Blessings of this Holiday Season to you all! We’re so happy to welcome you to the 27th Anniversary Season of “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum”, a mystical journey into a time and place of perpetual peace and harmony based upon a foundation of trust and respect - encouraging and strengthening a sense of balance within each of us. Experiencing “Granny” is reminiscent of sitting beside our cherished grandmothers, hearing their wonderful stories. Each year, the cast and crew share a heightened sense of wonder on-stage and with the audience. “Granny” encourages each of us to view the world with a receptive heart, allowing the potential for PEACE, LOVE and RESPECT to shine through. It gives our “Granny Village” such joy when we see audiences carry the “Granny” spirit out of the theatre on into their daily lives to share with family, friends, colleagues and community! As our nation and our world move through these challenging times, the importance of family legacy, and community oneness becomes more evident every day. “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, connects us to the timeless strength of the human heart. Her final “Granny” performances as the Ancestral Spirit in 2010, left us breathless as Marcy, even though blind, demonstrated the dignity of a true artist. Veteran actor, Ms. Margarita Taylor, who has now played Granny for ten 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 second season in the role of Griot: The Storyteller, following in the honored footsteps of Vincent C. Robinson, who depicted this memorable character for twenty-five years. Vince’s impact on “Granny” will always be felt and we remain evergrateful for his continued generosity and kindness, both on-stage and off. Cantadora the Dreamweaver is portrayed by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) Rehearsal Director Chloe Abel, in her fifth season in the role. For their first time, Ensemble members Samiyah Lynnice and John e. Roberts portray Nakia the Granddaughter and TiSean the Grandson. To my great joy,
I have the privilege of portraying Shakti (Granny’s Guardian Angel), a role that fills me with hope, even after 27 years! Our “Granny Band” features some of Denver’s finest jazz musicians, including musical director, Mark Caldwell, who’s been with the show for nineteen years and Fred Jordan who’s been with us for all twenty-seven years. These wonderful musicians will have you dancing in your seats, and our extraordinary vocalists Jacquie Van Horn (10-year Granny veteran) and Robert Johnson (21-year Granny veteran) will make you want to sing right out-loud! CPRD Assistant Artistic Director, Ms. Winifred R. Harris, Chloe Abel (Ensemble Rehearsal Director), alumnus Ensemble member Christopher Page-Sanders (Assistant Director), Cedric Dewayne Hall (Children’s Ensemble Director), Jessica Horton (Youth Ensemble Director), Victoria Shead and Lauren O. Smith (Assistants to the Youth and Children’s Ensemble’s Directors) all work tirelessly with me to guide the production. “Granny” depends on the devotion of our Ensemble and Cleo II (supporting wardrobe, props and rehearsals) and our Youth and Children’s Ensemble parents (working backstage, providing meals, rides and hugs, ushering, supporting the front of house). We are grateful for the never-ending commitment and expertise of Rhetta Shead (Director of Administration / Production Manager / Stage Manager) and our gifted technical team led by Trey “Trezie” Grimes (Technical Director). Our administrative staff, Shelby Jarosz (Senior Director of Programs and Education), Hillary Harding (Director of Development), Mary Hart (Director of Bookings and Touring) and Amelia Dietz (Academy Director) all remain undaunted by the production’s numerous challenges. These amazing teams are all guided by the able leadership and vision of our Executive Director, Malik Robinson. In our 48th ANNIVERSARY SEASON, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, through the support of generous individuals, businesses, corporations and civic organizations, continues to advance our artistic and educational vision into an ever-expanding community of students and audiences. Our 9th Annual “Dancing with the Denver Stars!” Gala in August saw thirteen of Denver’s business and community leaders (including Governor John Hickenlooper) perform in support of our goals, enabling us to further our educational and outreach programming, and fund scholarships for a significant percentage of our year-round Academy’s enrollment. Through support from SCFD and other agencies and sponsors, CPRD works with over 40,000 children in as many as 40 metro-area schools, as well as educational and community facilities nation-wide. Don’t miss our 10th Annual “Dancing with the Denver Stars” Gala on August 10th, 2019! Our 24th Annual International Summer Dance Institute (ISDI), the region’s finest summer intensive program, brought master teachers and dedicated students together for four weeks of dance immersion, culminating in the Mile-High Dance Festival in our amphitheater. Visit www.cleoparkerdance.org for updates on the 2019 ISDI schedule and Mile-High Dance Festival. Don’t forget - our year-round Academy of Dance offers exceptional training for students of all ages and abilities. From Ballet to Zumba – it’s simply a case of finding your own way to move! We hope you’ll follow ‘Granny’s” wonderful example year-round – 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-seven 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!” Cleo Parker Robinson
