• 

  
  Aboubacar Camara



• 

  
  Aboubacar Soumah



• 

  
  Aboubacar Sylla



• 

  
  Almamy Seny Daffe



• 

  
  Aziz Faye



• 

  
  Babacar M'Baye



• 

  
  Cheikh M'Baye



• 

  
  Fode Bangoura



• 

  
  Fode Moussa Camara



• 

  
  Ismael Bangoura



• 

  
  Kadiatou Conte-Forte



• 

  
  Mangue Sylla



• 

  
  Marietou Camara



• 

  
  Mbemba Bangoura



• 

  
  Mohamed Dacosta



• 

  
  Youssouf Koumbassa



• 

  
  Laurent Camara



• 

  
  Eric Gore

Thursday, June 7

Meet and Greet with Festival Artists
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
FREE
Location: Homewood Suites Hotel, 2987 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Featuring: Ghost Entertainment

Friday, June 8

Dance and Drum Workshops (Age Groups 13 and up ONLY)
10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., $10 per workshop
Location: Lifetime Sports Complex, Tallahassee Community College
444 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Featuring: Festival Dance and Drum Artists
Note: Barefoot Dancing on gym floor. Bring tape or other protective footgear.
No SHOES allowed on the gym floor.

Friday, June 8

Class Schedule

Friday, June 8

Children's Dance Workshop ONE (Age Groups 5 and up)
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., FREE (Pre-Registration Required, Send Request to acdt93@aol.com)
Location: Lifetime Sports Complex, Tallahassee Community College
444 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Featuring: Niche Faulkner

Children's Story Hour (Age Groups 5 and up)
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., FREE
Location: Lifetime Sports Complex, Tallahassee Community College
444 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Featuring: Olusegun Williams

Children's Drum Workshop ONE (Age Groups 5 and up)
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., FREE (Pre-Registration Required, Send Request to acdt93@aol.com)
Location: Lifetime Sports Complex, Tallahassee Community College
444 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Featuring: Aboubacar Sylla (Djembe)

ZUMBA ESSENCE Fitness Hour & Showcase (Age Groups 18 and up)
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., FREE
Location: Lifetime Sports Complex, Tallahassee Community College
444 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Featuring: Zumba Essence Instructors of Tallahassee

Friday, VENDOR MARKETPLACE HOURS
9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 9

Dance and Drum Workshops (Age Groups 13 and up ONLY)
10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., $10 per workshop
Location: Lifetime Sports Complex, Tallahassee Community College
444 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Featuring: Festival Dance and Drum Artists
Note: Barefoot Dancing on gym floor. Bring tape or other protective footgear.
No SHOES allowed on the gym floor.

Saturday, June 9

Class Schedule

Saturday, June 9

Children's Drum Workshop ONE (Age Groups 5 and up)
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., FREE (Pre-Registration Required, Send Request to acdt93@aol.com)
Location: Lifetime Sports Complex, Tallahassee Community College,
444 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Featuring: Eric Gore (Djembe)

Children's Dance Workshop ONE (Age Groups 5 and up)
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., FREE Pre-Registration Required, Send Request to acdt93@aol.com)
Location: Lifetime Sports Complex, Tallahassee Community College,
444 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Featuring: Sinclair Jamison (Guinean)

Children's Dance Workshop TWO (Age Groups 5 and up)
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., FREE
Location: Lifetime Sports Complex, Tallahassee Community College
444 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Featuring: Darnetha M'Baye (Senegalese)

Kids' Zone
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Featuring: Jumpstart Tallahassee

Health Forum on Colorectal Cancer
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Featuring: Dr. Joseph Webster, Sr. of the Webster Surgical Center

Health Screenings
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Featuring: FAMU College of Pharmacy

Natural Hair Show
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Featuring: Naturally U Braiding Studio

Saturday, VENDOR MARKETPLACE HOURS
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 9

PERFORMANCE CONCERT
8:15 p.m., $10 per person
Doors Open at 7:30 p.m.; Ticket Box Office Opens at 6:30 p.m.

