Dear Granny Family: Welcome to the 29th Anniversary Season of “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum”! Most of us, particularly in hard times, have had the thought “What if there were a place….” In our hearts, we hold a vision of that place where peace, love, and harmony are the dream and aspiration of all who live or visit there. For those of us in the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Village, that place is Karamazaam. For those of you who’ve made the magical journey to “Granny’s” beautiful home during the past 28 years, that imagined place has transformed into the reality of an uplifted spirit that you’ve carried from our theatre into your daily lives, sharing that energy with family, friends, colleagues and community! For those of you traveling with us for the very first time during this 29th Anniversary Season of the production, we’re so happy to welcome you to this wonderful vision! In nearly three decades, the production’s yearly gathering of over one-hundred cast, directors, staff, crew and volunteers has shared months of anticipation and exhilaration - behind the scenes, on stage, with the audience and our extended dance family. An incredible amount of work goes into the show with a myriad of meetings, technical installations, and rehearsals integrating all elements of the magic, culminating with over twenty yearly “Granny” student matinees and full performances in iconic theatres all over Denver, most recently in our very own historic theatre in Five Points historic Shorter AME Building. But then came 2020, which was to have been not only the 29th Anniversary Season of Granny but also the celebration of our 50th Anniversary Season! Amidst pandemic, protest and upheaval, and a tumultuous national election, we had a profound decision to make – would we - could we - produce “Granny” and if we did, what would the production even look like? As our nation and our world were confronted with challenges of historic proportions, the importance of family legacy, and community oneness was more evident every day. So many holiday productions are grounded completely in fantasy, but “Granny” is reflective of the diversity of rich cultures that CPRD has experienced as we’ve toured, taught, and performed all over the world. We felt during this period of isolation from one another, that bringing a sense of our reality as one human family was more crucial than ever. So, we entered a new reality – installing and implementing green screen technology, multiple camera shoots, and hours-upon-hours of editing – all while adhering to
continually shifting health protocols! The entire show had to be re-structured from a two-hour stage show into a ninety-minute virtual one. Everyone had to adapt to working and performing in masks! Our Granny Village expanded with the addition of Larry Alexander (Lead Cinematographer / Lead Video Editor). Alumnus Ensemble member, Chris Page-Sanders, brought his expertise as assistant to the directors. We had to edit so many scenes into a workable length for the show! An exciting new perspective opened for us as we combined newly created digital elements with archival footage from previous “Granny” productions and were able to make “Granny” available to audiences all over the world. We’re all experiencing the show in a truly exciting and innovative way! The pandemic, of course, forced the cancellation of our 2020 “Dancing with the Denver Stars” Gala – but our Board Chair, Gwen Brewer, our Board of Directors, and our Gala Chair, Amy Parsons (CEO Mozzafiato), weren’t going to let that stop us! Not only did Amy commit to remaining as our Gala Chair for 2021, but she shared a wonderful idea. She approached the eight Stars who had committed to dancing in the 2020 Gala and asked them if they’d agree to perform in a special addition of this year’s “Granny” production. Four out of the eight were able to say “yes!”. Along with Amy, Gillian Bidgood (Polsinelli), Diane L. Briscoe-McKenzie (Retired Denver judge), and Michelle Marcano-Johnson (Janus Henderson) were COVID tested, attended rehearsals, and took part in a special filming session. Our Associate Artistic Director, Winifred R. Harris, guided them through both rehearsals and filming, and they look wonderful! The other four Stars, even though they were unable to be part of the filming, assured us of their companies’ support, and even some of our other regular corporate patrons added their support! “Granny” is truly a legacy keeper. My sister-friend, colleague and dancer of over thirty-eight years, the late Ms. Marceline “Marcy” Freeman, for whom I created the title role, always connected us with the profound strength of the human heart. Her final “Granny” performances as the Ancestral Spirit in 2010, inspired us as Marcy, even though blind, demonstrated the dignity of a true artist. Veteran actor, Ms. Margarita Taylor, who has now played Granny for 12 seasons, says one of the greatest gifts she’s ever received was being given Marcy’s blessing when she assumed the role.
In that same spirit of legacy, Veteran Ensemble member Cedric Dewayne Hall, who portrayed our Junkanoo King for ten seasons, returns for his fourth season as Griot: The Storyteller, following in the honored footsteps of Vincent C. Robinson, who portrayed this memorable character for twenty-five years. Vince’s impact on “Granny” is timeless and we remain ever-grateful for his continued generosity and kindness, both on-stage and off. Cantadora the Dreamweaver is portrayed by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) Rehearsal Director Chloé-Grant Abel, in her seventh season in the role, and ninth season with the Ensemble. Ensemble members Samiyah Lynnice and John e. Roberts return for the third time as Nakia the Granddaughter and TiSean the Grandson. I remain privileged to portray Shakti (Granny’s Guardian Angel), a role that never ceases to elevate my spirit, even after 29 years! Our “Granny Band”, even though virtual this year, features some of Denver’s finest jazz musicians, including musical director, Mark Caldwell, who’s been with the show for over twenty years and Fred Jordan who’s been with “Granny” from the outset. These wonderful musicians will have you dancing in your living room, and our extraordinary vocalists Jacquie Van Horn (12-year Granny veteran) and Robert Johnson (23-year Granny veteran) will make you want to sing out! In this unprecedented 50th ANNIVERSARY SEASON, the mission and vision of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, through the leadership of our Executive Director, Malik Robinson - and the perseverance of our Ensemble, Staff, Faculty, and Board of Directors - remains strong. With the support of generous individuals, businesses, corporations and civic organizations, we continue to advance our artistic and educational vision into an ever-expanding community of students and audiences. Despite cancellations and postponements, we pivoted within the first few weeks of the pandemic, providing diverse virtual programming through classes, podcasts, performances, workshops, and residencies, reaching out not only nationally but internationally to Mexico, India and Colombia! Even our 26th Annual International Summer Dance Institute (ISDI), the region’s finest summer intensive program, proceeded virtually. Our Academy of Dance continues to offer a range of classes, with the safety and health of our students and teachers remaining our highest priority. You’ll want to continue visiting our website at cleoparkerdance.org for the latest information on our classes, performances, and the ongoing upgrades to our theatre! We feel so blessed that we’re able to proceed with so many significant projects that will help to sustain the physical, emotional, and mental health of our community. We hope you’ll follow “Granny’s” wonderful example year-round, especially in this coming year – sing out, dance with joy, explore your culture and traditions, share your stories…. And remember – Granny Loves You – now and always!