Our Mission and Vision
Currently celebrating its 48th Anniversary Season, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is an international, cross-cultural, dance-arts and educational institution rooted in African American traditions, dedicated to excellence in instruction, performances and community programming for inter-generational students, artists, and audiences. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is guided by the vision of dance as a universal language of movement - celebrating performance, individual expression, healing and peace - thereby transforming the world into a sanctuary which 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 DANCE ACADEMY Amelia Dietz 303 295 1759 x16 / Amelia @cleoparkerdance.org
THEATRE and FACILITY RENTALS
Trey Grimes 303 295 1759 x11 / Trey@cleoparkerdance.org
BOOKINGS for THE ENSEMBLE and MS. PARKER ROBINSON Mary Hart 303 295 1759 x20 / Mary@cleoparkerdance.org
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON | Shakti Granny’s Guardian Angel
Founder / Artistic Director / Original Concept / Producer / Director
As founder and artistic director of the 48-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. She is the recipient of honors from corporate, civic, community, and artistic entities worldwide, 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 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. In September 2017, in recognition of her longterm 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 Inter-Arts 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. In 2011 and 2012, Ms. Parker Robinson 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 will see the premiere of her newest creation, “The Movement”, 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.
MARGARITA TAYLOR | Granny Ms. Taylor began dancing in her birthplace, Port-of-Spain Trinidad, under the direction of the late Astor Johnson. Upon moving to New York, she studied with Lenny Williams, Rom Pratt, Lyn Simmonson, Phil Black, John Hatchett of The Broadway Dance Center, as well as the Jeffory 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. Recently, she had the pleasure of performing with Nu-World Contemporary Danse Theatre and looks forward to doing so again in January 2019. This is Ms. Taylor’s fifteenth season with “Granny” and her tenth season in the title role, fulfilling a long-time dream.
CHLOE ABEL | Cantadora the Dreamweaver 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, and Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company. Ms. Abel is now in her seventh season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and is also Rehearsal Director for the Ensemble. This is her fifth season as “Cantadora the Dreamweaver”.
CEDRIC DEWAYNE HALL | Griot the Storyteller Preacher / Youth Ensemble 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. This is Mr. Hall’s twelfth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble where he also serves on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance and as Director of the CPRD Junior Youth Ensemble. This is his second season as “Griot”, following in the foot-steps of 25-year “Granny” veteran, Vincent C. Robinson.
SAMIYAH LYNNICE | Nakia the Granddaughter 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. She toured nationally as a principle dancer with DunDu Dole West African Ballet and starred 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 first season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and as a faculty member with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance, as well as her first season in “Granny” and in the role of “Nakia the Grand-daughter.”
JOHN E. ROBERTS | TiSean the Grand-son 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 second season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, his first year as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance faculty, his second year in the “Granny” cast, and his first year in the role of “TiSean the Grand-son”. CPRD Junior Youth Ensemble and as our Granny Children’s Ensemble Director. Having been our “Granny” Junkanoo King for ten years, this is Mr. Hall’s first season in the role of Griot, following in the honored footsteps of 25-year Granny veteran Vincent C. Robinson.
Cleo Parker Robinson
Founder / Artistic Director / Producer /
Director / Choreographer
Winifred R. Harris
Christopher Page-Sanders
Associate Artistic Director Assistant Director
Rhetta Shead
Production Manager / Stage Manager / Box Office Manager
Mark Caldwell
Musical Director / Composer
Trey Grimes
Technical Director / Sound Design / Lighting Design
Chloe Abel
Cedric Dewayne Hall
Ensemble / Cleo II Rehearsal Director
Jessica Horton
Youth Ensemble Director
Victoria Shead
Youth and Children’s Ensemble Assistant Director
Lauren O. Smith
Youth and Children’s Ensemble Assistant Director
Youth and Children’s Ensemble Director
Cera Rowe
Travis Powell
Conor Morford
Terry Black Jr.