Location: Lee Hall Auditorium, Florida A&M University 1601 MLK, Jr. Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32307

Featuring: African Caribbean Dance Theatre, Balafon West African Dance Ensemble (Washington, DC), Cheikh M'Baye & Sing Sing Rhythms (New York City, New York), Wona Womalan West African Drum & Dance Ensemble (Charleston, South Carolina), SHAE (Sharing the Heart of African Energy) Movement (Charlotte, North Carolina), KoumanKe'le' African Dance & Drum Ensemble (Houston, Texas) & Festival Guest Artists

Saturday, June 9

POST CONCERT RECEPTION
10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m., FREE
Location: Homewood Suites Hotel, 2987 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Featuring: Ghost Entertainment

PERFORMANCE CONCERT

8:15 p.m., $10 per person
Doors Open at 7:30 p.m.; Ticket Box Office Opens at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Lee Hall Auditorium, Florida A&M University 1601 MLK, Jr. Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32307

Featuring: African Caribbean Dance Theatre, Balafon West African Dance Ensemble (Washington, DC), Cheikh M'Baye & Sing Sing Rhythms (New York City, New York), Wona Womalan West African Drum & Dance Ensemble (Charleston, South Carolina), SHAE (Sharing the Heart of African Energy) Movement (Charlotte, North Carolina), KoumanKe'le' African Dance & Drum Ensemble (Houston, Texas) & Festival Guest Artists

You don't want to miss it!

Purchase Concert Tickets with Credit Card via Paypal

Go to FADF Registration (Credit Card Option Available Through May 25)

Concert Ticket Outlets in Tallahassee
Beginning May 25, 2012

Au Peche Mignon
1415 Timberlane Road
668-5533

Crystal Connection
1018 North Monroe Street (Next to Decent Pizza)
878-8500

G&G Restaurant
2039 West Pensacola Street
222-9157

Naturally U Braiding Studio
1141-A Apalachee Parkway (Next to Gold's Gym)
386-8523

NISUB International
1135 West Orange Avenue
574-5082

The Cake Shop
1908 Capital Circle, NE
386-2253

Download registration application here or fill out our online form processed by PAYPAL (closed).

Download the vendor application here or fill out our online form processed by PAYPAL(closed).

Homewood Suites
2987 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-402-9400
tallahasseehomewoodsuites.com
Call the Homewood Suites Hotel at 850-402-9400 and mention the Florida African Dance Festival to receive a discounted rate of $89.00 or go online to www.tallahasseehomewoodsuites.com and enter the group code AFC. DEADLINE: May 21, 2012.

Hampton Inn Hotel (Same Parking Lot as Homewood Suites)
2979 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32307
Call the Hampton Inn at 850-309-1300 and mention the Florida African Dance Festival to receive a discounted rate of $79.00 or go online to www.hamptoninn.com and enter the group code ACD. DEADLINE: May 21, 2012.

DoubleTree Hotel, 101 South Adams Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Call the DoubleTree Hotel at 800-222-8733 and mention the Florida African Dance Festival to receive a discounted rate of $84.00 or go online to www.tallahassee.doubletree.com and enter the group code ACD. DEADLINE: May 8, 2012.

Fairfield Inn, 2997 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Call the Fairfield Inn at 850-210-1210 and mention the Florida African Dance Festival to receive a discounted rate of $79.00 or go online to www.marriott.com/tlhec and enter the group code FADFADA. DEADLINE: May 24, 2012.

Hotel Duval, 415 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Call the Hotel Duval at 888-717-8854 and mention the Florida African Dance Festival to receive a discounted rate of $99.00 or go online to www.marriott.com for single rooms enter group code of fdffdfa or for double rooms enter group code fdffdfi. DEADLINE: May 9, 2012.