The original “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” was conceived, co-directed and co-written by Cleo Parker Robinson based on stories from Opalanga Pugh’s audio tape “Festivals of Light”, an odyssey of stories and songs about holiday celebrations world-wide. The original concept evolved through the creative energies of former Ensemble member and choreographer Gary Abbott, actors Marta Barnard and Jaime Lujan, directors Buddy Butler and Michael R. Durn, musical directors Paul Conly, Carlton Bacon, and Reverend Hayward Hobbs, percussionist Bataki Cambrelen, costume designer Lara Kirksey, and technical director / lighting designer Keith W. Rice. In subsequent years, a great diversity of artists contributed their time and talent to the production, offering audiences new incarnations of Granny’s memories. The journey of “Granny” started over twenty-eight years ago while Cleo Parker Robinson was visiting two former company members in Washington, D.C. The young couple had a children’s book in their nursery titled “The Dancing Granny”, retold and illustrated by Ashley Bryan. The book was, in essence, a story of the special and unique gifts we are given throughout the year, the wonderful blessing of family and friends. Cleo began to reminisce about her own family and the stories the grandmothers would share, including those told by her own “Mama Cleo” for whom she is named. Cleo herself is now grandmother to three wonderful grand-children and the spirit of the work feels even more familiar, a beautiful reminder of how rich our lives are. “I wanted to create a piece that would bring families, friends and communities together in celebration of our unique gifts, traditions and cultures. It is even more perfect for the dancers of the Ensemble, who often begin to feel a bit blue at holiday time, being away from their families.” “Granny” is a perfect way to encourage everyone to count their blessings. For me, “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” lets us experience a greater understanding and respect for all cultures – and a greater reason to dance. We are one - “Harambee.” Thank you, Granny! Together, as one family, let us celebrate our World of Cultures and the community of Spirit, Heart, and Mind to which we all belong!”
Shakti
OUR MISSION Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is an international, performing arts and educational institution rooted in African American traditions, and dedicated to excellence in providing cross-cultural instruction, performances and enrichment programs empowering all our communities by cultivating the healthy mind, body and spirit development for intergenerational students, artists and audiences.
OUR VISION
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is guided by a vision of dance as the universal language of movement that celebrates performance, individual expression, healing and peace, which transforms the world into a sanctuary that transcends boundaries of culture, class and age. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is committed to honoring diversity and inclusiveness throughout the global community. For information about the ENSEMBLE, SCHOOL OF DANCE, the CLEO PARKER ROBINSON THEATRE, the SEASON OF SCHOOLS outreach program, or the INTERNATIONAL SUMMER DANCE INSTITUTE, please contact CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE Located in Denver’s Historic Five Points District 119 Park Avenue West, Denver, Colorado 80205 Ph # 303 295 1759 | Fx # 303 295 1328 www.cleoparkerdance.org
Founder / Artistic Director / Original Concept / Producer / Director As founder and artistic director of the 50-year-old Denver-based CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE (CPRD), Ms. Parker Robinson leads a professional Ensemble, a second company (Cleo II), a Youth Ensemble, an Academy of Dance, an International Summer Dance Institute, a 240-seat theatre bearing her name, and numerous community outreach programs throughout Colorado, nationally, and internationally. She is the recipient of honors from corporate, civic, community, and artistic entities world-wide, and she and her Ensemble are called upon by numerous organizations and performance venues for performances, teaching residencies and motivational workshops. A master teacher/choreographer and cultural ambassador, she and her Ensemble have performed nationwide and internationally throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and the African continent. Her numerous honors include the Colorado Governor’s Award for Excellence (1974), Denver Mayor’s Award (1979), induction into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame (1989) and the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame (1994). Recognized in Who’s Who in America Colleges and Universities, she holds an Honorary Doctorate from Denver University (1991), an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Colorado College (2003), and an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Regis University in Denver (2008). In 2021, she will be the recipient of an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, Honous Causa, University of Colorado, Boulder. In 1991, she served on the task force for the creation of a permanent location for the Denver School of the Arts, Denver’s first performing arts magnet school. She was integral in the formation of the National Bahamian Dance Company, based in Nassau. In September 2017, in recognition of her long-term commitment to excellence in arts education, she was honored at the Denver School of the Arts 7th Annual Fall Gala with the Randy Weeks Arts Leadership Award In 2011, Ms. Parker Robinson was voted an Honorary Lifetime Trustee of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, recognizing her longtime commitment and lasting