Paris Bankston
Lighting Board Op
Davry Ratcliffe
Props Master
Leticia Tanguma
Lara Kirksey
Original Costume Design
Joey Santos
Costume Design
Alex J. Gordon
Costume Design
Ralaya Goshea
Wardrobe Mistress
Mary Hart
Jody Gilbert
Stan Obert
Assistant Stage Manager Video Animation Design Sound Engineer / Running Crew Audio Assistant
Banner Design
Volunteers Coordinator / Playbill / Group Sales Playbill Design CPRD Photographer
David Andrews CPRD Videographer Kenny Shead
CPRD Videographer
MARK CALDWELL Composer / Musical Director / Guitar This will be the nineteenth year that Mr. Caldwell has performed with “Granny” and the thirteenth year that he has served as the Musical Director. As composer for the show, Mr. Caldwell has written a majority 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. Mr. Caldwell is also 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. This is his third season with the 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 third season with our Granny Band.
CHRISTOPHER HARRIS Bass Guitar Joining our Granny Band for his twelfth 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.”
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 twenty-first season with “Granny”.
FRED “Baba Ilu Ile” JORDAN Tumba / Percussion Accomplished on congas, ashiko, tom toms, and other percussion instruments, Mr. Jordan celebrates his twenty-seventh season with “Granny” and his thirty-first 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.
JOHN OLSSON Drumset A drummer for over 20 years, Mr. Olsson joins the Granny Band for his fourth 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.
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 tenth season with the “Granny” production.
ACT I SCENE I - THE MAGICAL JOURNEY TO KARAMAZAM
Collaboration Music Yemanja (Water Deity) Agwe (Water Deity) Dancers
Cleo Parker Robinson, Opalanga Pugh, Christopher Page-Sanders “Siyahamba” Traditional South African Ralaya S. Goshea Martez McKinzy Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
Music “Invocation” Composer / Co-arranger Mark Caldwell Co-arranger Djordie Vasovic Dancers The Granny Village Music Composer / Co-arranger Co-arranger Little Granny
ACT I SCENE II - STORYTIME
Coyote Deer
Music Composer / Co-arranger Co-arranger Collaboration
“Butterfly” / “Yemanja” Mark Caldwell Djordie Vasovic Jessica Horton Victoria Shead Gabriella Shead “Granny’s Lament” Mark Caldwell Djordie Vasovic Gary Abbott, Christopher Page-Sanders
ACT 1 SCENE III - SALANGO “ANCESTOR’S MESSAGE OF LOVE AND JOY”
Music Griot Dancers
Fanga “A Traditional West African Welcoming Dance” Cedric Dewayne Hall Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, and The Granny Village
ACT I SCENE IV
NATIVE AMERICAN WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Sankofa “We honor our future as we honor our past” Collaboration Cleo Parker Robinson, Olga Vianey Gonzalez Robinson Concept Nezahualcoyotl Jimenez-Gonzalez Music Traditional Drums Composer Mark Caldwell Slave Parents Ralaya S. Goshea, Davry Ratcliffe Slave Children Moriah Bass, Antonio Tobar Slaves Little Granny, Nakia, TiSean, Jasmine Francisco, Alex J. Gordon Native Children Meadow Contreras, Ximalma Gonzalez Robinson Native Mother Rhianna Jordan Native Maidens Lauren O. Smith, Isabel Thornton Village Children The Children’s Ensemble
“THE FOUR WINDS”
Music Traditional The Four Winds Youth Ensemble and Children’s Ensemble Eagle Alyssa Baker Bear Martez McKinzy Coyote Victoria Shead Deer Gabriella Shead
“GRANDMOTHER SPIDER’S STORY” Recreation Grandmother Spider
ACT I SCENE V - YULE TIME
Collaboration Music Composer The Moon The Sun African Slaves Irish Servants Great Migration Tappers
Opalanga Pugh YooJung Hahm
Cleo Parker Robinson, Christopher Page-Sanders, John “Mr. Tap” Williams “The Lament of the Moon” / “The Sun and Moon Jig” Mark Caldwell Theresa Berger Tyveze Littlejohn Ralaya S. Goshea, Davry Ratcliffe Zinnia McKenna, Emilie Tobar Jasmine Francisco, Lily McKenna, Max Nelson-Steinhoff, Isabel Thornton, Gabriella Shead
ACT I SCENE VI - LA SENDA A BELEN
