Warmest greetings from Cleo and the entire Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Village: It’s always such a pleasure and honor for us to return to the beautiful Newman Center for the Performing Arts – but this performance holds a special place for me because we are truly in “My Father’s House”. It’s always struck me in the theatre world, how we’ll say “the house is open” when opening the doors for the audience to be seated, as though confirming a sense of welcome and belonging. As you’ll note in the bio of my father, Jonathon “JP” Parker, his “house” encompassed “many mansions” throughout his stellar career in the world of theatre. Someone asked me the other day exactly where his “house” was located – and it occurred to me that the whole world was his “house” and that he always made sure there was room there for everyone. No matter their race, gender, spiritual path, or the circumstances of their lives, my father’s house was always open! No matter how frenetic and stressful things might be, he would always grin and remind us “Everything is copacetic!” And somehow, it would be… But this house, the Newman Center was one that held a very special place in his life and in his heart. We were honored to open the Newman Center and to make it’s Byron Theatre our home for “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” for many years. In honor of “JP”, we’ve chosen to draw from both old and new repertoire for this performance. My father had a great passion for mentoring and supporting the artistic visions of young artists (including mine) but he was always sure to remind them where the roots of those visions lay – in the traditions of the ancestors and the cultures that nurtured and sustained us. His guiding spirit and wisdom prevail as we present the works of brilliant young choreographers Garfield Lemonius (Catharsis) and Ray Mercer (How Push Came to Shove), along with several of the works I created in my own early days – “Everything Must Change” and “Spiritual Suite”, under the musical direction of Daryl J. Walker, uplifting us with the magnificent voices of Mary Louise Lee and the Jonathon Parker Legacy Choir. “JP” was my first teacher and was a fierce advocate for the importance of education, and that has always been one of our motivating principles. 2017 has been a stellar year for our outreach and education programs, with the CPRD Education Team bringing performances, workshops, master classes and residencies to over 15,000 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 Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Academy continues to thrive with over 1,000 students of all ages and levels of ability continuing their dance studies, thanks to the extraordinary training they receive from our instructors. This year’s “Dancing With the Denver Stars” Gala was a great success, raising a significant amount of funding to help insure the continuation and advancement of all of our education and outreach programming. We continue to define the role of dance and its relationship to health, wellness, and academic achievement through both participation and performance. With the on-going support of our community, corporate and civic partnerships, not only did we share the power, passion and beauty of movement throughout the Front Range in teaching residencies, but we also enabled hundreds of K-12 students to attend special performances throughout the season. For many of these students, this was their first visit to an actual theatre to experience live dance, music, and spoken word. Their enthusiastic level of appreciation for these opportunities is motivating and inspirational to all of us. We look forward to furthering this tradition of welcoming both student and adult audiences to our 26th Anniversary Season of “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” in December. We sincerely thank the myriad of artists, staff and technicians that have supported us in shaping this performance, and we thank all of you for your continued advocacy and commitment. We look forward to advancing our goals of providing diverse and comprehensive cultural arts performances and programming nationwide, and we hope we will all find joy in reminding ourselves that in working together “Everything is Copacetic!” In the Spirit of Dance.
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON is founder and artistic director of the 47-year-old Denver-based artistic institution, CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE (CPRD). She leads a professional Ensemble, a Youth Ensemble, an Academy of Dance, an International Summer Dance Institute, a 240-seat theatre which bears her name, and numerous community outreach programs throughout Colorado. She is the recipient of honors and awards from corporate, civic, community, and artistic entities world-wide, and is continually called upon by a myriad of organizations and performance venues to bring her Ensemble 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. Ms. Parker Robinson’s numerous 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). In 1991, Ms. Parker 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 long-term commitment to excellence in arts education, she was honored at the Denver School of the Arts 7th Annual Fall Gala. 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. Most recently, in June 2017, she
became the recipient of 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. Ms. Robinson is 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, and confirmed by the Senate, 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, and reviews and makes recommendations to the Chairman on grant applications. In 2011 and 2012, Ms. Parker Robinson returned to her greatest passion, the art of the choreographer, creating and presenting two new full-length works, “Dreamcatchers: The Untold Stories of the Americas” and the riveting world premiere of 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 timeless 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 sees the premiere of her “Copacetic: A Tribute to Jonathon “JP” Parker. In the Spring of 2018, she will premiere “Lark Ascending” in collaboration with the Boulder Philharmonic. 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.
