Warmest greetings to you all - our friends, families, patrons, and colleagues! We welcome you with full hearts as we bring Journeys to the incredible stage of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in collaboration with Denver Arts and Venues! This stellar concert was intended to be here a year ago as part of our 50th Anniversary Season, but life, as it often does, took everyone of us in a very different direction in 2020. But isn’t a change of direction what journeys are all about? For me, Journeys is reflection of the incredible and blessed journey that we have experienced for over five decades, celebrating culture, resilience and the profound generosity of spirit that comes through our movement, music, and words. The very word journey evokes images of new places, diverse cultures and peoples, and profound experiences. Sometimes our journeys are brief and simple, sometimes lengthy and complex – but each of them has the potential to be impactful on our perspectives in how we view ourselves and others. In this concert, we honor and celebrate a diversity of cultures. The Four Journeys, created by Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernández, Artistic Director of Ballet Folklórico de México, shares the weaving together of the four richly diverse root cultures of Mexico – indigenous, European, African, and Asian, through the iconic story of Catarina de San Juan. This incredible work is enriched by the amazing animations of Japanese digital artist, Taketo Kobayashi. Fusion by Haitian choreographer, Jeanguy Saintus, reveals the multi-faceted cultural legacy of his country. The life journey of Haiti has been particularly difficult these last few years, but the strength of its people is timeless. Standing On the Shoulders my recent work, which was commissioned by the 2021 Vail Dance Festival, and premiered on their stage in August of this year, is a reflection on renewal, reunion, and unity – concepts that all cultures share. Oftentimes, journeys are about bringing families, who may have been apart for a considerable amount of time, back together to celebrate in a place of joy! These are not always families by blood but by spirit and heart. That is most certainly the case with my work Freedom Dance which is a story I knew I wanted to bring to the stage. Two of the women I treasure most in my life have joined me in the creation of this work, bringing this long-held dream into actuality. My sister-friend, Schyleen Qualls,
was the co-founder and resident poet of my company for over ten years and has remained one of the strongest voices carrying the mission and vision of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance to the world. Her Freedom Poem is one of the threads weaving this tapestry of dance, music and spoken word together. The other thread of vibrant creative energy is provided by the incomparable Grammy-award-winning jazz icon Dianne Reeves. She had shared with me that she had written a piece of music back in 1994 that meant a great deal to her, and when she agreed not only to re-record it, but to perform with us live, we could barely contain our excitement! Freedom Dance is an homage to the women of the world – our mothers, sisters, daughters, wives – those who guide and shape our journeys from our first breath. As always, I want to extend my deepest thanks to what we call the Cleo Dance Village: my staff, led by our Executive Director, Malik Robinson, our Board of Directors, my Associate Artistic Director Winifred R. Harris, the dancers of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble (under the direction of Chloe Grant Abel) and Cleo II (under the direction of Cedric D. Hall), our technical team led by Technical Director Trey Grimes. Our Academy of Dance, under the direction of CPRDE Alumnus, Edgar L. Page, is in full swing with a dynamic offering of classes. Expressing ourselves through dance, and encouraging our young people to do the same, is one of the most wonderful journeys there is! Amelia Dietz who was an Ensemble member for seven seasons and later became our Academy Director, has now moved into the position of Marketing Manager. Her unique perspective is already proving invaluable! It’s our hope that the experience of Journeys will encourage you to pursue your own explorations of not only your own cultural path, but those of others. Along those lines, we look forward to seeing you in our own theatre in December as we bring our holiday production Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum: back to our stage with both in-person and virtual performances! You know Granny travels and shares her dances, stories and songs from all over the world, and she’s been doing it for 30 years! You know we’d love to have you join her! Now and always, we offer each, and every one of you Peace, Love, and Respect! May you dance your freedom dances and may your journeys give you strength and bring you Joy!! In the Spirit of Dance,
Cleo Parker Robinson. is founder and artistic director of the 51-year-old