Residence Inn, 600 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Call the Residence Inn at 888-236-2427 and mention the Annual Florida African Dance Festival to receive a discounted rate of $99.00 or go online here. DEADLINE: May 7, 2012.

For additional information about hotels and other sites in Tallahassee, you may wish to go to www.visittallahassee.com or contact the Visitor Information Center at 800-628-2866 or 850-606-2305.

Name Listings

FESTIVAL HEALTH FOCUS 2012 - COLORECTAL CANCER

COLORECTAL CANCER IS: PREVENTABLE, TREATABLE and "BEATABLE" - BUT IT'S UP TO YOU …GET SCREENED FOR LIFE!

Ask Dr. Webster, Gastroenterologist Featured Presenter Saturday, June 9, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Health Education Forum on Colorectal Cancer TCC, Lifetime Sports Complex Webster Surgical Center 2048 Centre Pointe Lane Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-878-0471

Colorectal cancer is preventable – yet according to "CANCER FACTS AND FIGURES for African Americans 2011 -2012 ( American Cancer Society ) "….African Americans continue to bear a greater cancer burden than any other racial group in the United States of America." That same report stated that cancer death rates in 2007 were 32% higher in African American men and 16% higher in African American women than in white men and women, respectively. In recent years the death rate has widened in both men and women for colorectal cancer when comparing African Americans to white Americans.

"CANCER FACTS AND FIGURES" suggests that the reasons for the gap getting wider are complex and cited differences in income and education, as well as barriers to high-quality health care as leading contributing factors. The researchers did suggest that lifestyle also plays a role. Perhaps it is here – LIFESTYLE and CHOICES – that the African American community can make the GREATEST IMPACT with the LEAST RELIANCE on "others coming to our rescue" ! The African American community has to wake up and TAKE CHARGE OF ITS OWN HEALTH DESTINY! There is no outside force that is going to make any people become any more healthy than that people decides for itself that it wants to be.

The CHOICE to have a colonoscopy (the GOLD STANDARD) for colorectal cancer screening is the FIRST STEP towards colorectal cancer prevention. However, there are other contributing factors to colorectal cancer that must precede that choice by several decades – that is the CHOICE TO LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE which includes maintaining and or achieving ideal body weight, proper exercise, a diet approved by the American Heart Association, moderate to no alcohol intake and a balanced life with minimal stress and stressors - the later harder to achieve than the former. Overweight or obesity are risk factors not only for colorectal cancer , but also breast cancer, esophageal cancer, uterine cancer and kidney cancer. 44% of African American adults are considered obese and 74% are overweight.

According to The National Health Interview Survey, in spite of the fact that exercise has been linked to lower risk for some cancers, almost one half of African Americans reported NO leisure time physical activity and very little to no physical exercise. Although lack of access to healthcare services and race based underutilization of screening services are major contributing factors to the gap in mortality and morbidity in colorectal cancer, African Americans still have the power to "choose to be healthy" but it is only "power" if it is activated.

The American Cancer Society's most recent estimates for colorectal cancer predicts that in 2012 over 103,000 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed and over 40,290 cases of rectal cancer. There will be more than 51,690 deaths from colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in AMERICA (men and women) and the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is 1 out of every 20 people. The risk is higher in African Americans and the development of the cancer starts earlier (age 45 as opposed to 50) and are found more often on the 'right side of the colon' in African Americans. Because of this right-side preference, the sigmoidoscopic exam is much less effective in African Americans and according to some experts should not be used as a screening tool in African Americans.

Certain conditions predispose to colorectal cancer and the most common is to have first degree relatives with colorectal cancer or history of colon polyps – little tumors that are not cancer but that can progress to cancer in most settings. Other conditions include chronic inflammatory bowel disease – not to be confused with "irritable bowel syndrome" which is very common and HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH COLORECTAL CANCER. As mentioned above, "what you eat can kill you" and in general – what is good for the heart is good for the colon. Smoking increases risk for colorectal cancer and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus also predisposes one to colorectal cancer.

