August 19, 2017 Warmest greetings from Cleo and the entire Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Village: Tonight, we welcome you to the 47th Anniversary Season of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) and the 8th Annual Dancing with the Denver Stars which advances our educational and outreach goals of providing the most diverse and comprehensive cultural arts programming in the Western United States. 2017 has been a stellar year with the CPRD Education Team bringing performances, workshops, master classes and residencies to 20,000 students in over 250 community and educational venues throughout the state. We celebrated the 23rd Anniversary Season of our International Summer Dance Institute (ISDI), bringing world-renowned artists and eager students together for four weeks of master classes, culminating in our 7th Annual Mile High Dance Festival. Our year-round CPRD Academy continues to thrive with over 1,000 students of all ages and levels of ability, including students from the Metropolitan State University of Denver dance degree program. A majority of these programs (and their respective scholarships) are largely sustained through the support of tonight’s Stars, as well as all of you here this evening. With the on-going support of our community, corporate and civic partnerships, hundreds of K-12 students attended special performances of last season’s “Romeo and Juliet,” “MixctlanRx,” and “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum.” For many of these students, this was their first visit to an actual theatre to experience live dance, music, and spoken word. We extend our deepest thanks to our Event Chair, Kim Bimestefer, the members of our Gala Steering Committee (led by our CPRD Board Chair, Gwen Brewer), as well as the CPRD Board of Directors and Advisory Board, our Executive Director Malik Robinson, the Ensemble, Youth Ensemble, our staff and volunteers – all working countless hours to ensure a fabulous event and a successful outcome in meeting this year’s financial goals to sustain and nurture CPRD’s outreach and educational programs. Special thanks as well to the incredible Denver Marriott City Center staff who have worked so closely with our Gala team. We sincerely thank all of you for your continued advocacy and commitment. Tonight’s Stars are all performing to the magical music of the Motown Era! Let’s keep that same magic alive, embracing our creative selves and nurturing that same spirit in others so that everyone, young and old, of every culture and background, can be truly “Dancing In the Streets” – moving ever forward to a bright new day, filled with opportunity, compassion, and love! In the Spirit of Dance,
Cleo
Thank you for joining us for the year’s Dancing with the Denver Stars! I am excited to see the many returning supporters, as well as the many new faces who are joining us for the first time this year. At Cleo Parker Robinson Dance our focus continues to be around our four key pillars:
• The Ensemble, whom you’ll see with our Stars tonight • The Academy, where children and adults of all ages and levels can come and dance
• Our Theatre, providing space for community arts organizations across the Denver Metro area, and
• Our Arts-in-Education programs, which is what we are spotlighting here tonight.
Our Arts-in-Education programs are about using movement to inspire creative expression, life long learning, connectivity, and cultural exchange across communities. We have been committed to this task for 47 years. In the 2017-18 school year, we will return to schools we started with almost ten years ago; schools like Ponderosa and Studio School. We will also return to schools that are relatively new for us, schools like Manual High School and Garden Place. Finally, we will bring on new schools, who have been waiting to work with us, like Swansea and Noel Community Arts. By joining us this evening, you are already investing your time and money in our education programming. We are grateful for that support and look forward to sharing more about the work we do in partnership with public schools throughout the region. Together we will deepen and expand specialized learning experiences for all our youth; we will teach children and young adults ways to express their passion through the art of dance; and we will encourage physical activity, playfulness, and self discovery. Thank you for being a part of this inspiring movement! Sincerely,
Malik Robinson
Executive Director Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