OUR MISSION & VISION
Currently celebrating its 47th 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 programs, 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 A year-round academy offering classes for all ages and levels of technique For information or to register visit www.cleoparkerdance.org or call 303 295 1759 x17 ENSEMBLE BOOKINGS, TOURING and COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS Mary Hart - 303 295 1759 x20 / Mary@cleoparkerdance.org EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH Shelby Jarosz – 303 295 1759 x10 / Shelby @cleoparkerdance.org
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.
THE CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE ENSEMBLE Chloe Abel - Rehearsal Director Alexis Amos / Theresa Berger Tony DeBerry / Ameila Dietz Alex J. Gordon / Ralaya S. Goshea YooJung Hahn / Cedric Dewayne Hall Jessica Horton / Martez McKinzy Davry Ratcliffe / John e. Roberts Bria Jarner Tyner THE CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE YOUTH ENSEMBLE Jessica Horton – Rehearsal Director Victoria Shead – Assistant Rehearsal Director Natalie Drummond / Tamia Fair Gabriella Shead / Max Nelson-Steinhoff Ajala Way THE CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE JUNIOR YOUTH ENSEMBLE Cedric Dewayne Hall – Rehearsal Director Naturelle Garcia-Taylor / Lily McKenna Zinnia McKenna / Isabelle Thornton Emily Tobar
GUEST ARTISTS Victoria Shead / Katie Weigman FEATURED VOCALIST AND MUSICIANS Daryl J. Walker – Musical Director Mary Louise Lee - Solo Vocals Jodel Charles – Piano Ron Hicks - Bass THE JONATHON PARKER LEGACY ENSEMBLE SOPRANOS Dr. Melanie Harris / Shamae Matthews Christen Pittman / Denise Purdue Jenaya Purdue Alice G. Rasberry / Jacqui Shumway Rev. Marcia L. Williams ALTOS Ta Ganna DeCluette / C. Larea Edwards Christin Grant / Melody Renique Mercedes Torregano TENORS Toi Jones / Michael Morris / Willie C. Singleton Jerimiah Stanfield / David Sweet BASS John Daniels / Everett W. Moon
Cleo Parker Robinson Founder / Artistic Director Producer / Director/ Choreographer Winifred R. Harris Associate Artistic Director Chloe Abel Ensemble Rehearsal Director Daryl J. Walker Musical Director Trey “Trezie� Grimes Technical Director / Audio and Video Design / Lighting Design Garret Glass Newman Center Asst Director of Production Services Shakeel Wahab Newman Center Stage Operations Coordinator / Audio Engineer Zach Jovanovich Newman Center Stage Operations Coordinator / Lighting Engineer Spy Soto Newman Center Audio Technician Conor Morford Deck Crew Rhetta Shead Production Manager Jessica Horton Youth Ensemble Director Cedric Dewayne Hall Junior Youth Ensemble Director Ralaya S. Goshea Wardrobe Mistress Davry Ratcliffe Props Master Mary Hart Playbill / Volunteer Coordinator Jody Gilbert Playbill Design
DARYL J. WALKER (Musical Director / M.Div. Candidate Iliff School of Theology)
A native of Denver, Mr. Walker’s creative gifts have afforded him the opportunity to provide excellence in music performance, direction, and support to diverse entities across the nation for over 35 years. For “My Father’s House”, Walker’s direction of The Jonathan Parker Legacy Choir includes community voices in a choir whose mission is to honor the legacy of individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the community, in this case Cleo Parker Robinson’s father, Jonathan “JP” Parker. Walker’s music direction includes similar groups formed to reflect and honor legacy and preservation of individuals and works. While in Chicago, Walker implemented the pioneering “360 Worship Experience”, an intentional interactive liturgy integrating prayer, musicians, inter-generational choirs, dance, mime, drill teams, scripture, and theater arts with the sermon to offer a worship service of holistic transformation. Founder and Principal of Walker Music Academy, his musical accom-plishments include 19 years as Minister of Music at New Hope Baptist and 25 years as part of the music ministry of Shorter A.M.E. Churches in Denver. Mr. Walker prepares choral singers and performs with the Colorado Symphony’s annual holiday performance of “Too Hot to Handel”, a jazz, gospel and R&B infused setting of Handel’s “Messiah”. He organized a mass choir comprise of musicians from 38 different churches and organizations to perform “Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.: The Man and the Movement” as part of the Democratic National Convention in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the March on Washington. Mr. Walker was the Interim Choir Director for the Denver-based Spirituals Project which is now incorporated into the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. Currently a student at the Iliff School of Theology, he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Social Justice and Ethics, focusing on the transformative power of the spirituals.