“Mexican Processional Celebrating the Nativity” Composer Suzanne Morales Our Lady of Guadalupe Rhianna Jordan Processional Soloist Martez McKinzy Dancers The Youth Ensemble and The Children’s Ensemble Children with Gifts Mackinley Nelson-Steinhoff / Antonio Tobar Moriah Bass / Ellie Peoples
“INVITAADOS DE NAVIDAD” Choreographer Original Lyrics Original Music Dancers
Marceline Freeman Suzanne Morales and Carlton Bacon Carlton Bacon Nakia, TiSean Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and The Granny Village
ACT I SCENE VII
THE CHURCH
Vocal Arrangements Rev. Hayward Hobbs Music Traditional Author Buddy Butler The Preacher Griot Mary and Joseph Nakia and TiSean The Innkeeper Davry Ratcliffe The Deacons Tyveze Littlejohn, Davry Ratcliffe The Deaconesses Jasmine Francisco, Ralaya S. Goshea, Jessica Horton The Choir Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Cleo II, Victoria Shead The Congregation The Youth Ensemble and The Children’s Ensemble
INTERMISSION (15 MINUTES) ACT II SCENE L - KWANZAA “A SEVEN-DAY AFRICAN AMERICAN Celebration”
Collaboration Original Music Musical Adaptation Dancers
Cleo Parker Robinson, Opalanga Pugh, Gary Abbott Carlton Bacon Mark Caldwell Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
“THE AFRICAN FAMILY” African Parents African Child
Jessica Horton and Martez McKinzy Moriah Bass
“THE KWANZAA FAMILY” Kwanzaa Parents Kwanzaa Child
Ralaya S. Goshea and Davry Ratcliffe Ximalma Gonzalez Robinson / Raani Clayton
ACT II SCENE II - HANUKKAH “FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS”
Music Traditional Author Opalanga Pugh Women’s Trio Theresa Berger, YooJung Hahm, Jessica Horton
“MEN’S DANCE”
Collaboration Antiochus The Macabee The Syrian Soldiers
Cleo Parker Robinson, Gary Abbott, Randy Brooks Martez McKinzy TiSean, Alex J. Gordon Tyveze Littlejohn, Davry Ratcliffe
“DREYDL CHILDREN’S GAME”
Music Traditional Dancers Women’s Trio and The Children’s Ensemble
ACT II SCENE III - DIWALI “EAST INDIAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHT”
“Renunciation” Collaboration Music Dancers
“BHANGRA” Music Dancers
ACT II SCENE IV - CHRISTMAS RAP
Collaboration Composer / Co-arranger Co-arranger Dancers
Cleo Parker Robinson, Namita Khanna Nariani Anand Shankar Nakia, Granny, Ralaya S. Goshea, Victoria Shead Kuldeep Mank Nakia and TiSean Jasmine Francisco and Davry Ratcliffe Jessica Horton and Martez McKinzy Cleo Parker Robinson, Cedric Dewayne Hall Mark Caldwell Djordie Vasovic Griot, Cleo II, and The Youth Ensemble
ACT II SCENE V – CANDOMBLÉ
Collaboration Music Dancers
Cleo Parker Robinson, Carlos dos Santos Jr. Traditional Brazilian Yoruba Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
ACT II SCENE VI - NEW YEAR
Collaboration Music Composer / Co-arranger Co-arranger Acrobats Dragonettes Dragon
Cleo Parker Robinson, Susan Richardson “Dragon Dance” Mark Caldwell Djordie Vasovic Raani Clayton, Ximalma Gonzalez Robinson, Bryleigh Jones Alyssa Baker, Rhianna Jordan, Gabriella Shead The Youth Ensemble
ACT II SCENE VII - JUNKANOO “THE CARIBBEAN CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS” Collaboration Music Composer / Co-arranger Co-arranger Junkanoo King Costume The Junkanoo King Dancers
Cleo Parker Robinson, Gary Abbott, Margarita Taylor “Granny Boom Boom” Mark Caldwell Djordie Vasovic Andrew Yelusich (Denver Center Theatre Company) Martez McKinzy Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, and The Granny Village
Remember, Granny loves you! In memory of Ms. Marceline Freeman All casting is subject to change without prior notice Audio and/or video recording of any kind (including cell phones and tablets) is not permitted without prior written permission of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Recording without this permission is subject to confiscation of both the recording and the equipment