It is an honor to serve as Chair of the 2017 Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Gala, Dancing with the Denver Stars. I know what it is like to be one of the Star dancers tonight, waiting anxiously behind the curtain, somewhat terrified to get out on that dance floor. And I can attest to the amount of work and commitment each Star has put into their performance tonight. So, feel free to hoot, holler, clap, get rowdy, and cheer loudly for each of them tonight as they shake their booty to the Motown beat – all to raise money for a great cause! Yes, we are truly thankful for the Stars who are here tonight to entertain us, but we are also incredibly grateful for YOU. Your commitment, your presence, and your support for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) makes a real difference in our community. The funds raised at tonight’s gala will support the CPRD “Arts-in-Education programs,” serving over 20,000 K-12th students each year. These programs help children identify talents that may otherwise remain unexplored; teach children and young adults to express their passion through the arts; explore diverse cultures; support inclusivity; and introduce our youth to fun ways to be more physically active. From boosting self-esteem, to promoting physical activity, to teaching individuals how to express themselves in healthy ways, CPRD’s Arts-in-Education programs are making a difference in the lives of individuals in our community. As Chair of this year’s gala, I want to personally thank our corporate donors, dinner committee members, the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Board of Directors, Advisory Committee, and everyone present this evening for helping to make this Gala the most successful yet. I also want to extend our special thanks to Malik Robinson, Executive Director of CPRD; Gwen Brewer, CPRD Board Chair and Chair of the “Dancing with the Denver Stars” Steering Committee; the members of the “DWTDS” Steering Committee; and our Master of Ceremony Shed G. To Cleo and the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance organization, Thank You for your amazing leadership and for your incredible contributions to our community. We wish you blessings and continued success for many years to come! It has been an honor, Kim Bimestefer, President, KB Solutions LLC 2017 Dancing with the Denver Stars Event Chair
Meet Shed G, one of the hottest and blessed entertainers to hail from Denver Colorado. Shedrick Garrett (Shed G) is a well renowned comedian, actor and radio personality known for his clean faith based comedy. Shed G brings a style of comedy that universally captivates audiences of all ages and races. In 2000, Shed G gained momentum by taking his talents to Atlanta where he earned his credits on the big screen. He worked alongside Tyler Perry in hit movies like Madea’s Family Reunion, A Madea’s Christmas and Meet the Browns. Shortly thereafter he was featured on hit TV shows like House Of Payne, Meet The Browns and The Rickey Smiley TV Show. He will be featured on Kevin Hart’s “Hart Of The City” this fall. Shed G has opened up stages for many music artists such as Eric Benet, Anthony David, S.O.S Band, Earth Wind and Fire, The Temptations, Brian McKnight, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, and Lalah Hathaway. He has also opened for fellow comedians Ricky Smiley, Dave Chapelle, Ron Tripoli, Dave Coulier and Lachlan Patterson. In 2012, Shed G moved to Minneapolis to pursue his dream of being a radio host/personality where he joined the Morning Show on 89.9 KMOJ FM making it one of the top Morning Shows in the Twin Cities. His professionalism and ability to connect to the listeners landed him on one of the biggest stations in the Twin Cities-- 105 The Vibe! When Shed G is not working on his shows or traveling the nation performing, he loves being part of a mentor program at Blue Ribbon Award winner, Friendship Academy, where he exposes 9 young men to tools that help make them successful young men.
Starchild is a Self-starter, fast learner with demonstrated ability to manage all types of audiences. Before he owned turntables he won his first DJ competition in 1982 at Scooters Teen Club by drawing a DJ set up on paper and mentally practiced his cues and timed out the songs. Starchild has worked at various clubs in Denver but is more known for DJing for his fans for 40 years at Requested Events. Currently Starchild can DJ in 6 languages and can play music for various cultures including but not limited to music from Nigeria, Ghana, The Congo, Kenya, Uganda, The Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Hawaii, Mexico, Italy, Jamaica and Liberia. American genres include R&B, Gospel, Country, Big Band, Jazz, Hip Hop, Motown, Rock, Oldies, Blues and EDM just to name a few. Music is my language! Starchild has also utilized his talent as an Audio Engineer for the Denver Black Arts Festival, The Aurora Arts Festival, The Safe Summer Festival, Safe Night Colorado, Cinco de Mio, The Englewood Arts Festival, Juneteenth, The Martin Luther King Marade and many more. Starchild has been the loudest Mobile DJ in the Juneteenth, Martin Luther King and Black Arts Festival Parade for the last 10 years! 40 Years as a DJ…. Music Is His Life, Jesus Is His Lord!