impact on the Center. Most recently, in June 2017, she received the highly prestigious DanceUSA Honor Award. She has served on NEA panels on Dance, Expansion Arts, Arts America, and InterArts panels for the USIS, and as a regular panelist for the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts as well as other national task forces, boards and committees in the arts arena. In April 1999, she was appointed by former President William Jefferson Clinton, with U.S. Senate confirmation, to serve for four years on the National Council on the Arts, a 14-member panel that advises the Chairman of the NEA on agency policy and programs, reviewing and making recommendations to the Chairman on grant applications. Beginning in 2011 and 2012, Ms. Parker Robinson has returned to the art of the choreographer, creating and presenting two new full-length works, “Dreamcatchers: The Untold Stories of the Americas” and her “Romeo and Juliet”, which was first presented in collaboration with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Her recent work “On the Edge… Reaching to Higher Ground” premiered in October of 2014 in answer to resurging racial and human rights infractions both nationally and internationally. In Spring 2017, audiences were thrilled to view the re-staging of two of her works that meld the worlds of classical and jazz composition with the power, passion and beauty of modern dance – “Romeo and Juliet” and “Porgy and Bess” - and Fall 2017 saw the premiere of her “Copacetic: A Tribute to Jonathon “JP” Parker”, honoring her father. In the Spring of 2018, she premiered “Lark Ascending” in collaboration with the Boulder Philharmonic. Her work “Rhapsody in Black”, created in collaboration with CPRD Associate Artistic Director, Winifred R. Harris, premiered as part of the Ensemble’s Fall 2018 concert at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, University of Denver. Spring of 2019 saw the premiere of her newest creation, “The MOVE/ment”, a collaborative work with her Ensemble and the Colorado Ballet as part of the “Tour de Force” concert series. Cleo Parker Robinson continues to be dedicated to celebrating the human experience and potential through the Arts and Education. Her life-long vision of “One Spirit, Many Voices” remains strong and steadfast, expanding to welcome, embrace, and sustain all people.
Ms. Taylor began dancing in her birthplace, Port-ofSpain Trinidad, under the direction of the late Astor Johnson. Upon moving to New York, she studied with Leni Wylliams, Ron Pratt, Lyn Simmonson, Phil Black, John Hatchett of The Broadway Dance Center, as well as the Joffrey Ballet, and the Jeannett Neil Dance School of Boston. She danced with the Mafata Dance Company of New York, the Impulse Dance Company of Boston, and ensemble roles in “Cinderella”, “Romeo and Juliet”, and “The Wizard of Oz” with the Wheelock Family Theatre. She graduated from Wheelock with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and while there directed Ntozake Shange’s “For Colored Girls who have considered suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf ” and Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias”. Her roles with a myriad of companies include the village woman in Derek Walcott’s “Steel”, and the Denver Brass production of “Jump kn da Line”. She has been a dance teacher in after-school programs for the Denver Public School system, and for Children’s Creative Movement, and Adult Modern classes at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. She served as Children’s Rehearsal Director for “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Ms. Taylor is also a teacher with Denver Public Schools. In January 2020, she had the pleasure of performing with NuWorld Contemporary Danse Theatre. This is Ms. Taylor’s seventeenth season with “Granny” and her twelfth season in the title role, fulfilling a long-time dream with the blessing of Ms. Marceline Freeman, the production’s original “Granny”.
Ensemble Rehearsal Director Ensemble Member A Kansas City native, Ms. Abel trained for twelve years under full scholarship at the Kansas City Ballet School. She studied in New York at the Ailey School as a Fellowship recipient, and received her BFA in Dance, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. Her professional career includes performances with Quixotic Performance Fusion, the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, the Owen/Cox Dance Group, and Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company. Ms. Abel is now in her ninth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and is also Rehearsal Director for the Ensemble. This is her seventh season in the role of Cantadora.
Children’s Ensemble Director Ensemble Member First dancing with the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre’s CONSORT Youth Dance Training and Development Program, Mr. Hall later became a full company member. He was featured in numerous musicals including “The Wiz”, “West Side Story” and “Footloose”, and has worked with renowned choreographers Terrance Greene, Dianne McIntyre, Gary Abbott, and Kevin “Iega” Jeff. After twelve seasons with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Mr. Hall is now an integral member of the CPRD Education Outreach program. He also remains on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Academy and is Rehearsal Coordinator for Cleo II. This is his fourth season as “Griot”, following in the footsteps of 25-year “Granny” veteran, Vincent C. Robinson.
A Florida native, Ms. Lynnice began her training at the Academy of Ballet Arts and Artz 4 Life Academy, Inc. in Tampa Bay. A graduate of New World School of the Arts, she received her Bachelor in Fine Arts from The Hartt School in Hartford, CT. Touring nationally as a principle dancer with DunDu Dole West African Ballet, she performed in the Chocolate Nutcracker as ‘Claire’ and ‘The Dream Princess”. She has performed works by master choreographers including Martha Graham, Jose Limon, Doug Varone, and Darrell Grand Moultrie, and attended summer workshops with Dance Theater of Harlem, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Martha Graham Dance Company, RIOULT, and White Mountain Dance Festival. This is Ms. Lynnice’s third season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and in the role of “Nakia the Grand-daughter”.