MARY LOUISE LEE (Soloist) Denver native and First Lady, Mary Louise Lee has built an extraordinary professional performing career over the span of 20 years. With the group “Distinction”, she toured Korea, Japan, Johnston Island, Honduras, and Panama singing for the troops of the US Department of Defense. She has performed at numerous high-profile events including the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Democratic National Conventions, Colorado Governor’s Inaugural Gala, Opening Ceremonies for Colorado State Senate and Colorado House of Representatives, Denver Mayor’s City Address, 911 Remembrance Ceremony with Colorado Symphony, Winterpark Jazz Festival, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and the opening of the Red Rocks Visitor Center. Her extensive stage credits include “Annie”, “The Wiz” (AfterThought Theatre), “Menopause the Musical” (Denver Civic Theatre), “Ain’t Misbehavin’” (Top of the Rockies 2005 “Best Actress/ Musical”), “Beehive” (Country Dinner Playhouse), “Smokey Joe’s Café” (Theatre Aspen) “1940’s Radio Hour” (Arvada Center), and “Lady Day - Emerson’s Bar & Grill (Westword’s “Best Actress/Musical” at Shadow Theatre). Nominated by the Denver Post Ovation Award for Best Year/Actress, her national credits include “ A Brief History of White Music”, “Beehive” and “Up On the Roof”, (Denver Drama Critics Circle “Best Performance by Actress/Musical”).
JODEL CHARLES (Piano) Born in Haiti, Mr. Charles holds degrees in Piano Performance (Boston Conservatory of Music), Computer Science (University of Massachusetts Boston), and Electrical and Computer Engineering (Illinois Institute of Technology). He is a Senior Systems Engineer (Visa, Inc), Executive Director (Renewal 4 Haiti), and Music Director / Producer (Such – Soul/R&B/Jazz iamsuch.com). Jodel’s prior theater productions include “Paul Robeson” (Theatre Review, Aurora Fox) and “Porgy & Bess” (Aurora Fox). His original works include “Catholic Acclamations” for the Oregon Catholic Press, and he has received the Marlowe Award for Best Musical Direction. Having been Musical Director for the Spring 2017 Cleo Parker Robinson Dance production
“Romeo and Juliet”, he continues to extend his profound love to Cleo and is grateful for the privilege and opportunity to again work with such a uniquely talented group of dancers, musicians, crew and staff.
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON Founder / Artistic Director Malik Robinson Executive Director Winifred R. Harris BOARD OF DIRECTORS Associate Artistic Director Gwen Brewer Rhetta Shead Board Chair Director of Administration Cleo Parker Robinson Hillary Harding *Founder /Executive Artistic Director Director of Development Tyrone Gant Mary Hart Board Treasurer Director of Bookings, Tours, and Debbie Herrera Community Engagement Vice Chair Shelby Jarosz Shale Wong Education Manager Vice Chair Amelia Dietz Hon. Crisanta Duran, Academy Administrator Angela Norris Hawkins, Daniel Herrera Demesha Hill, Lisa Hogan, Tony Price, Assistant Academy Administrator Shelley Thompson, Josett Valdez, Victoria Shead Alfred Walker, Jennifer Wozniak Assistant Academy Administrator Pat Smith (OnTarget Public Relations) Marketing and Public Relations Contractor 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
Born January 20, 1928, in Texarkana, Arkansas, Jonathon “JP” Parker moved to Colorado at age 15 when his family agreed this would offer him a better life and more opportunities than picking cotton. Even as a young man, he knew that a man should be judged by character rather than race, believing in hard work, determination, and an aspiration to excellence and equality. His infectious positive outlook amidst intolerance and bigotry guided his journey as an AllStar Athlete in football, basketball, track and baseball at Denver’s Manual High School and Washington State’s Vancouver High. An accomplished trumpeter who loved all kinds of music, he introduced his children to widely diverse genres of music. He’s remembered as always singing or whistling - even in the theatre where whistling is sometimes considered unlucky! Sitting in on sessions at the famous Rossonian Hotel, the only hotel in Denver where Black Americans were welcome, “JP” loved “playing his horn and scattin” with the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Jimmy Smith, Billie Holiday, Pete Seeger and his hero Paul Robeson. He began his married life in a small apartment above the hotel with his first