Thus, colorectal cancer prevention actually starts in childhood – BUT you can't choose your parents! A major part of secondary education should be to teach children not just "reading , writing, and arithmetic " ..but to also teach them "exercise, nutrition and relaxation." They would do better in school and live longer! Since that did not happen – you have to start where you are to take charge of your health. You must choose today to get your colon screened. Be sure to tell your doctor that you want to be screened. Become a partner in your health management program. After all, your life depends on it. Remember, colorectal cancer is: Preventable; Treatable and it is BEATABLE!

This message and information were provided by Joseph L. Webster, Sr., MD, MBA, FACP of the Webster Surgical Center, LLC.

Please come and participate in the health education forum to learn more.

May I pay for the registration and/or concert fee with a credit card?
You may pay with a credit card via Paypal for registration and/or concert tickets online before May 25. After May 25, we will only accept money orders, cashier's checks or cash.

How long is the concert?
The concert will be about 1 ½ – 2 hours long.

Is reserved seating available for the concert?
No, there is no reserved seating.

Is the concert appropriate for children?
The concert is designed for all age groups.

Are there any discounts available for the concert?
No, the fee for the concert is a flat rate of $10 for ALL tickets. While we love our senior citizens, children and special groups, there are no discounted rates.

Is prior dance or drum experience necessary?
Prior dance or drum experience isn't necessary. However, it might be helpful for you to observe a class first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the structure and procedure.

Do you have beginner, intermediate and advanced level classes for dance or drum?
No, all skill levels are grouped in classes together. At this time, we do not have the luxury of separating the skill levels. But, we feel confident whatever the skill level, you'll learn something.

What do I wear for the dance class?
Women should wear what is called a "lappa," along with a t-shirt, sports bra and shorts beneath the lappa. The lappa is usually 2 yards or less, dependent upon body size, of African print material, worn similarly to the American styled wrap-a-round skirt. Men typically wear socatos or warm-up pants with a t-shirt. Socatos are the "droop-seated" pants in African print. AND, everybody is barefooted.

Do I need to bring my own drum for the workshops?
Yes, bring your own drum. Unfortunately, we do not have enough equipment to supply everyone with a drum.

Do I need transportation to go from the hotel site to the dance conference location?
Yes, please make arrangements for your own transportation. While we would want to provide this service, it isn't available at this time.

May I videotape, audiotape or photograph the dance or drum workshops?
No, you cannot videotape, audiotape or photograph the dance or drum workshops. However, you may request of permission to audiotape from each drum instructor.

May I videotape or photograph the concert performance?
No, you may not. Anyone observed videotaping or photographing will be asked to leave the auditorium.

Questions with Cheryl Townsel

If you have been the recipient of an informational email about African dance conferences over the last two years, then "Cheryl's Dance News," was the likely source. To explore more about the impetus for this e-newsletter, ACDT goes "In the Spotlight" with Cheryl Townsel.

ACDT: What led to your doing an e-newsletter focused on African dance conferences throughout the U.S.?

CT: The e-newsletter has evolved over time in content, purpose and reach. I started the newsletter as part of my marketing/outreach when I was an instructor at Global Education Center in Nashville, TN. At that time the newsletter contained reminders about my classes, information for "newbies" to prepare them for what to expect regarding class format, what to wear, etc., and information about other African dance classes around town. The content expanded to include conference information, on a somewhat limited basis, in response to student request for more information while I was teaching a community African dance class at Delta State University in 2010.