A St. Louis native, Mr. Roberts first trained at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA), graduating with a BFA from the University of Missouri Kansas-City (UMKC) Conservatory with an emphasis in Dance Performance and Choreography. His training includes studies with Antonio Douthit -Boyd, Alicia Graf-Mack, and Kirven Douthit-Boyd (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre), Christopher Page-Sanders (Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and Nu-World Contemporary Danse Company), Rolando Yaines (Milwaukee Ballet), Jessica Taylor (DAMAGED Dance Company), Alonzo King (LINES Ballet Company), and Gary Abbott (Deeply Rooted Dance Theater). Mr. Roberts performed with Ballet Eclectica and COCADance and participated in numerous musical theater performances at COCA through the FOX Charitable Foundation. This is Mr. Roberts third season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, and in the role of “TiSean the Grand-son�.
Cleo Parker Robinson Founder / Artistic Director Producer / Director / Choreographer Winifred R. Harris Associate Artistic Director Rhetta Shead Production Director Mark Caldwell Musical Director Larry Alexander Lead Cinematographer / Lead Video Editor Trey Grimes Technical Director / Video Editor Green Screen Concept Chris Page-Sanders Assistant to the Director Chloé-Grant Abel Ensemble Rehearsal Director Cedric Dewayne Hall Children’s Ensemble Director Jessica Horton Youth Ensemble Director Jasmine Francisco Children’s Ensemble Assistant Director Victoria Shead-Johnston Youth Ensemble Assistant Director Lara Kirksey Original Costume Design Joey Santos Costume Design Alex J. Gordon Costume Design Ralaya Goshea Wardrobe Mistress Damon Sefic Videographer Paulina Nunez Video Technician Conor Morford Video Technician Tre Anthony Grimes Video Technician Davry Ratcliffe Props Master Leticia Tanguma Set Design Jody Gilbert Virtual Playbill Design Mary Hart Virtual Playbill Editor / Script Editor Zach Reese Media Design David Andrews Archival Videographer Stan Obert CPRD Photographer
MARK CALDWELL Musical Director / Composer / Arranger Mr. Caldwell has been part of the “Granny” production for twenty-one years, fourteen of which have been as the Musical Director. As composer for the show, Mr. Caldwell has written most of the production’s music including “Butterfly” in memory of Marceline Freeman and the musical tour de force “Granny Boom Boom”. When not working with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Mr. Caldwell performs in other shows and with several local bands. He is very active teaching guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele and general music. EVAN BALLINGER Keyboards A resident of Denver, Mr. Ballinger is currently a full-time student at Metro State University. He performs frequently throughout Colorado with various bands, including Ghost Tapes, The Dendrites and Contraband, with whom he has toured several times throughout the western United States. In addition to playing piano, Mr. Ballinger is also a drummer and singer, and has been part of the Granny Band for four years. CHRISTOPHER HARRIS Bass Guitar Joining our Granny Band for his fourteenth season, Mr. Harris comments “I go where others have gone before, to seek out and explore new forms of expression and the sharing of new musical moments and ideas.” djembe and dunun, he is a respected source regarding Mali’s rich culture and history. This is Mr. Doumbia’s fifth season with our Granny Band.
ABDOUL KARIM DOUMBIA Djembe / Percussion Born in Mali, Mr. Doumbia began learning the music of his culture at the age of five, eventually completing a 16-year apprenticeship with master drummer Moriba Keita. Working with professional companies in Mali, including nine years as lead drummer for the renowned traditional troupe Babemba, he represented his region for eight consecutive years in the National Drum Festival of Mali. Immigrating to the U.S. to accept a position at Brown University, he taught extensively at Yale, Harvard, Princeton, RISDI, and the Universities of Florida and Connecticut before moving to Boulder where he currently lives and teaches at CU, Naropa and The Colorado College. As a master of Malian djembe and dunun, he is a respected source regarding Mali’s rich culture and history. This is Mr. Doumbia’s fifth season with our Granny Band. JOHN OLSSON Drum Set A drummer for over 20 years, Mr. Olsson joins the Granny Band for his fifth season, having worked with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance as an academy accompanist since 2009, instructing youth drumming classes and performing in numerous CPRD productions as well, including Ms. Parker Robinson’s stellar work, “Madiba’s River”. In addition to three years studying global percussion and jazz at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, he has traveled often to West Africa for in-depth studies of the culture and roots of rhythm and is a board member of the non-profit Koffi Togo Cultural Center Foundation. Mr. Olsson loves performing in pit orchestras in local theaters, including Littleton Town Hall Arts Center and the Aurora Fox, and is a band member at New Dawn C.S.L. Church of Aurora. He also plays with a variety of other local bands, in addition to teaching both privately and at area schools and community centers.