wife, Martha Mae Roberts, a classical musician who played first chair French horn as the youngest apprentice with the San Diego Symphony. She was passing thorough the University of Denver band room on tour when she and “JP” saw one another, and it was love at first sight. As an interracial couple during the late 40’s, their union was significantly affected by the racist Jim Crow Laws. In Colorado, as in many states, it was illegal for them to wed, so they traveled to five states before finally being married in New Mexico. They had four children together - Cleo, John Whalon (deceased) Leslie Sue, and Randall Belafonte, and two step-daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. In later years, “JP”’ married his beloved second wife, Reina Silva, who was his protégé as a pioneering female lighting designer and booking manager. Together they had two children, Nicholas and Samantha. There was also his son Maurice from a previous relationship, who followed in” JP”’s footsteps as an actor, and worked with great musical artists all over the country. Inspired by his role model, actor and activist Paul Robeson, “JP” was one of Denver’s first paid black actors, a theatrical mentor, a facilities director and manager, and Technical Director of his daughter’s internationally renowned company, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD), which she founded in 1970. He was the first person of color hired at the Helen Bonfils Theatre, where in the 1940’s people of color weren’t allowed to come through the front door or even work there. Courageously breaking racial barriers, “JP” was hired by the equally courageous Henry Lowenstein, who gave him his start at Bonfils as the facilities maintenance man. Paving the way for future black actors, Henry took an even greater risk by casting him in small acting roles. “JP” became one of Denver’s finest black actors, drawing record crowds and receiving the Bonfils’
“Fanny Award” for best supporting actor. He became a pioneer in the theatre movement as an actor, writer, technician, teacher, mentor and director. He made history with his long-running, sold-out performances in the play, “Sarah and the Sax”, with Selma Jultak and Sally Steele rotating as the female lead, with the production later being filmed for television. “JP” was also acclaimed for his role as Walter Lee in “Raisin In the Sun”, and wrote the first Black Cowboy series for PBS television. In 1967, “JP” become the sole Facilities Director of Colorado Women’s College (CWC) Houston Fine Arts Center, utilizing his talents in lighting design, technical theatre instruction, and facility management. He created Colorado’s first all-female tech-theatre team, providing stage production and management for nationally renowned artists and dance companies. This highly unique team toured the nation, and in 1977, “JP” and that same team worked alongside the union crew when Boettcher Concert Hall (the world’s first in-the-round symphony hall) opened with a collaborative production of “Carmina Burana” with CPRD and the Denver Symphony Orchestra, a historic moment that was featured in National Geographic. The same year, he accompanied CPRD to FESTAC, the Second World African Diaspora Arts Festival in Lagos, Nigeria where they performed before 70,000 people. The African community had great respect for “JP”’s knowledge and his love of people, referring to him as “The Professor” and “Chief”. Later in his career, “JP” was hired by the Lamont School of Music, which acquired Colorado Women’s College, and was a consultant for the development of the Newman Center for the Performing Arts (University of Denver), later becoming the center’s Facilities Manager. Former DU Chancellor Dan Richie and Lamont’s Joe Docksey were instrumental in DU’s special recognition of “JP”’s retirement, honoring his 40 years of service with a dedication brick that resides at the east entrance to the Newman Center, bearing his name and one of his best-known sayings “Everything is Copacetic!” Through his commitment to social change through the arts, “JP” encouraged each of his children and his students to strive for excellence…to stand up for justice and equality…to show compassion and be courageous enough to speak up, non-violently, against injustice, and to be kind to one another. As a social activist, he taught compassion. As an artist, he taught passion. As a husband, father, grandfather, and human being, he taught love. He will always be our “Chief”.