The newsletter truly expanded in content and reach around March 2011 when I found myself in career transition. The impetus for that expansion was the convergence of several factors. Passion/interest – I've been enthralled with African dance since my introduction in my early to mid-twenties and I welcome any and every opportunity to be actively engaged in "the community" as a student, teacher, performer or increasingly as a community resource (board member, networker, promoter, etc.). Opportunity – while in career transition, I've found more "free time" to explore my passions and use my skills and talents to actively serve in communities I want to support. In fact, it was while in transition that I explored alternative income sources including serving as a group fitness instructor and/or dance instructor. Skill/talent – a key personal strength that has served me exceptionally well professionally is that I am an effective organizer and networker. As a former start-up Executive Director for a national trade association, my ability to recruit people, organizations and resources (financial and otherwise) to support a common mission and advance a national agenda was greatly supported by the fact that I was recognized and respected as a central resource or repository with information and a vast national network of influential people and industry leaders. An interesting epiphany I found is that there is really no reason not to apply our "professional" skills and talents in our personal lives – especially when choosing to do benefits those causes and communities of importance to us.

Anyway, the newsletter has helped me: 1) feel like I'm still "connected" to the community even if I don't get to dance as often as I need or want, 2) feel like I'm doing something PRODUCTIVE -- sometimes I needed a BREAK from the "never-ending" job search, and 3) feel like I'm doing something useful/helpful to promote and "connect" the African dance community. That's been the BIG surprise -- the little unexpected email "thank you" notes from complete strangers thanking me for promoting their conference, sharing the information or simply supporting the community or culture in this way. The "funny" thing is . . . this IS what I do professionally . . . I "connect" people; I serve as a central "resource" or information repository to support and encourage. So in the midst of transition, and the accompanying challenges and frustrations, providing this "service" helped ME to stay connected and encouraged even as I helped others.

ACDT: How many people do you reach?

CT: Currently my e-distribution list contains around 150 individual and group contacts. I'd estimate around one-third to one-half of the list (or 50 – 75 contacts) is comprised of "group" contacts or representatives of dance companies. I'd estimate each "group contact" may represent anywhere from 20 – 200 individuals in their individual networks across the country. Wow, I guess that means conceivably the list could reach from 1,000 to as many as 15,000 people. As I continue to discover more African dance conferences and workshops, the list continues to grow.

ACDT: How long do you plan to continue with the e-newsletter, and will you be expanding the information you provide?

CT: Hmmmmm. I've actually been surprised with the evolutionary process thus far with the newsletter – an "unplanned initiative." So it's hard to say what I have "planned" for the future. What I can share is that I'm generally motivated by a personal drive, or compulsion, to support and/or encourage others through supportive networks and communities. I've often thought that the next "stage" for this newsletter is an actual website so that distribution and reach is not dependent upon my "discovery" efforts and success in "manually" growing my email distribution list.

ACDT: Are there other services that you provide to African Dance companies in the U.S.?

CT: I don't know that currently I provide many services to African dance companies. I have recently been blessed to be active with N'Diabot, "A woman's society with common African ancestry established to preserve the ancient traditions of African Folklore and Culture with a strong support system built on values and morals reflecting the love and pride of our people." To help the passing on of our art form and culture to our younger generation, N'Diabot membership dues help to fund youth scholarships to attend dance conferences. These conferences are so vital to furthering needed training in the folklore, dance and drum that are key to maintaining the culture. In addition to being a dues-paying member, the services I have provided to the society include developing their newsletters for their conference events and presentations and serving on the scholarship committee. The scholarship committee develops essay questions for young people to respond to when applying for a scholarship to attend a dance conference (KanKouran or Maimouna Keita), develops and implements the scoring rubric for assessing and scoring the essay responses, and reading and scoring the scholarship essays. (For more information about membership and/or youth scholarship applications, please contact Ms. Crettia Hunter at: ndiabot@hotmail.com )

At a different point in my life, when in more stable career/financial position, I served as an active member of various Boards of Directors for dance and arts-related organizations. Formerly I served as a member of the Board of Global Education Center (Nashville, TN); and as the Vice Chairperson for the Board for both DancePlace (Washington, DC) and for Coyaba Dance Company (Washington, DC).

