence, and every class we offer strengthens the bond within our community.
Your support allows us to continue creating safe, vibrant, and enriching spaces where people of all ages can experience the joy of African drum and dance, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Your donations directly support free classes, youth mentorship, artist residencies, health initiatives, and festival programming. With your generosity, we can ensure that the heartbeat of African drum and dance continues to inspire, heal, and connect generations to come.
Join Us!
SUPPORT AYOKA
Let’s build a future filled with rhythm, culture, and community.
