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About Ayoka
We are a non-profit organization that began in October of 2018. We were all members of the Afrikan Caribbean Dance Theatre. ACDT has been a staple in the Tallahassee Community through dance, drum, character development, unity, health, wellness, and embodiment of Afrikan culture. We were, are, a family. ACDT and its founders (Marcus and Jevelle Robinson) have touched and saved the lives of many through their sacrifices, hard work, and organization. They provided jobs for the residents of Tallahassee and brought people from around the world here for a yearly festival!
Once the door closed in September of 2018, we were determined to carry the torch and continue the legacy that's been laid for over 30 years through ACDT. Ayoka was born and DETERMINED TO FORGE AHEAD!!!
Our goal is to:
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Create more programming to provide FREE classes to all residents in Tallahassee.
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Target students and families within the communities on Southside through Parks and Rec for FREE.
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Health and wellness initiatives through education and partnerships with local health agencies.
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Character development.
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Host our annual festival and bring Artists from around the world.
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Formulate partnerships and build relationships with organizations around the Tallahassee community and the world!
These programs will enrich the lives of all participants (families, children, elders, etc.) while improving cultural understanding and initiatives that are immersed in our collective progress as a Tallahassee Community. Dance transforms, uplifts, heals, and brings joy! We also want to highlight the great things happening in our community through the arts, create an outlet for everyone from walks of life to participate in, support and promote local businesses, engage our youth, and positively uplift one another through fellowship within all genres of dance and movement.
Mission Statement
Ayoka is a non-profit organization that organizes and promotes activities that are centered around cultural development for youth and adults. Ayoka Afrikan Drum and Dance Ensemble shares the culture of Afrika with the world through various humanitarian efforts and programs that are cross-cultural, developmental, educational, health and well-ness, community-based, entrepreneurships, enlisting wholistic approaches. These programs will enrich the lives of all participants (families, children, elders, etc.) while improving cultural understanding and initiatives that are immersed in collective progress.
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 the spirit of creativity within everyone. We foster an environment that cultivates innovative ideas, artistic expression, innovative ideas, and growth/flourishes 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, respected, and valued as a part of our dance family.
Ayo (Joy) – Our classes are saturated with joy! The drum brings joy. Dancing brings joy. The energy of each participant exudes joy!