IN APPRECIATION Sustaining a cultural arts institution for 47 years is not possible without the love and support of those who have gone before and those who remain. I wish to extend my gratitude for the love and dedication of so many. STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE ANCESTORS Cherished Family - Martha Parker, Jonathon “JP” Parker, Whalon Jesse Parker, John Whalon Parker Jr., Diane and Cherish Robinson, Ian Wallace, Beverly J. Robinson, Tommie E. Robinson, Roberta Freeman, Louisa Coley, John Buckner, Dr. Vincent Harding, Linard “Scotty” Scott, Donald Seawell, Lu Vason, Henry Lowenstein, Betty Robnett and John Mosley THE MUSES Marceline Freeman, Opalanga Pugh, and Maya Angelou HONORED ALUMNI Cedric Flynt, Curtis Fraser, Eric Hill, Ronnie Whittaker, Leni Williams and all of the former CPRD dancers over these past 47 years THE VISIONARIES Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Rita Berger, Katherine Dunham, Lester Horton, Baba Chuck Davis, Kris Katsuma, Eleo Pomare, Pearl Primus, Jimmy Truitt, Dr. Sherrill Berryman Johnson, Baba Olatunji, Baba Ishangi, Denise Jefferson, Rod Rodgers, Geoffrey Holder, Dudley Williams and Fred Benjamin OUR CO-FOUNDERS From the beginning of CPRD’S 47-year journey, Schyleen Qualls Brown, Les Franklin, Judge Raymond Dean Jones and Edmond “Buddy” Noel have shared the vision of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and have been an unwavering force in our development. They have seen us grow from a young group of dancers with a dream and a promise in our hearts to an international cultural arts institution. We are grateful for your dedicated service and commitment over forty-six years.
TOM ROBINSON – CO-FOUNDER You have been my soul mate and the rock for our incredible 47-year journey, giving us a foundation that is rooted in integrity and love. Thank you for your devotion and your dedication and your relentless faith in the organization’s future and in all of us. KEEPING THE LEGACY ALIVE MALIK ROBINSON – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR You guide and manage the organization and staff with a vision and work ethic that has given us momentum to sustain and grow for the next 47 years. Your unique leadership and commitment to our holistic educational programs is a driving force that gives us great pride. Axe’ Axe’ my son. GUARANTEEING THE LEGACY OF THE POWER, BEAUTY AND PASSION Darrell Anderson, Moses and Gwen Brewer, Randy Brooks, Ed Dwight, Kevin Fallon, Helen Franzgrote, Barbara Gardner, Trey Grimes, Eric Hughes, Renee Hurley, Lara Kirksey, Nancy McCloskey, Marcie Moore Gantz, Dawn Nakamura-Kessler, Reina Parker, Schyleen Qualls Brown, Bob Ragland, Keith Rice, Susan Richardson, Daniel Ritchie, Tom Robinson, Malik and Vianey Robinson, Jim Wallace and Leslie Sue ParkerWallace, Wrandell Belefonte and Athanasia Parker, Lester Ward, The Shead Family, the Hart Family, Barbara Williams, Letitia Williams, DHA, SCFD, NEA, CCA, Sponsors, Partners, Board of Directors, Staff, Dance Ensembles, Volunteers, Faculty, Family and Friends. My thanks and blessings
Cleo
ADMINISTRATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cleo Parker Robinson Founder / Artistic Director
Gwen Brewer Board Chair
Malik Robinson Executive Director
Cleo Parker Robinson * Founder /Executive Artistic Director
Winifred R. Harris Associate Artistic Director / Ensemble Rehearsal Director
Debbie Herrera Vice Chair
Rhetta Shead Director of Administration
Shale Wong Vice Chair
Hillary Harding Director of Development
Josett Valdez Secretary
Mary Hart Director of Bookings, Tours, and Community Engagement
Tyrone Gant Board Treasurer
Felicia Swoope Creative Campus Director
Crisanta Duran
Shelby Jarosz Education Manager
Demesha Hill
Amelia Dietz Academy Administrator
Angela Norris Hawkins Lisa Hogan Tony Price
Victoria Shead Assistant Academy Administrator
Jennifer Wozniak
Trey Grimes Technical Director Bashir Page-Sanders Stage Manager John Roberts Assistant Stage Manager
Winifred R. Harris Associate Artistic Director Chloé-Grant Abel Rehearsal Director Alexis Amos Theresa Berger Tony DeBerry Amelia Dietz Alex Gordon Ralaya Goshea YooJung Hahm Cedric D. Hall Jessica Horton Martez McKinzy Edgar L. Page+ Davry Ratcliffe John Roberts Bria Tyner
YOUTH ENSEMBLE
Jessica Horton Director
Max Nelson-Steinhoff Nyna Moore Gabriella Shead Ajala Way
JUNIOR YOUTH ENSEMBLE