Denver-based artistic institution, CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE (CPRD), leading a professional Ensemble (CPRDE), 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 and awards from corporate, civic, community, and artistic entities world-wide, and is continually called upon by numerous organizations and venues to bring her Ensemble in performances, teaching residencies and motivational workshops. A master teacher/ choreographer and cultural ambassador, she and CPRDE have performed nationwide and throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and the African continent, with their most recent international tours taking them to Bogota, Colombia in Spring of 2019 and Mexico in Fall 2019. Ms. Parker Robinson’s awards and 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). The University of Denver honored her with an Alumni Award in May of 2021, and in Fall of 2021, she receives the 2020 Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, Honous Causa from CU Boulder. In 1991, Ms. Parker served on the task force to create a permanent location for the Denver School of the Arts (DSA), Denver’s first performing arts magnet school, and was subsequently honored In September 2017 at their 7th Annual Fall Gala, in recognition of her long-term commitment to excellence in arts education. She is also co-founder of the National Bahamian Dance Company, based in Nassau. In 2011, Ms. Parker Robinson was voted an Honorary Lifetime Trustee of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, in recognition of her longtime commitment and lasting
impact on the Center. In June 2017, she received the highly prestigious DanceUSA Honor Award and in September 2017, the Randy Weeks Arts Leadership Award from the Denver School of the Arts. Ms. Robinson has served on NEA panels on Dance, Expansion Arts, Arts America, and Inter-Arts panels for the USIS, and is a frequent panelist for the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts as well as other national task forces, boards, and committees on the arts. In April 1999, she was appointed by then-President William Jefferson Clinton, with Senate confirmation, to serve for four years on the National Council on the Arts, a 14-member panel advising the Chairman of the NEA on agency policy and programs, reviewing and making recommendations on grant applications. Since 2011, Ms. Parker Robinson has significantly returned to her greatest passion, the art of the choreographer, creating and presenting two full-length works, Dreamcatchers: The Untold Stories of the Americas and the world premiere of her Romeo and Juliet, presented in collaboration with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Her work On the Edge… Reaching to Higher Ground premiered in October of 2014 in answer to resurging racial and human rights infractions world-wide. In Spring 2017, audiences experienced the re-staging of two works melding the worlds of classical and jazz composition with the power, passion and beauty of modern dance – Romeo and Juliet and Porgy and Bess. Fall 2017 saw the premiere of her Copacetic: A Tribute to Jonathon “JP” Parker, honoring her late father. In Spring of 2018, she premiered Lark Ascending in collaboration with the Boulder Philharmonic. Her Rhapsody in Black, created in collaboration with CPRD Associate Artistic Director, Winifred R. Harris, premiered at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, University of Denver. In January 2019, in collaboration with the Denver Brass, she choreographed an innovative interpretation of Bernstein’s On the Town and Spring 2019 saw the premiere of her collaboration with the Colorado Ballet, entitled The MOVE/ment as part of the Tour de Force series at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Center for the Performing Arts. In 2019, she traveled to UMKC in Kansas City to set a work on the students of CPRDE alum Gary Abbot, entitled Check Cashing Day in tribute to the jazz genius of Bobby Watson and Milt Abel. In August 2021, she premiered Standing On the Shoulders, a work commissioned by the Vail Dance Festival. September 2021 sees the debut of her latest work Freedom Dance, created in collaboration with jazz icon Dianne Reeves and CPRD co-founder and poet, Schyleen Qualls. 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.
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. Her recent work, Dépouillé, was part of the Cleo Parker Robinson Spring 2021 concert, COMEpassion. 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, Msv. 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.
CHLOÉ-GRANT ABEL. Ensemble Rehearsal Director
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, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company and as an Apprentice with the Kansas City Ballet. Ms. Abel is now in her tenth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and is also Rehearsal Director for the Ensemble.
Cedric Dewayne Hall. Cleo II Rehearsal Coordinator
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.