COPACETIC: A Tribute to Jonathon “JP” Parker (World Premiere 2017)
In tribute to Jonathon “JP” Parker, facilities manager, technical director, lighting designer, pioneering actor, musician, activist – and extraordinary father, husband, mentor, and friend to all. He will always be our “Chief”. Choreographer and Director Cleo Parker Robinson Costume Design Cleo Parker Robinson Lighting Design Cleo Parker Robinson, Trey “Trezie” Grimes Audio / Video Design Cleo Parker Robinson, Trey “Trezie” Grimes, Jessica Horton FIRST LIGHT Music “Butterflies” Les McCann, “Mississippi Goddamn” Nina Simone Dancers Tony DeBerry as “JP” with the Ensemble LEAVING THE SOUTH Music Dancers
“Just Workin’” Taj Mahal Women’s Ensemble, Men’s Ensemble
Music Dancer
“Pick a Bale of Cotton” Leadbelly Alex J. Gordon as “JP”
RISING FROM THE ROOTS Music Dancers
“4 Women” Nina Simone Tony DeBerry as “JP” with Chloe Abel, Amelia Dietz, Ralaya S. Goshea, Jessica Horton
Music Dancers
“Sinner Man” Nina Simone Tony DeBerry as “JP” with Alex J. Gordon, Martez McKinzy,
Music Dancers
“Matilda” Harry Belafonte Tony DeBerry as “JP”, Davry Ratcliffe as “Matilda” Amelia Dietz, Ralaya S. Goshea
FREEDOM DREAMS Music Dancers
“On My Way to Harlem” Gregory Porter Alex J. Gordon as “JP” with The Ensemble
HOW PUSH CAME TO SHOVE: (World Premier 2009) Choreographer Music Musical Arrangements Soloist Dancers
Ray Mercer Craig Armstrong L. Steven Taylor Amelia Dietz Alexis Amos & Alex J. Gordon, Amelia Dietz & Tony DeBerry YooJung Hahm & John e. Roberts / Davry Ratcliffe
Ray Mercer (Choreographer) first trained at the University of New Orleans, continuing with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (Chicago), Alvin Ailey American Dance School, and Broadway Dance Center (NY). He was a member of Detroit City Dance Company, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater and guested with Boston Ballet and Joel Hall Dancers. Receiving the Michigan Dance Council Award and Chicago’s Black Theater Alliance Award as resident choreographer for the All-City Dance Companies in Detroit and Chicago, he has been commissioned by Dallas Black Dance Theater, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, and DRA: Dancers Responding to Aids/New York. His career includes work with Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, Stephanie Mills, Kevin “Iega” Jeff, George Faison and Louis Johnson.
EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE: (World Premiere 1975)
In memory of Manzell Senters, former member of the Repertory Dance Theatre, University of Utah Choreographer Cleo Parker Robinson Music Quincy Jones Soloist Amelia Dietz / Ralaya S. Goshea
CATHARSIS: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (World Premiere 2017)
“Catharsis” address how each of us comes to terms with our emotional state. In order to come back to a neutral state, there must be moments of release, of purging, of letting go. Choreographer Music Lighting Design Assistant to the Choreographer Dancers
Garfield Lemonius David Lang, Ezio Bosso, Arvo Pärt Trey “Trezie” Grimes Jasmine Francisco Alexis Amos & Alex J. Gordon Theresa Berger & John e. Roberts / Davry Ratcliffe Bria Jarna Tyner & Martez McKinzy YooJung Hahn / Chloe Able & Tony DeBerry
Garfield Lemonius (Choreographer) is an Associate Professor, Chair of Dance and Associate Artistic Director in the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University. Holding a BFA in dance and education from York University and a Master of Fine Arts in dance from Southern Methodist University, he has performed as a principal dancer and soloist throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Garfield has worked with renowned choreographers world-wide, as well as serving on numerous advisory, leadership, and development boards, committees and panels including Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing Arts and the annual International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference. He currently serves on the steering committee for the National High School Dance Festival and the advisory board for the Pittsburgh Dance Council. His teaching career spans a myriad of performing arts high schools, university dance programs, and summer dance institutes both nationally and internationally. His choreography can now be seen in the repertory of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, the Conservatory Dance Company at Point Park University, Newtown High School for the Performing Arts in Sydney, Australia and Thodos Dance Chicago, among others. Mr. Lemonius continues to teach and choreograph across the U.S., Canada and Australia. INTERMISSION