FRED “Baba Ilu Ile” JORDAN Tumba / Percussion Accomplished on congas, ashiko, tom toms, and other percussion instruments, Mr. Jordan celebrates his twenty-ninth season with “Granny” and his thirtysecond year as a drummer for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. He has been playing hand drums for over forty years, and African drums for over thirty years. Having studied for three years at the CU School of Music, Mr. Jordan was honored to study with drum masters Adetunji Joda and Babatunde Olatunji, and in July of 2001 was given his drum name “Baba Ilu Ile” (Father Drummer of the House) by Baba Ishangi who joined the Ancestors in 2004. ROBERT JOHNSON Vocals With a voice reminiscent of the early days of R & B, Mr. Johnson is at home in every arena of performing. As a backing vocalist he’s appeared with Roberta Flack, Jeffery Osborne and Stevie Wonder, has been the opening act for Bill Cosby and Bob Hope, and had his voice heard in commercials for Mc Donald’s, Dairy Queen and United Artist Theaters. The recipient of accolades from the Denver Post Readers Poll and the Colorado Songwriters Association, he can be heard on CD releases with Jakarta Records, Richard the Third and Black Prince Road. This is Mr. Johnson’s twentythird season with “Granny”. JACQUIE VAN HORNE Vocals Ms. Van Horne is a “Music Together” teacher, facilitating village-style music and movement for young children and their parents, grandparents and caregivers. She also taught an Afro-Caribbean dance fusion class called Afro Caribe at various dance studios over the years, including the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance. Ms. Van Horne is a trained psychotherapist and studied at Naropa university, where she studied Somatic Psychotherapy and Dance/ Movement Therapy. She has performed as a vocalist, dancer and actress with various theatre arts companies in Denver. The proud mother of two teen sons who’ve also been part of the “Granny” community as both performers and crew, Ms. Van Horne is now in her eleventh season with the “Granny” production.
THE MAGICAL JOURNEY TO KARAMAZAAM Granny Margarita Taylor Shakti (Granny’s Guardian Angel Cleo Parker Robinson Cantadora (The Dreamweaver) Chloé-Grant Abel Griot (The Storyteller) Cedric Dewayne Hall Nakia (The Grand-daughter) Samiyah Lynnice TiSean (The Grand-son) John e. Roberts Little Granny Jasmine Francisco The Deer
STORYTIME
Selecia Kono
WEST AFRICAN FANGA “A Welcoming Message of Love and Joy” Music Traditional Dancers Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Youth Ensemble, Children’s Ensemble NATIVE AMERICAN WINTER SOLSTICE “Honoring our future as we honor our past” Village Children
Ximalma Gonzalez-Robinson, Estella Searfoss
“THE FOUR WINDS” Music Traditional The Four Winds Youth Ensemble The Eagle Topaz von Wood The Bear Edgar Aguirre The Coyote Zinnia McKenna
“GRANDMOTHER SPIDER’S STORY” Grandmother Spider
YooJung Hahm
LA SENDA A BELE IN MEXICO “Invitaados de Navidad” Original Music Original Lyrics Dancers Boot Children
Carlton Bacon Suzanne Morales, Carlton Bacon Nakia, TiSean Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Youth Ensemble Amelia Nelson-Steinhoff, Ben Mullaney
GOSPEL CHRISTMAS Music Traditional Vocal Arrangements Rev. Hayward Hobbs The Preacher Griot Mary and Joseph Nakia and TiSean The Innkeeper Davry Ratcliffe The Deacons Corey Boatner, Davry Ratcliffe Little Granny Jasmine Francisco The Choir Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble The Congregation Youth Ensemble The Angels Cleo Parker Robinson, Chloé-Grant Abel
KWANZAA “Our Seven-Day African American Celebration” Original Music Carlton Bacon Musical Adaptation Mark Caldwel Family Trio Davry Ratcliffe, Ralaya Goshea, Ximalma Gonzalez-Robinson Dancers Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Youth Ensemble HANUKKAH “Hebrew Festival of Lights” Music Traditional Women’s Trio YooJung Hahm, Gabby Maduro, Topaz von Wood Antiochus The Macabees Alex J. Gordon The Syrian Soldiers
“MEN’S DANCE”
Corey Boatner TiSean Edgar Aguirre, Davry Ratcliffe
“DREYDL Children’s Game” Music Traditional Dancers Children’s Ensemble DIWALI: East Indian Festival of Light “RENUNCIATION”
Music Dancers Music Dancers
Anand Shankar Shakti, Nakia, Granny YooJung Hahm, Topaz von Wood
“BHANGRA”
Kaldeep Mank Nakia and TiSean Jasmine Francisco and Alex J. Gordon Gabby Maduro and Edgar Aguirre
CHRISTMAS RAP Composer / Arranger Mark Caldwell Co-Arranger Djordie Vasovic Dancers Nakia, TiSean, Griot Edgar Aguirre, Corey Boatner, Gabby Maduro, Topaz von Wood CHINESE NEW YEAR Original Music “Dragon Dance” Composer / Arranger Mark Caldwell Co-Arranger Djordie Vasovic Acrobats Edgar Aguirre, Sydney Browne, Ximalma Gonzalez-Robinson Dragonette Gabby Maduro Dragon Youth Ensemble Original Music Composer / Arranger Co-Arranger The Junkanoo King Dancers
JUNKANOO
“Granny Boom Boom” Mark Caldwell Djordie Vasovic Corey Boatner Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Youth Ensemble, Children’s Ensemble
Remember, Granny loves you! In memory of Ms. Marceline Freeman
A D M I N I S T R ATIV E a nd A RT I S T I C S TAFF Cleo Parker Robinson Founder / Artistic Director Malik Robinson Executive Director Rhetta Shead Director of Administration Hillary Harding Director of Development Shelby Jarosz Sr. Director of Programs and Education Winifred R. Harris Associate Artistic Director Chloe-Grant Abel Ensemble Rehearsal Director Cedric Dewayne Hall Cleo II Rehearsal Coordinator Mary Hart Director of Bookings and Touring Trey Grimes Theatre and Technical Director Zach Reese Marketing Manager Amelia Dietz Academy Director Victoria Shead-Johnston Assistant Academy Administrator Shawnee DeChristopher Assistant Academy Administrator Pat Smith (OnTarget Public Relations) Public Relations Contractor