ADM IN ISTR ATIO N Cleo Parker Robinson Founder / Artistic Director Malik Robinson Executive Director Rhetta Shead Director of Administration Hillary Harding Director of Development Shelby Jarosz Senior Director of Programs and Education Winifred R. Harris Associate Artistic Director Chloe Abel Ensemble Rehearsal Director Mary Hart Director of Bookings and Touring Trey Grimes Theatre and Technical Director Amelia Dietz Academy Director Victoria Shead Assistant Academy Administrator Lauren O. Smith Assistant Academy Administrator Pat Smith (OnTarget Public Relations) Marketing and Public Relations Contractor B OAR D O F DIR EC TO R S Gwen Brewer Chair Cleo Parker Robinson * Founder /Executive Artistic Director Tyrone Gant Treasurer Debbie Herrera Vice Chair Shale Wong Vice Chair Josett Valdez Secretary Tim Davis, Hon. Crisanta Duran, Angela Norris Hawkins, Demesha Hill, Lisa Hogan, Matthew Keeney, Tony Price, Shelley Thompson, Alfred Walker, Jennifer Wozniak EM ER ITU S B OAR D O F DIR ECTORS 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 Abel - Rehearsal Director Chloé Abel / Theresa Berger / Jasmine Francisco / Alex J. Gordon Ralaya S. Goshea / YooJung Hahm / Cedric Dewayne Hall / Jessica Horton Tyveze Littlejohn / Samiyah Lynnice / Martez McKinzy Davry Ratcliffe / John e. Roberts CLEO II Alyssa Baker / Rhianna Jordan / Lauren O. Smith / Victoria Shead * THE YOUTH ENSEMBLE Jessica Horton – Director Tamia Fair / Naturelle Garcia-Taylor / Lily McKenna / Max Nelson-Steinhoff Gabriella Shead / Isabel Thornton / Emilie Tobar THE CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE Cedric Dewayne Hall – Director Victoria Shead, Lauren O. Smith – Assistants to the Director Asianay Banks / Moriah Bass / Raani Clayton / Meadow Contreras / Jayna Fedor / Nehema Gathere Ximalma Gonzalez Robinson / Bryleigh Jones / Adalea & Selecia Kono / Josephine Loberg Zinnia McKenna / Senait McNally / Amelia & Mackinley Nelson-Steinhoff / Ellie Peoples Estella Searfoss / Antonio & Zoila Tobar / Lily & Sophia Wechsler 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. CHRISTOPHER PAGE-SANDERS - Assistant to the Director Originally from St. Louis, Mr. Page-Sanders, founder and co-artistic director of the Nu-World Contemporary Dance Theatre, received his formal training from the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) and the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri- Kansas City. Mr. Page-Sanders danced, taught and choreographed for seven seasons as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble (CPRDE) and continues to have the tremendous honor of collaborating with Ms. Parker Robinson as a co-choreographer for many of her current works. Having danced with Owen/Cox Dance Group, Hannah Kahn Dance Company, Wylliams-Henry Contemporary Dance Company, Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, Leah Glenn Dance Theatre, and the St. Louis Black Repertory Theater Company, he is also the resident choreographer for the Center of Creative Arts Musical Theater Series. He has been blessed to create on CPRDE, Davis Contemporary Dance Company, Deeply Rooted’s ECS as well as choreographing for other theatre companies such as Town Hall Arts Center, FlyNorth Theatricals, ECC and others. His choreography has been presented twice at the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference. In 2013, he received the Leni Wylliams Award for choreography and innovation from Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. This is his third season to serve as Assistant Director for “Granny”. He dedicates these performances to the memory of his ancestors and those who created the path for him. “On their shoulders, I Dance!” MARK CALDWELL - Musical Director (See Granny Band) CHLOE ABEL - Ensemble Rehearsal Director (See Featured Artists) JESSICA HORTON - Youth Ensemble Director (See Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble) CEDRIC DEWAYNE HALL - Children’s Ensemble Director (See Featured Artists)
CHLOE ABEL (See Featured Artists) THERESA BERGER Originally from Ankeny, IA, Ms. Berger, under the direction of Nancy Moore Overturff, studied and performed with the Iowa Dance Theatre and the Performing Edge, Moore Dance’s preprofessional company. With a BFA in Dance from the University of Iowa, she moved to Denver where she danced with both Kim Robards Dance and Moraporvida Contemporary Dance. Now in her third season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble after being an apprentice, she is also a faculty member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance. This is her fourth “Granny” season.