SPIRITUAL SUITE: (World Premiere 1971 – 1985)
Inspired by Ms. Parker Robinson’s early childhood years in the gospel church in Dallas, Texas, “Spiritual Suite” is dedicated to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in memory of Ms. Parker Robinson’s brother, John Whalon Parker Jr. who passed to the ancestors at the age of 19. Choreographer Original Costume Design Original Lighting Design Lighting Adaptations
Cleo Parker Robinson Cleo Parker Robinson, Martha Parker, Ronnie Whittaker Jonathon “JP” Parker, Reina Parker Trey “Trezie” Grimes
THE OLD RUGGED CROSS Musical Director Voices Piano MOURNIN’ SON Choreographer Music Dancer
Daryl J. Walker The Jonathan Parker Legacy Ensemble Jodel Charles Cleo Parker Robinson Taj Mahal “Sounder”, Donald Byrd “Cristo Redentor” Chloe Abel
SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE A MOTHERLESS CHILD Music Musical Director Soloist Dancer MARY DON’T YOU WEEP Music Poem Preacher Dancers
Tommy Tipton Daryl J. Walker Mary Louise Lee Martez McKinzy
Eric Gale “The Women Gather” Nikki Giovanni Davry Ratcliffe Chloe Abel, Theresa Berger, Ralaya S. Goshea
HOLY MOSES Music Dancers
Tony DeBerry, Martez McKinzy, Davry Ratcliffe Aretha Franklin Tony DeBerry, Martez McKinzy, Davry Ratcliffe
ROLL ME THROUGH THE RUSHES LIKE MOSES Music Soloist Dancers
Chaka Khan Theresa Berger The Ensemble
TO MY FATHER’S HOUSE Music Edwin Hawkins Singers, The Voices of East Harlem Musical Director Daryl J. Walker Piano Jodel Charles Bass Ron Hicks Voices Mary Louise Lee and Jonathon Parker Legacy Ensemble Preacher Davry Ratcliffe Witness Alexis Amos Deacons Tony DeBerry, Martez McKinzy, John e. Roberts Deaconesses Amelia Dietz, Ralaya S. Goshea, YooJung Hahn, Bria Jarna Tyner Choir Alex J. Gordon, Jessica Horton, Katie Weigman^ Gabriella Shead*, Victoria Shead^, Ajala Way* Congregation Theresa Berger, Ralaya S. Goshea, Jessica Horton Chloe Grant, Meadow Contrerras**, Natalie Drummond*, Tamia Fair* Naturelle Garcia-Taylor**, Lily McKenna**, Zinnia McKenna** Max Nelson-Steinhoff*, Isabelle Thornton**, Emily Tobar**
*Cleo Parker Robinson Youth Ensemble **Cleo Parker Robinson Junior Youth Ensemble ^ Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Guest Artists Program content, order, and casting are subject to change without prior notice. Audio and/or video recordings of any type, including cell phone and tablets are not permitted without prior written consent from Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Failure to obtain this permission may result in confiscation of recordings, footage and equipment.
Chloe Abel: 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. After one season with Cleo II, Ms. Abel is now in her sixth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and is Rehearsal Director for the Ensemble. Alexis Amos: A native of Lafayette, LA, Ms. Amos began training at age sixteen as a student of Lafayette High’s performing arts academy, as well as The Ballet Studio in Milton, La. where she studied under Beverly Spell. She later became a LeapN’Learn certified ballet instructor and performed in three of her own original ballets. Furthering her training at The Ailey School and The School of Nashville Ballet, she earned a University of Louisiana B.S. in Exercise Science. After graduating and becoming a member of Cleo II, she is now in her second season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.
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 pre-professional 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 second season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble after one season as an apprentice, she is also a faculty member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance.