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gwen Brewer Chair Malik Robinson Executive Director Cleo Parker Robinson *Founder/Executive Artistic Director Tyrone Gant Treasurer Debbie Herrera Vice Chair Shale Wong Vice Chair Josett Valdez Secretary
Jehan Benton-Clark, Darryl Collier, Tim Davis, Hon. Crisanta Duran, Demesha Hill, Lisa Hogan, Matthew Keeney, Tony Price, Maria Sepulveda, Robert Thompson, Shelley Thompson, J. Matt Thornton, EMERITUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Judge Raymond Dean Jones J.D.* Chairman Emeritus Chelsye J. Burrows, Michael Donegan, Kevin Fallon, Les Franklin*, Helen Franzgrote, Marceline Freeman, Rosalind “Bee” Harris, Eric Hughes, Renee Hurley, Henry Lowenstein, Nancy McClosky, Dawn Nakamura-Kessler, Edmond “Buddy” Noel*, Schyleen Qualls Brown *, Tom Robinson *, John Wagner, Lester Ward, Faye & Reggie Washington * Founding members of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Board of Directors
Cleo Parker Robinson Margarita Taylor THE CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE ENSEMBLE Chloe-Grant Abel - Rehearsal Director Chloé-Grant Abel / Edgar Aguirre / Cory Boatner* / Jasmine Francisco Alex J. Gordon / Ralaya S. Goshea / YooJung Hahm / Samiyah Lynnice Gabby Maduro* / Davry Ratcliffe / John e. Roberts / Topaz D. von Wood* *Apprentice to the Ensemble THE YOUTH ENSEMBLE Jessica Horton – Director Victoria Shead-Johnston - Assistant Director Luca Allen / Meadow Contreras / Tamia Fair / Selecia Kono Lily and Zinnia McKenna / Max Nelson-Steinhoff Sofia Saafedra / Isabelle Thornton / Sara Wexlar THE CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE Cedric Dewayne Hall – Director Jasmine Francisco - Assistant Director Moriah Bass / Sydney Browne / Mission Buckley / Ximalma Gonzalez Robinson Josephine Loberg / Ben Mullaney / Amelia and Mackinley Nelson-Steinhoff Eloise Peoples / Piper Ramirez / Estella Searfoss THE GRANNY BAND Mark Caldwell - Musical Director Abdoul Karim Doumbia / Chris Harris / Robert Johnson Fred “Baba Ilu Ile” Jordan / John Olsson Evan Ballinger / Jacquie Van Horne
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON Founder / Artistic Director (See Featured Artists)
WINIFRED R. HARRIS Associate Artistic Director Ms. Harris, choreographer, artist, teacher and community activist, has created a significant body of work with a strong balance of technical prowess and gestural expression. Having trained under Cleo Parker Robinson, she danced professionally for ten years with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble before moving on to Dallas Black Dance Theater and a solo stint in New York and abroad. In October 1991, she relocated to Los Angeles, CA, founding her own award-nominated contemporary modern dance company. In recognition of her dedication and commitment to underprivileged youth, Ms. Harris received several awards from the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles for her teaching efforts within that community. Having served on faculty at various universities and studios nationwide, including Cal Arts (her alma mater), Cal State Los Angeles and Spelman College, she returned to Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in 2010 as Ensemble Rehearsal Director and became Associate Artistic Director in 2014.
CHRIS PAGE-SANDERS Assistant to the Director Ensemble Member Mr. Page-Sanders, originally from St. Louis, Missouri, received his formal dance training from the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) and the University of MissouriKansas City (Conservatory of Music and Dance). He is co-founder and co-artistic director of the Nu-World Contemporary Danse Theatre, founded with Bashir Page-Sanders. For seven years he was a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, serving as choreographic assistant to Ms. Parker Robinson and as assistant rehearsal director. He has performed with the Wylliams\Henry Contemporary Dance Company, Owen\Cox Dance Group, Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey as well as theatre companies including The St. Louis Black Repertory and the Muny. He has served as resident choreographer to COCA’s Summer Musical Program since its inception and has taught and lead various dance-focused community workshops nationally and internationally. His choreography has been presented twice at the International Associations of Blacks in Dance Conference. In 2013 and 2014, he received the Leni Wylliams Award for choreography and innovation for the work he has produced for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.
CHLOÉ-GRANT ABEL Ensemble Rehearsal Director Ensemble Member (See Featured Artists)
CEDRIC DEWAYNE HALL Children’s Ensemble Director Cleo II Rehearsal Coordinator Ensemble Member (See Featured Artists)
JESSICA HORTON Youth Ensemble Director Ensemble Member A native of Tuscaloosa, AL, Ms. Horton She trained at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Wright State University. Over a period of six years, she was a member of Cleo II, an apprentice, and ultimately a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. This is her 8th season as part of the “Granny” production, and her 4th year as Youth Ensemble Director. While at CPRD, she has taught numerous residencies at various Denver Public Schools and served as an instructor in the Academy. Ms. Horton is also a coach and choreographer with the Denver School of Gymnastics.
