Afro-One Dance, Drama and Drum Theatre, Inc. is a non-profit, culturally-oriented arts organization under the direction of founder Dr. Patricia Reid-Merritt. The company, based in Willingboro, New Jersey, maintains a school for the performing arts and a professional touring group.
30 Years of Afro-One
The Afro-One Dance, Drama and Drum Theatre originated as a dance class under the direction of the Founder and Artistic Director Dr. Patricia Reid-Merritt. In 1974, a group of parents witnessed her dance class performing at a local recital and requested that they perform at a local Blacks Arts Festival that was being sponsored by the Association of Negro Businesses and Professional Women. The group of students then began to rehearse on a regular basis and this organization soon evolved into the Afro-One Dance Company. Ms. Myrna Munchus-Bullock joined the company in 1975 and was co-founder of the Afro-One school. The dance company expanded in 1979 to include classes in drama conducted by Merrill-Jean Bailey, and in 1981, instruction in drum was introduced under the direction of Ricardo Williams.
During the Fall of 1975, a group of interested parents organized a committee aimed at further developing Black arts in the community, specifically geared towards providing support for the original Afro-One Dance Company. An Advisory board for the organization was formed in 1980, and a Board of Directors in 1983. Composed of concerned professionals living in the State of New Jersey, the Board is currently emphasizing dance, drama and music in the African-American heritage. Projections, however, include activities relative to the Black experience in America in other art forms such as art, writing, etc. Long range goals include the purchase and maintenance of a Black Arts Center to house the above art activities, as the vehicle for exposing Black youth to contributions made by artist of African descent. The 2003-2004 season marks the organization's 30th ANNIVERSARY!