Tony DeBerry: A native of Cleveland, Ohio and graduate of Bowling Green State University, Mr. DeBerry holds a Bachelors’ of Science in Education. As an educator for Cuyahoga Community College Performance Artist Academy, and the Cleveland School of the Arts, he collaborated with the City of Cleveland Department of Recreation as choreographer and counselor to inner city youth. He has performed for the NAACP, United Black Funds, Canton Symphony. Following one season as a member of Cleo II, Mr. DeBerry is now an instructor in the CPRD Academy of Dance and is in his first season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.
Amelia Dietz: First training at Barbara Baker School and BalletMet Columbus, Ms. Dietz continued her studies at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, Northern Ballet Theatre in Leeds, England, American Repertory Ballet and The Ailey School. She was awarded the BalletMet Mary Fuller Scholarship Award, and for four seasons was a member of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Second Company, having received a BFA in Dance from Wright State University. This is Ms. Dietz’s sixth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble where she also serves as Academy Administrator of the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance and liaison to Metropolitan State University Denver. Alex J. Gordon: Originally from Beaumont, TX, Mr. Gordon began his formal dance training at Washington University in St. Louis, receiving his BA in architecture and minor in modern dance. While in college, he joined The Slaughter Project Dance company and guested with numerous Saint Louis based companies and performance artists. After attending the ADF (American Dance Festival) on a work-study scholarship, he joined The Missouri Contemporary Ballet in Columbia, where he also became the resident costume designer. He guested as a dancer and costume designer for Deeply Rooted Young Choreographers Showcase This is Mr. Gordon’s first season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. 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 Bachelor’s in Performing Arts. She has performed with the Brown Dance Project, Patterson Rhythm and Pace, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, SMAGDance Company and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC). She choreographed a full concert for Triple Threat Productions Company of Rochester, Michigan, and set a work on the University of Dayton’s Dance Ensemble. A member of Cleo II for two seasons, she is now in her fifth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.
YooJung Hahm: Born in Seoul, Korea, Ms. Hahm began her training with the Muyoungnara academy in Ilsan, Korea. Her studies in a myriad of techniques also included the Seoul Arts High School and the Korea National University of Arts in Korea. Near the conclusion of her studies at the KNUA, 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 second season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.
Cedric Dewayne Hall: 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 eleventh 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.
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 from 2009-2011, and as a post-graduate, was a counselor for Summerdance with Ballet Academy East in New York. A member of Cleo II and an apprentice to the Ensemble for two seasons,second season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, is on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance, and serves as Director of the CPRD Youth Ensemble. Martez McKinzy: Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, 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 for one season each, he is now in his second season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.
Davry Ratcliffe: Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Ratcliffe began training at Fort Hayes Performing Arts MEC under Marva “China” White (Dance Theatre of Harlem) in the Pre-Professional program. He has been involved in creating multiple productions and 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 second season as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and on faculty with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance.
John e. Roberts: Born and raised in St. Louis, Mr. Roberts first trained there at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) and subsequently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts (BFA) from the University of Missouri Kansas-City (UMKC) Conservatory with an emphasis in Dance Performance and Choreography. His training has also included 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). This is Mr. Roberts first season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. Bria Jarna Tyner: A native of Fairfield, AL, Ms. Tyner began her dance training at The Ebony Arrington Dance and Performance School of Birmingham, AL, studying for ten yearss under the direction of Ebony Arrington and Bronze McGhee. Continuing her training for three more years at The Pointe Dance Arts under Angela Walker before studying under Cornelius Carter at the University of Alabama, she received her BFA in Dance. This is Ms. Tyner’s second season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and she is also a faculty member with the Cleo Parker Robinson Academy of Dance.
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 and The Administrative and Technical Staff of THE NEWMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
We also thank the following for their extraordinary support of this production. Artreach Martha Benson Pat Brooks
Jonathon “JP” Parker (In memoriam) Martha Parker (In memoriam) Reina Parker and Family Amber Peneaux Presenting Denver Publication Printers
Colorado High School Activities Association (Tom Robinson)
Malik and Vianey Robinson
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Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD)
Robertta Freeman (In memoriam)
Rhetta and Kenny Shead
The Robinson Family
Rachel Harding
Rocky Mountain PBS
KCFR 90.1 FM Colorado Public Radio/ Colorado Matters (Ryan Warner)
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Leslie Sue Parker Wallace and James Wallace
Stan and Chris Obert
Letitia Williams
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