JASMINE FRANCISCO 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 choreographic 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 first season and serves on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance. This is her first “Granny” season. ALEX J. GORDON 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 then 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 second season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and the “Granny” production.
RALAYA S. GOSHEA 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 sixth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and her eighth “Granny” production. YOOJUNG HAHM 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 third season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and the “Granny” production.
CEDRIC DEWAYNE HALL (See Featured Artists) JESSICA HORTON Born in Tuscaloosa, AL, Ms. Horton trained at
Shelton State Dance Department and the Alabama School of Fine Arts, receiving the Woodward Dishion Memorial Award. She also trained through The Ailey School, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference. With a BFA in Dance from Wright State University, she performed with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II, and as a post-graduate, was a counselor for Summerdance with Ballet Academy East in New York. Having been a member of Cleo II and an apprentice to the Ensemble, she is now in her third season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and is Director of the CPRD Youth Ensemble. This is her sixth “Granny” season.
TYVEZE LITTLEJOHN A graduate of Douglas Anderson School of
the Arts in Jacksonville, FL, Mr. Littlejohn toured throughout Mexico with Ballet Eddy Toussaint de Montreal. He subsequently joined the Lexington Ballet in Kentucky, dancing leading roles in “Giselle” and “The Nutcracker”. While dancing in Nicaragua’s International Ballet Gala, he also worked extensively with disabled children. In 2015, he joined Ballet Palm Beach, dancing the title role in “Gatsby”. Having been an apprentice to the Ensemble, he now joins Cleo Parker Robinson Dance for his first season as a member of the Ensemble and his second “Granny” season.
SAMIYAH LYNNICE (See Featured Artists) MARTEZ McKINZY Originally from Kansas City, MO, Mr. McKinzy studied with Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey under the direction of Tyrone Aiken. Having been a member of Cleo II and an apprentice to the company, he is now in his third season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and is also a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance faculty. This is his fifth “Granny” season.
DAVRY RATCLIFFE A Columbus, OH native, Mr. Ratcliffe first trained at Fort Hayes Performing Arts MEC under Marva “China” White (Dance Theatre of Harlem) in the Pre-Professional 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 third season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance. This is his fifth “Granny” season.
JOHN e. ROBERTS (See Featured Artists) CLEO II
Alyssa E. Baker * Rhianna Jordan * Lauren O. Smith
Special Thanks
to the Ensemble, Board of Directors, Sponsors, Education Partners, Administrative & Technical Staff, Youth Ensembles, Musicians, Guest Artists, Faculty, Students, Parents, & Volunteers of CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE & “GRANNY DANCES TO A HOLIDAY DRUM”
We also thank the following for their extraordinary support of
“THE GRANNY VILLAGE” David Andrews Artreach Marilyn Benson Pat Brooks CBS4 Colorado High School Activities Association (Tom Robinson) Comcast Denver Business Journal The Denver Post Community Denver Public Schools Nick Diaz Courtney Drake-McDonough (In Good Taste Magazine) 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) Kyle Harris (Westword) Andrew Hudson
KUSA (9 News.com) KUVO Jazz (Susan Gatschet) National Endowment for the Arts Stan and Chris Obert Jonathon “JP” Parker (In memoriam) Martha Parker (In memoriam) Reina Parker and Family Publication Printers Malik and Vianey Robinson The Robinson Family Rocky Mountain PBS 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 Waheeb (Newman Center for the Performing Arts) Leslie Sue Parker Wallace James Wallace (In memoriam) Letitia Williams