Cedric Dewayne Hall Director Asianay Banks Meadow Contreras Tamia Fair Naturelle Garcia-Taylor Lily & Zinnia McKenna Ximalma Gonzalez Robinson Isabel Thornton
Michelle Patrick
Rachel Gibbons Assistant Academy Administrator
Pat Smith (OnTarget Public Relations) Marketing and Public Relations Contractor
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE ENSEMBLE
Shelley Thompson Alfred Walker
COMMUNITY OUTREACH STUDENTS Anthony Bufford Kira Cook Kallyn Rand Evalyn Reed Maddox Thomas
EMERITUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nancy McClosky
Judge Raymond Dean Jones J.D. *
Edmond “Buddy” Noel *
Chelsye J. Burrows Michael Donegan Kevin Fallon Les Franklin Helen Franzgote Rosalind “Bee” Harris Eric Hughes Renee Hurley
Dawn Nakamura-Kessler Schyleen Qualls Brown * Tom Robinson * John Wagner Lester Ward Dr. Reggie and Faye Washington *Founding members of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
PRESENTING SPONSOR DANCE OF LIFE KB Solutions LLC
DANCE OF PASSION SPONSORS Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Dietrich and Company LLC Xcel Energy
DANCE OF GRACE SPONSONS
Denver International Airport Great-West Financial and Empower Retirement Polsinelli
DANCE OF FAITH SPONSORS
Gwen Brewer, Chair Kim Bimestefer Hillary Harding Cleo Parker Robinson Rhetta Shead
AON Hewitt AOR ARC Thrift Stores Butler Snow Channel 4 News City of Denver CoBiz Bank Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) Denver Parks and Recreation Dr. Reggie Washington Innovative Retail Group, LLC Janus Henderson MillerCoors Mortenson Construction Safeway Stonebridge Companies Street Source Vectra Bank Western OBGYN
DINNER COMMITTEE
TABLE SPONSORS
HONORARY CHAIR
Governor John W. Hickenlooper
EVENT CHAIR Kim Bimestefer
STEERING COMMITTEE
Geta and Janice Asfaw Dawn Bookhardt Gwen and Moses Brewer Maude Lofton Cleo and Tom Robinson James and Leslie Sue Wallace Al Walker Dan McKenna and Shale Wong Modern Woodsmen
VIDEOGRAPHERS
Reflections in Video Productions, Inc.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Jody Gilbert, KOLORGRAPHIX
CHFA Colorado State University DaVita Delaware North Delta Eta Boule Denver Art Museum Lutheran Hospital Marriott City Center McDonald Auto Group Metropolitan State University Optimal Concessions Porter-Billups Leadership Academy Seward Hanfling University of Denver
Shed G MASTER OF CEREMONY CPRD ENSEMBLE, YOUTH ENSEMBLE AND JUNIOR YOUTH ENSEMBLE Performing to a Motown Medley Kim Bimestefer Chairperson, Dancing with the Denver Stars INTRODUCED BY Callyn Rand, Evalyn Reed, Maddox Thomas Cleo Parker Robinson MISTRESS OF CEREMONY Reverend Terrance Hughes New Covenant Christian Church INVOCATION DINNER Gwen Brewer Steering Committee Chair CPRD Board of Directors Malik Robinson Executive Director, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance INTRODUCED BY Anthony Bufford and Kira Cook GRAND ENTRANCE The Denver Stars, Part 1 (6 Stars) (In order of appearance) Maria Romero Jonathan Adelman Ken Greene Janice Sinden Scott Gilmore Evan Dreyer VIDEO PADDLE RAISE Reggie Rivers The Denver Stars, Part 2 (7 Stars) Huy Pham Dr. Johnny E. Johnson John Bolger Bruce Johnson Ivan Burwell Celia Dietrich Wattles Britt Moreno Closing Remarks and Special Acknowledgements ENTERTAINMENT DJ Starchild
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Dancing with Denver’s Stars
If you enjoyed tonight, we hope you’ll mark your calendar for August 25, 2018 for the 9th Dancing with the Denver Stars. �We are pleased to announce our 2018 Gala Chairs: George Sparks and Shandra Wilson.
George Sparks has been the President/CEO of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science since November 2004. He spent 24 years in the electronics measurement business at HewlettPackard and Agilent Technologies. He was General Manager for several HP divisions from 1987-1999, eventually leading a division of 1,800 people worldwide. His career included marketing, sales, and general management of global businesses in software, systems, and services. Shandra Wilson is a urologic oncology surgeon at University of Colorado Hospital and is an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Denver. Dr. Wilson was the first woman to join the Urologic faculty at the University. She is subspecialty trained in Oncology and is further subspecialty trained in robotic surgery. Wilson grew up in Lakewood and went to Bear Creek High School with plans on becoming a ballerina.
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Dancing with Denver’s Stars