OUR MISSION & VISION Currently celebrating its 51st Anniversary Season, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is an international performing arts and education institution rooted in African-American traditions, 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. Viewing dance as a universal language of movement that transcends boundaries of culture, class, and age, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is committed to honoring diversity and inclusiveness throughout the global community. 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 CLEO PARKER ROBINSON ACADEMY OF DANCE Edgar Page 303 295 1759 x16 / Edgar@cleoparkerdance.org EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH Shelby Jarosz 303 295 1759 x10 / Shelby@cleoparkerdance.org CLEO PARKER ROBINSON FACILITY RENTALS Matisse McKnight 303 295 1759 x11 / Matisse@cleoparkerdance.org BOOKINGS and TOURING Mary Hart 303 295 1759 x20 / Mary@cleoparkerdance.org DEVELOPMENT Hillary Harding 303 295 1759 x12 / Hillary@cleoparkerdance.org
Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernández. Artistic Director of
Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández, ACADEZ- Academia de La Danza Amalia Hernández and México en Movimiento. Training with contemporary legends Alvin Nikolai, Hania Holm, Katherine Dunham, Geoffrey Holder and Alvin Ailey, facilitated Basantaʼs more than 20-year career as a principal and soloist with Ballet Folklórico de México, Mexico’s National Treasure, founded and directed by her mother, Amalia Hernández until her death in 2000. Ms. Basanta has been recognized world-wide for her interpretation of her motherʼs choreographies, Los Maya, Sones Antiguos de Michoacan, and her own portrayal of La Juana Gallo from the Mexican Revolution. In her work as a contemporary dance choreographer with México en Movimiento, Ms. Basanta has captured the rich history and essence of Mexico, past and present, with a vocabulary of movement that speaks to a sophisticated and international audience. She has collaborated with and created works for La Sinfónica de Mineria, La Sinfónica Naciónal de México, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, CECAM Oaxaca - El Centro de Capacitación Musical y Desarrollo de la Cultura Mixe, Mono Blanco, and Mexican composer Arturo Márquez. Her most recent ballets include Pinotepa, Danzón #2, La Mulata de Córdoba (for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble), Maria, Lara y Sus Mujeres, Homenaje a Hidalgo, De la Caña a Carnaval, Mexico Ayer y Hoy and Fandango en Rojo. Her unique approach to combining history, folklore and contemporary movement, celebrates Mexico and its growing diaspora in the United States and around the world.
Dianne Reeves. five-time Grammy winner, is acclaimed as the pre-eminent jazz vocalist in the world. As a result of her breathtaking virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique jazz and R&B stylings, Reeves received the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings – a Grammy first in any vocal category.
Featured in George Clooney’s six-time Academy Award nominated Good Night, and Good Luck, Reeves won the Best Jazz Vocal Grammy for the film’s soundtrack. Reeves has recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. She has also recorded with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim and was a featured soloist with Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic. Reeves was the first Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the first vocalist to ever perform at the famed Walt Disney Concert Hall. Reeves worked with legendary producer Arif Mardin (Norah Jones, Aretha Franklin) on the Grammy winning A Little Moonlight, an intimate collection of standards featuring her touring trio. When Reeves’ holiday collection Christmas Time is Here was released, Ben Ratliff of The New York Times raved, “Ms. Reeves, a jazz singer of frequently astonishing skill, takes the assignment seriously; this is one of the best jazz Christmas CD’s I’ve heard.” In recent years Reeves has toured the world in a variety of contexts including Sing the Truth, a musical celebration of Nina Simone which also featured Lizz Wright and Angelique Kidjo. She performed at the White House on multiple occasions including President Obama’s State Dinner for the President of China as well as the Governors’ Ball. Reeves’ most recent release Beautiful Life, features Gregory Porter, Robert Glasper, Lalah Hathaway and Esperanza Spalding. Produced by Terri Lyne Carrington, Beautiful Life won the 2015 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. Reeves is the recipient of honorary doctorates from the Berklee College of Music and the Juilliard School. In 2018 the National Endowment for the Arts designated Reeves a Jazz Master – the highest honor the United States bestows on jazz artists.