JASMINE FRANCISCO Children’s Ensemble Assistant Director Ensemble Member (See Ensemble bios)
VICTORIA SHEAD-JOHNSTON Youth Ensemble Assistant Director Ensemble Member Ms. Shead-Johnston began her formal dance training at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) as a child, and subsequently as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Junior Youth and Youth Ensembles. She has performed in a myriad of CPRD productions including “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum”, “Dance Africa” and “Romeo and Juliet”, performing alongside the professional Ensemble. She is a member of the CPRD Educational Outreach Team and is also a CPRD Academy faculty member and administrator for both the Academy’s year-round classes and the International Summer Dance Institute. Ms. Shead-Johnston has been part of the “Granny” production for fourteen years and has been an Assistant Director for both the Children’s and the Youth Ensembles for three years.
EDGAR AGUIRRE Bear / Syrian Soldier / Bhangra / Acrobat Originally from Guatemala, Mr. Aguirre trained in concert dance at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) where he choreographed and performed in numerous student and faculty concerts, including performances with international concerts and festivals in Scotland, Italy and China. He traveled to Panama with the non-profit organization, Movement Exchange, teaching at various orphanages and sharing the repertory of the iconic Donald McKayle at La Universidad de Panamá. Having danced with Mr. McKayle’s Etude Ensemble from 2016 until his passing in 2018, Mr. Aguirre received the Donald McKayle Scholarship in 2019, graduating with a BFA In Dance Performance from UCI that same year. Having been an apprentice, he is now in his second season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and with the “Granny” cast.
COREY BOATNER* Deacon / Antiochus / Junkanoo King Growing up in Hammond IN, Mr. Boatner trained in multiple dance techniques at the Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts. An alum of Indiana University, he performed there in notable works including Kyle Abrahams “Radio Show”, Jose Limon’s “Psalm”, Andrea Millers “Spill”, Jerome Robbins “Fanfare”, and the original restaging of Twyla Tharp’s “Deuce Coupe” and Rennie Harris’ “Home”. He has also toured professionally with Elizabeth Shea Dance in Philadelphia and New York and performed overseas with Norwegian Creative Studios. This is Mr. Boatner’s first season as an apprentice to Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and as part of the “Granny” production. *Apprentice to the Ensemble
JASMINE FRANCISCO Little Granny / Bhangra / Children’s Ensemble Assistant Director A native of Houston, TX, Ms. Francisco attended Debbie Allen Dance Academy Summer Intensives in Houston and Los Angeles, and Joffrey Ballet Jazz Summer Intensives in New York and Miami. She received her B.F.A. with a concentration in Modern Dance from Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. While there, she trained with numerous master teachers, performed works by Garfield Lemonius and Troy Powell, and understudied Jessica Lang. Her work “Tales of Courage” was presented at The American College Dance Association conference in 2015. After two seasons with Lula Washington Dance Theatre in Los Angeles, Ms. Francisco joins Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble for her third season and with “Granny”.
ALEX J. GORDON Macabee / Bhangra A Beaumont, TX native, Mr. Gordon first trained at Washington University in St. Louis, receiving his BA in architecture with a minor in modern dance. During college, he joined The Slaughter Project Dance company, guesting with numerous Saint Louis based companies. After attending the American Dance Festival on scholarship, he joined The Missouri Contemporary Ballet in Columbia, also becoming their resident costume designer. Guesting as a dancer and designer for Deeply Rooted Young Choreographers Showcase, he moved to Chicago to join Thodos Dance Chicago, becoming resident designer for the Ruth Page Center for the Arts. While there, Mr. Gordon costumed for numerous companies including Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and Chicago Academy for the Arts, and taught for Ballet Chicago, Glenwood Dance Studios and The Boys & Girls Club. This is Mr. Gordon’s fourth season with the “Granny” production and with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble where he also serves as one of the company’s principal costumers.
RALAYA S. GOSHEA Yemanja/Kwanzaa Family Trio Born in Detroit, Ms. Goshea trained at the Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts and Oakland University, receiving her BFA. She has performed with the Brown Dance Project, Patterson Rhythm and Pace, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, SMAGDance Company and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC). After being a member of Cleo II and an apprentice to the Ensemble, she is now in her ninth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and with “Granny�.
YOOJUNG HAHM Grandmother Spider / Women’s Hanukkah Trio / Born in Seoul, Korea, Ms. Hahm first trained with the Muyoungnara academy in Ilsan, Korea, and later with the Seoul Arts High School and the Korea National University of Arts. Near the conclusion of her KNUA studies, she received a scholarship from Alvin Ailey in NYC through her performances at the Seoul International Dance Competition. After graduation she moved to Manhattan, training in Horton technique for a year at the Ailey Dance School. She also performed at LAUNCH:10 with the North West Dance Project in Portland. This is Ms. Hahm’s fifth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and “Granny”.
GABBY MADURO* Women’s Hanukkah Trio / Bhangra / Dragonette Originally from Fremont California, Ms. Maduro began training in dance under the direction of Yoko Young and later joined Nor Cal Dance Arts under the direction of Tawnya Kuzia. She has studied at the Ailey School, the Martha Graham School, the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, and the University of California, Irvine where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance. While at UCI, she was honored in 2017 to perform as part of the distinguished Donald McKayle’s Etude Ensemble. She has performed works by Donald McKayle, Martha Graham, Darshan Singh Bhuller, and Tong Wang. Ms. Maduro joined Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble’s Second Company, Cleo II, last season and is now in her first season as an apprentice with the Ensemble and her second season with the “Granny” cast. *Apprentice to the Ensemble
DAVRY RATCLIFFE The Innkeeper / Deacon / Syrian Soldier A Columbus, OH native, Mr. Ratcliffe first trained at Fort Hayes Performing Arts MEC under Marva “China” White (Dance Theatre of Harlem) in the PreProfessional program. Involved in numerous productions, he has worked with renowned choreographers including Laurieanne Gibson, Gil Dudilduo, and several of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” competitors. He spent a season with the Dayton Contemporary Dance 2nd company, while shaping a non-profit company to advance professional development and community outreach through hip hop culture. After two seasons with Cleo II, he is now in his sixth season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and his eighth season with the “Granny” production.
