The University of Tampa Caribbean Dance Troupe was founded by three native Virgin Islanders, De'Quan Browne-Schmidt, De'Vaunee Thompson, and Regine Bazil, throughout discussion of bringing a majorette styled dance team to perform along with the marching band of The University of Tampa. After establishing that there was no such thing, the three thought about bringing their culture to The University
of Tampa in the form of dance. The troupe's first audition was held on February 3, 2013 and started out with natives of the British and US Virgin Islands, Haiti, and the United States. As the semesters passed by, the troupe has expanded with members from all over the Caribbean to include Jamaica, Bahamas, and Guyana. The troupe performs various times each school year, on and off-campus. Staple performances include Midnight Madness, BSU Stroll Off, International Dance Festival, Miss UT Caribbean Revelation and Pageant, and the Tampa Carnival Parade. Showcasing elaborate costumes of sequins and feathered headdresses, the troupe continues to bring pizzazz and flair to the university displaying the rhythm and exciting of Caribbean people. The president and choreographer of the troupe, is main founder De'Quan Browne-Schmidt. CDT hopes to live on in the tradition of the University of Tampa, playin' mas all school year long!