Schyleen Qualls Co-founder of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Schyleen Qualls is a native of Denver, Colorado. After living in New York City in the late ‘60s and working at the legendary Negro Ensemble Company, she returned to Denver with the dream of helping to shape the city’s Black arts scene. After meeting Cleo -- and producing the ensemble’s first major concert and television show – the two joined forces to build a world-class professional dance company. For nearly a decade, Qualls co-directed the administration of the company with Cleo and Tom Robinson and performed poetry in all the company’s productions. As the Ensemble’s only non-dancer, she eventually made the difficult decision to return to New York City where she produced a one-woman show. Acclaimed for its poetry and personal narratives on global citizenship, The Last Word has been featured on hundreds of campuses. She was awarded the Harvard University Foundation Medal for her “contributions to American Performing Arts and Race and Intercultural Relations.” Qualls continues her decades-long track record of creating innovative and socially conscious programming as an actor, writer, producer, and filmmaker. She lives in San Francisco where she is president and founder of Arkeon Entertainment. Currently she is an executive producer – along with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Oscar-winning producer Charles Wessler -- of a feature film based on her forthcoming book, Running the Line. Over the years, Qualls has remained close to Robinson and continued to occasionally perform with the company, including on a tour of Egypt. She’s grateful to be joining her beloved friend once again in her familiar role as poet, in this concert celebrating CPRD’s 51st Anniversary
Jeanguy Saintus. is the Haitianborn founder and Artistic Director of Ayikodans (based in Haiti), As a choreographer, he continuously pushes the limits of modern dance. With over 30 years of experience, he has mastered a cross-cultural body language that interconnects the internal and global legacies of Haiti. To expand access to dance throughout Port-au-Prince, he has founded Artcho Danse, a training program for children and adults, providing a scholarship program called Dansepyenu (Dance Barefoot) for talented dancers unable to afford tuition. To strengthen community through dance, he organizes cultural exchanges, inviting international guest artists to teach at Artcho Danse while also sharing his unique technique globally through master classes. In 2008, Mr. Saintus received the Netherlands prestigious Prince Klaus Award for expanding the possibilities of dance, fostering young talent, and inspiring pride in the strength, beauty, and richness of Haitian identity. He’s also received the Adrienne Arsht Center a vibrant@10, an Ivoh 2014 (Images and Voices of Hope Award), and a Kriye Bode Award. He has choreographed for Phoenix Dance Theatre (Leeds|UK), Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, COBA (Collective of Black Artists), Grand Canyon University, Ettington Dance Ensemble, Palm Beach Atlantic University Dance Ensemble, NDTC (National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica), and Barbados Dance Theatre. His most recent work for Phoenix Dance Theatre, a revised version of The Rite of Spring, was highly acclaimed by both audiences and the press. To learn more about Ayikodans, please visit www.GoFundMe.com.
HIP HOP BOP
Written by Jabari Asim / Performed by Schyleen Qualls
FUSION
World Premiere 2012 What struck me while devising this piece was the metamorphosis imposed by the dancers’ bodies and the positive atmosphere we generated while rehearsing. I was fascinated by the energy shared and what we assembled. Fusion wasn’t just a word given to the dancers but more a collaborative physical, intellectual, and creative labor at the nexus of our collective cultures, spiritual vibrations, and combined vision about the power of hope through dance. – Jeanguy Saintus, Ayikodans Founder/Artistic Director Choreographer Music Costume Design Original Lighting Design Lighting Adaptations Duet Solo Dancers
Jeanguy Saintus Ti Coca, Eddy François, Markus Schwartz / Erol Josué, Toto Bissainthe, Manuel Césaire Lara Kirksey Keith Rice Trey Grimes Ralaya S. Goshea, Topaz von Wood Martez McKinzy Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
THE FOUR JOURNEYS