My current and immediate focus is moving out of personal and career "transition" and becoming "whole" meaning either becoming fully-employed or building my consulting practice into a viable long-term self-sustaining business. As an independent contract consultant my clients are largely healthcare companies and/or not-for-profit companies. My scope of consulting services include (but are not limited to): Project and Program Development and Management; Grant Writing and Proposal Management Services; Board and Governance services (including Board training and development, bylaws development, review, and amendment/refinement etc.); Group Facilitation (Board and Strategic Planning meetings); Policies & Procedures Development; Vetting and Due Diligence (RFP Development and Management for vendor & strategic partner selection); and, Meeting and Event Planning and Execution. My personal experience or testimony is that transition can be a positive and spiritually transformational experience – the challenge, as my co-pastors caution, is to make choices that support the experience making you "better" not "bitter" . . . . Looking back, it appears that 2011 was about "laying the groundwork and building the network" for my professional opportunities. I've found on average it can take 3-6 months to cultivate each individual contact or lead into a paid engagement or contract. (And sometimes, as my dad would joke, it felt like "buzzards' luck" – "can't kill nothin' and won't nothin' die!") So I spent much of 2011 getting contacts and leads into the "pipeline" with hopes that a few would manifest -- and so far it appears that 2012 is about manifesting those opportunities! (Praise God!)

ACDT: Do you have any advice for African Dance companies and artists who have been and continue to experience budget cuts to their programs?

CT: Funny you should ask. In June of 2011, I shared some ideas on this very issue during conference calls with the core members of N'Diabot. In this age of decreasing funding to arts, I strongly encourage the community to be more "expansive" in their individual and collective view(s) of African dance not just as a cultural/artistic outlet but also as a potential tool as key program component for targeted funding issues and community challenges including (but not limited to):

• Reducing youth violence &/or retaining youth in schools through enrichment programs – many youth are not "engaged" in schools, lose interest and drop out. "Culturally relevant" programming is considered a way to encourage youth to "engage" & remain in school.


• Improving minority health, reducing racial and ethnic health disparities -- Potential funding opportunities. One of the things I've been excited to note and/or feature in my newsletter is that at least two of you, and perhaps more, include a focus on health in your conferences:


• March 23-25, 2012, "Miayekwa," The 13th Annual Dance & Drum Conference in Atlanta, GA – the Manga African Dance, Inc. conference hosted by Founder/Executive Director Ms. Ramatu Afegbua-Sabbatt features a Health Day on Friday from 9am-6pm & 7 – 8pm. For more information for vendors, sponsors & conference registration, check out: http://mangadance.org/master_dance.htm or Facebook: /mangaafricandanceinc.


• June 7-9, 2012, 15th Annual Florida African Dance Conference (FADF) – A BIG "ups" and Congratulations to you by the way for winning a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Folk and Traditional Arts grant to support the 15th annual Florida African Dance Festival! The event will include workshops in dance and drum taught by African immigrant artists as well as a final performance concert, and always incorporates a focus on health. The 2011 conference focused on Diabetes. For more information and updates follow http://www.fadf.org/#homeModule or contact ACDT at 850-539-4087 or acdt93@aol.com.

For ideas of potential grant sources particularly for youth and obesity I invite folks to check out:
http://www.shapingamericasyouth.org/programs.aspx?page=featured – this resource lists several grants targeting obesity, etc.

For both targeted issues/problems above (Reducing youth violence &/or retaining youth in schools through enrichment programs and Improving minority health, reducing racial and ethnic health disparities) I suggest people consider two approaches that funders target:

• "direct services" – i.e. providing dance classes, etc. directly and,


• "train the trainer" –recruit and train a targeted group to do what you do in their communities. I'd suggest that for "inspiration" and ideas regarding collaborations and strategic partnerships and/or alternative revenue streams that people consider the example of Alberto "Beto" Perez, the creator and founder of ZUMBA, a "cultural" dance-fitness program that is based upon Latin, and African, rhythms and dance movements. I was fortunate enough to receive my instructor training and certification by Beto and learned that this man from one of the poorest communities, Cali, in one of the poorest South American countries, Columbia has built quite a profitable business drawing from his cultural experience.