TOPAZ VON WOOD* Eagle / Women’s Hanukkah Trio / Renunciation Originally from Sarasota, FL. Ms. von Wood began her earliest classical ballet training under the direction of Wilmian Hernandez. At age fourteen, she joined the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School Conservatory under the direction of Ariel Serrano. Having participated in Summer Intensives with The Ailey School, Joffrey Ballet School, Sarasota Ballet School, and The Carreno Dance Festival, she later graduated from The Ailey School Certificate Program in New York. While touring with the Ailey Student Performance Group, she performed works by Ray Mercer, Carlos Dos Santos, Jr., and Earl Mosley. Upon graduation, Topaz joined the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble’s Second Company, Cleo II, and is now an apprentice to the company. This is her second season with the “Granny” cast. *Apprentice to the Ensemble
AMY PARSONS Gala Chair 2020 Amy Parsons is the CEO of Mozzafiato, LLC, an innovative retail platform representing a wide collection of iconic Italian beauty brands, headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The Mozzafiato mission is to reinvent the American beauty experience through Italian culture and spirit, with products ranging from ancient fragrances to clinical innovations, and a shopping experience that delights the soul. Before joining Mozzafiato, Amy had a 20 year career as an attorney and executive at Colorado State University, overseeing projects ranging from expanding and developing new campuses in the US and Mexico to building large scale sports and entertainment venues.
MICHELLE MARCANO-JOHNSON Michelle Marcano-Johnson is the Head of Corporate Compliance for North America at Janus Henderson Investors. She is responsible for the execution of the SEC’s compliance program rules for mutual funds and investment advisers. Michelle joined Janus Henderson in January 2008. Prior to joining Janus Henderson, she served in the fund accounting and internal audit functions at INVESCO Funds Group and also as a Staff Accountant with the Denver Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Michelle attended Montbello High School and the University of Northern Colorado and has 29 years of financial industry experience. Michelle is a Denver native, has been married to her husband Bruce for 21 years and they have two adult children.
GILLIAN BIDGOOD Gillian Bidgood is the Vice-Chair of the Employment Advice & Investigations practice group and shareholder in the Denver office of the national law firm Polsinelli PC. Ms. Bidgood regularly counsels employers about employment contracts, performance management, discipline and termination issues, severance agreements, and other daily employee concerns. She also represents clients during the administrative and litigation phases of federal and state employment claims. Ms. Bidgood is a Colorado native. She received her B.A., with distinction, from the University of Colorado and her J.D. from the University of Denver College of Law, where she was inducted into the Order of St. Ives and served on the editorial board of the Denver University Law Review. Ms. Bidgood has served in leadership roles in the legal community as the Chair of the Denver Bar Association Young Lawyer’s Division, on the Denver Bar Association Board of Trustees, and the Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors. She also served on the Colorado Chief Justice’s Commission on Professional Development. Outside of the legal community, Ms. Bidgood has served in leadership roles on Parkinson Association of the Rockies, Phi Beta Kappa Alpha Association of Colorado, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, and HistoriCorps.
DIANNE BRISCOE MCKENZIE Dianne Briscoe McKenzie retired in 2019 from presiding as a Judge in Denver County Court. Prior to becoming a Judge she was a Senior Assistant City Attorney in Denver, culminating 23 years of service to the City of Denver. Her passion is serving others in need through volunteerism and philanthropy. Dianne is a graduate East High School, East Texas State University and Sturm College of Law (Denver University). She is married to the Reverend Gilbert McKenzie. They share four adult children and two adult grandchildren.
SPECIAL THANKS to the Ensemble, Board of Directors, Sponsors, Donors & Foundations, Education Partners, Administrative & Technical Staff, Youth Ensembles, Musicians, Guest Artists, Faculty, Students, Parents, & Volunteers of CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE and THE 2020 GRANNY VILLAGE
David Andrews Marilyn Benson (In memoriam) Pat Brooks CBS4 Colorado High School Activities Association Comcast Meadow Contreras and Amber Peneaux 5 Points News (Brother Jeff Fard) Marceline Freeman (In memoriam) Robertta Freeman (In memoriam) Garret Glass (Newman Center for the Performing Arts) Abuelita Olga Gonzalez (In memoriam) Jaime Gonzalez (In memoriam) Kara Goyette and Estella Searfoss KUVO Jazz National Endowment for the Arts Kevin McNicholas (In Memoriam) Kristen Nelson-Steinhoff Stan and Chris Obert
Jonathon “JP� Parker (In memoriam) Martha Parker (In memoriam) Reina Parker and Family Reflections In Video Production, Inc. Malik and Vianey Robinson Tom Robinson The Parker and Robinson Families Joey Santos (Santos Designs) Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Rhetta and Kenny Shead Ron Thornton (In memoriam) Jeanette Trujillo Lucero (Fiesta Colorado) The Urban Spectrum (Bee Harris) Shakeel Wahab (Newman Center for the Performing Arts) Leslie Sue Parker Wallace James Wallace (In memoriam) Letitia Williams