World Premiere, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 2021 The story of The Four Journeys is based on one of many legends that are born from our history, our origins, race, identity, and beliefs. These journeys cross and connect, resulting in Nuestra Mexicanidad (Our Mexicanism) and the complexities of who we are as Mexico. From The Four Journeys we inherit the legend of Catarina, “La China Poblana”, transpacific commerce and the splendor of the Orient that reached the most remote villages in Mexico. Cleo Parker Robinson united with artists... united with Mexico - sharing the passion to tell our stories through movement and dedicated to identifying the threads that connect our cultures. My profound gratitude and admiration to Cleo for her immense heart and insatiable vision. – Amalia Vivíana Basanta Hernández Choreographer Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernández Composer Arturo Márquez Music Tepoztlán Morelos, Mexico, Leyenda de Miliano, Conga del Fuego Animation and 3D Design Taketo Kobayashi Lighting and Stage Design Roberto Guillén Rodríguez Costume Design Andrea Luna Amaya International Coordinator Janelle Ayón (ARTS Across Cultures Entertainment) Catarina de San Juan Samiyah Lynnice Domingo Suarez Corey Boatner Dancers Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
I The Nao at Sea II The Arrival III The Market (Feria de Acapulco) IV Slavery V Catarina de San Juan VI The Purchase VII Domingo Suarez (Husband to Catarina) VIII Obliged or Enamored IX The Evangelization X The Farewell of Scarves XI El Tornaviaje (The Return of The Nao) XII El Adios de Catarina “The Four Journeys” was made possible by the New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
INTERMISSION
FREEDOM DANCE
World Premiere, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 2021 Giving thanks for the Sister Mother Goddess Queens (and Kings) throughout and in my life. – Cleo Parker Robinson “Freedom Dance” was first featured on the critically acclaimed album “Art and Survival” which was released in 1994 on EMI Records. It was written as a celebration of courage, empowerment, and the strength of women standing unapologetically in their authentic selves. It is a celebration of the divine goddess within all women. It has always been my dream to have it choreographed and now, almost 30 years later, that dream has become a beautiful reality - and for that, I am filled with joy and gratitude. – Dianne Reeves Open up your Glorious Wings, You were created to Dance, to Fly, to Sing. – Schyleen Qualls
Choreographer Poem
Cleo Parker Robinson Freedom Poem Written and performed by Schyleen Qualls Vocals Dianne Reeves Lyrics Jeanne Pisano and Dianne Reeves Music Dianne Reeves and Eduardo del Barrio (Flying Pisano’s Music / Wild Honey Publishing / Wu-Li Dance Publishing - ASCAP) Piano, Keys John Beasley Guitar Romero Lubambo Bass Reggie Hamilton Percussion Munyungo Jackson Drums Terreon Gully Producer John Beasley Recording Engineers Talley Sherwood, Chris MacNaughton, Romero Lubambo, Munyungo Jackson. Mix Engineers Michael Conrader, Paul Boothe (Recorded at Tritone Recording, Glendale, CA., Rocky Mountain Recorders, Denver, CO., additional on location recordings.) Lighting Design Trey Grimes Costume Design Cleo Parker Robinson, Ralaya S. Goshea Dancers Ralaya S. Goshea, Topaz von Wood, Jasmine Francisco, YooJung Hahm, Yvette Johnson*, Samiyah Lynnice, Gabriela Maduro, Emily Poli*, Sadie Sandoval* Dennzyl Green*, Jarrett Rashad+, Davry Ratcliffe, John e Roberts *Mermber of Cleo II | + Guest Artist
POETRY MEDLEY - Performed by Schyleen Qualls Birds Word Still I Rise
Written by The Last Poets Accompanied by Jasson Martin, Percussion Jodel Charles, Keyboards Written by Maya Angelou
STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE WORLD PREMIERE, VAIL DANCE FESTIVAL, AUGUST 9, 2021 COMMISSIONED BY THE VAIL DANCE FESTIVAL IN CELEBRATION OF UNITY, REUNION, AND RENEWAL We each stand on the shoulders of others - those who have gone before, those with us now - all inspiring us to move beyond darkness into a place of joy. With many voices but One Spirit, let us offer the strength of our own shoulders, and receive the support of others in turn. Together, we acknowledge the losses that we all experience, and celebrate the strength we gain through the power of One Breath. The balance between uplifting others, and allowing ourselves to be uplifted in turn, is the path that leads us towards a higher state of grace. Let us stand together in Gratitude! – Cleo Parker Robinson Choreographer
Cleo Parker Robinson
Composer Music
Omar Thomas “Come Sunday” / Eric Wilson & Baylor University Wind Ensemble
Choreographic Assistant
Chris Page-Sanders
Costume Design
Lara Kirksey
Lighting Design
Trey Grimes
I Testimony Solo
Martez McKinzy
Trio
Jasmine Francisco, YooJung Hahm, John e Roberts
Duet
Samiyah Lynnice and Corey Boatner
II Shout – ReviveAll! Dancers
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Cleo II, Guest Artists
Program selections, order, and casting are subject to change without prior notice. The use of audio and/or video recording equipment of any type, including hand-held devices is strictly forbidden without prior written approval by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and The Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Failure to obtain this approval may result in confiscation of both recorded materials and equipment.