• I think it is important that leaders and directors of dance companies consider that as you age you'll want and need revenue streams that are not solely dependent upon your physical ability to "deliver" in teaching and/or performing. Whether you look at Beto and his "certification" program for ZUMBA or Dr. Joanne Cornwell and her "certification" program for Sisterloc technicians, I think a clear lesson is that "certification," as opposed to "direct services" such as teaching and/or performing, represents a revenue stream that expands one's opportunities for diversification.


• I'd like to add that "certification" or "train-the-trainer" initiatives have additional benefits in addition to creating revenue streams. The "individual benefit" is help with transition or succession planning for individuals approaching retirement. The potential "community benefit" is having some level of control or influence over the "standardization" of African dance and culture instruction. I know there have been many conversations and concerns about the growing trend of "un-trained" people teaching African dance – but there is yet to be developed and implemented a "codification" system governing the training of African dance instructors. I'd strongly caution that we not lose this "opportunity" – I think we can be certain that eventually someone(s) will figure out how to take advantage of this yet unrealized opportunity . . . .

Another thing I strongly encourage African dance artists and companies to consider is that the common theme in virtually every field these days is that of "collaboration." For the African dance community, I believe there are several "natural" potential strategic partners or collaborators. With the attention on minority health, health disparities, obesity and particularly childhood obesity, there are many community-based private and federal programs in development to address the need of reducing childhood obesity (with a focus on nutrition and increased physical activity). Consider "natural" potential strategic partners, many of whom are not-for-profit agencies that already receive federal funds and are always looking for strategic partners with which to collaborate. Keep in mind also the need for "cultural competence" and/or "relevance" as organizations build programs that are targeted for African Americans. For examples of potential strategic partners, consider the following:

• Federally Qualified Community Health Centers (FQHCs) -- provide care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. There are more than 1,200 health center organizations with more than 8,000 locations in urban, suburban and rural communities across the country. They can be found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. All health centers offer comprehensive primary and preventive health care. Many also offer dental, mental health and pharmacy services. The link to locate FQHCs near you: http://www.nachc.com/findahealthcenter.cfm

Contact Information for Cheryl Townsel:

Cheryl Townsel's Biographical Sketch

"So long as I draw breath and can move so much as my pinkie or an arched eyebrow, I will ALWAYS dance!" Cheryl A. Townsel has had the benefit of enjoying a life that embraces both her vocation as a health care executive and her avocation, her HEART, DANCE! Ms. Townsel has long held and practiced the belief that a creative lifestyle is enriching and even enhances productivity and professional success. Cheryl remains committed to coaching, encouraging and otherwise supporting others in enriching their quality of life by embracing balance.

Cheryl has had the great joy of performing with several modern, jazz and West African dance ensembles and companies in Ohio, Washington, D.C. and Nashville, TN. Most notably, she has performed with Washington, D.C. based DancePlace Moving Company; the west African company, Memory of African Culture, under the direction of Senegalese master drummer, kora player and griot, Djimo Kouyate; the Washington, D.C. based west African company, Coyaba Dance Company, under the direction of Sylvia Souhmah; and, the Nashville, TN based Ghanaian dance ensemble, Sogo, under the direction of Kwame Ahima. Her dance study has included several dance intensives/workshops including a two-week study in Senegal on tour sponsored by the New-York based company Maimouna Keita (Marie Basse Wiles Director); one-week dance workshops in Negril, Jamaica studying with Senegalese dance instructors Assane Konte, Marie Basse Wiles and Malong Bayo and Jamaican dance artist, Patsy Ricketts. Cheryl has been an active participant (student and performer) in the annual DanceAfrica conference at DancePlace in Washington, DC.