To Learn More About the Ongoing Mission Of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Or To Make Donations, We Invite You to Visit Our Website At www.Cleoparkerdance.org
Cleo Parker Robinson Malik Robinson Rhetta Shead Hillary Harding Shelby Jarosz Tohbias Juniel Winifred R. Harris Chloé Grant Abel Cedric Dewayne Hall Mary Hart Trey Grimes Amelia Dietz Edgar Page Matisse McKnight Shel Bachelder Micah Bursh Victoria Shead-Johnston Emily Poli Jasmine Colgan Pat Smith
Founder / Artistic Director Executive Director Director of Administration Director of Development Senior Director of Programs and Education Director of Advocacy and Engagement Associate Artistic Director Ensemble Rehearsal Director Cleo II Rehearsal Coordinator Director of Bookings and Touring Technical Director Marketing Manager Academy Manager Theatre Manager Education Coordinator Development Associate Academy Administrative Assistant Academy Administrative Assistant Academy Administrative Assistant (OnTarget Public Relations) Marketing and Public Relations Contractor
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gwen Brewer, Chair Cleo Parker Robinson *Founder / Artistic Director Tyrone Gant, Treasurer Debbie Herrera, Vice Chair Shale Wong, Vice Chair Josett Valdez, Secretary Lisa Levin Appel, Toni Baruti, Jehan Benton-Clark, Darryl Collier, Tim Davis, Christopher Cardenas, Demesha Hill, Lisa Hogan, Matthew Keeney, Tony Price, Maria Sepulveda, Robert Thompson, J. Matt Thornton, Josett Valdez. Alfred Walker, Jennifer Wozniak 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 (Deceased) Rosalind “Bee” Harris Eric Hughes Renee Hurley
Henry Lowenstein (Deceased) 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
...the Ensemble, Cleo II, Board of Directors, Sponsors, Donors & Foundations, Education Partners, Media Partners, Administrative & Technical Staff, Musicians, Guest Artists, & Volunteers of CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE and DENVER ARTS AND VENUES We also thank the following for their extraordinary support of this production Marilyn Benson (In memoriam) Colorado Public Radio The Denver Post The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Marceline Freeman (In memoriam) Robertta Freeman (In memoriam) Abuelita Olga Gonzalez (In memoriam) Jaime Gonzalez (In memoriam) KCNC CBS4 Denver Kevin McNicholas (In memoriam) Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Cherish Moore National Endowment for the Arts Kristen Nelson-Steinhoff New England Foundation for the Arts National Dance Project Stan and Chris Obert The Parker and Robinson Families Jonathon “JP” Parker (In memoriam) Martha Parker (In memoriam) Reina Parker and Family Theresa Peoples Ray Rinaldi for The Know / Denver Post Entertainment Malik and Vianey Robinson Tom Robinson Rocky Mountain Public Media: KUVO 89.3 FM Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Rhetta and Kenny Shead Ron Thornton (In memoriam) The Urban Spectrum (Bee Harris) Leslie Sue Parker Wallace James Wallace (In memoriam) Westword Letitia Williams