Cheryl's infectious passion and enthusiasm for West African dance won over the enthusiasm of gifted and talented students in the Vanderbilt University summer program for the Center for Gifted and Talented Youth. As a guest instructor in the Arete (Activities for Recreation, Exploration and Talent Expansion) in the summer program, Ms. Townsel served as a "substitute" instructor in West African dance for the "Hip Hop" class offering. Students who had signed up for a Hip Hop class were enthusiastically open and receptive to the rich West African traditional dance culture and enjoyed the instruction in exploration of the West African roots of current culture including "Hip Hop." Students especially enjoyed the rich cultural experience of not only the dance movement and explanation of dance purpose but also the attire (as Ms. Townsel provided traditional lappas, grand boubas and cowrie shell belts and jewelry to enhance the experience).

Ms. Townsel served as a contract dance instructor with Delta State University in Cleveland, MS the fall semester of 2010 and spring semester of 2011. Her instruction in dance and choreography of student performances was instrumental in the expansion of the Delta State University Community Drum Experience to the Delta State University Community Dancing and Drumming Experience under the direction of Dr. Karen Fosheim. In Nasville, TN, Cheryl has been an instructor in African Dance at the Global Education Center from May of 2006 to the Summer of 2007 and August 2008 to August 2009. She has been part of the Center's faculty for the multicultural summer arts camp, adult dance class/workshop offerings, and a summer cultural exchange with a leading dance school from the Bahamas. Ms. Townsel has served as an instructor at the YMCA/Harding Mall (September/2005 - August/2008), and the CoolSprings YMCA (February 2008 - August 2008).  She also was a ZUMBA instructor at the CoolSprings YMCA.  Additionally she was an African Dance instructor at the Smyrna Fitness Facility (November/2007 to April/2008). Cheryl has served as an frequent "guest instructor" in the "American Social History Through Dance" class of the American Studies program at Vanderbilt University.

Cheryl has been an avid dancer for almost three decades and first studied African dance while earning her bachelors degree in Psychology at Oberlin College (Oberlin, OH); and, she received her Masters degree in Health Policy and Management from the Harvard University School of Public Health. She is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor – Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), (November 2009 – November 2011). Ms. Townsel formerly served on the Board of Directors of Global Education Center (Nashville, TN); the Vice Chairperson for the Board of Directors for DancePlace (Washington, DC) and for Coyaba Dance Company (Washington, DC). She is currently an independent consultant having served in various consulting and executive capacities in health administration for almost two decades including serving as the founding Executive Director of a national trade association of Medicaid HMOs (currently Medicaid Health Plans of America, formerly National Association of Urban Based HMOs) and the founding director of an affinity professional association, the African American Managed Care Executive Exchange (AAMCEE).

The African Caribbean Dance Theatre, Inc. (ACDT) is your premier source for African cultural activities in Florida. ACDT, a Tallahassee-based cultural education organization, has for the past 19 years wowed audiences with its pulsating and energizing performances at inaugural events, festivals, concerts, weddings and other special occasions throughout the Southeast. The company's year-round schedule of African dance and drum classes serves as the training ground for youths and adults' development in these traditions.

With its year-round program services, along with the presentation of the annual Florida African Dance Festival, ACDT is paving the pathway for the preservation of African dance and drumming for future generations. Become a part of the ACDT experience and allow us to enrich your life! Contact ACDT today at 850-539-4087 or acdt93@aol.com.

Year-round Classes
ACDT offers weekly year-round classes at 451 West Gaines Street (formerly Margo's Balloons & Baskets) in Tallahassee. Parking is available at Savannah's Country Buffet or any street off of Gaines. Here's the weekly class schedule:

Tuesdays

• Afrobics 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. (Aerobic Exercise)
• African Dance 6:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays

• Afrobics 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. (Aerobic Exercise)
• African Dance 6:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays

• Drum 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• African Dance 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Note

Some class schedules are subject to change. Please contact ACDT at 850-539-4087 or acdt93@aol.com before you plan to attend.

call us: +850 539 4087

African Caribbean Dance Theatre, Inc
P. O. Box 10943
Tallahassee, FL 32302