Warmest greetings from the entire Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Village:
Tonight, as we celebrate our 53rd Anniversary Season, we welcome you with the deepest appreciation to “Celebrating the Divas of Music” - our 13th Annual “Dancing with the Denver Stars (DWTDS)!” Some of Denver’s most prominent business, civic and community leaders are performing in support of the diverse educational and community programming of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD). Bravo to these extraordinary Stars, whose generosity of time and resources have a profound effect throughout the Front Range!
This past season has been vital and vibrant as our various Ensembles and the CPRD Education Team provided performances, workshops, master classes and residencies to over 40,000 people in over 150 venues across the state, the nation and around the world. We held our 5th Annual Creative Academy and 29th Annual International Summer Dance Institute (ISDI), enabling students to advance their dance studies with exceptional master teachers from around the country, including some special international guests from Oslo, Norway. Our year-round Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Academy continues to thrive with over 800 students of all ages and levels of abilities receiving extraordinary training. Each of these programs (and their respective scholarships) continue to expand, largely sustained through the support of tonight’s Stars and all of you attending this evening - both in person in the ballroom and virtually from home.
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 do we share the power, passion, and beauty of movement throughout the Front Range in teaching residencies, but we also enable hundreds of K-12 students to attend special performances of our major concerts and other special dance events created specifically for them. For many of these students, this is their first opportunity to experience professional dance, live music, and spoken word, whether from a theatre seat or on a computer screen. Their enthusiastic appreciation of these opportunities is motivating and inspirational to all of us – now, more than ever!
We extend our deepest thanks to our Event Co-Chairs, Hollie Velasquez Horvath (Regional Vice President, Xcel Energy) and Jerome Davis (Executive Vice-President, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce), along with the members of our DWTDS Steering Committee (led by CPRD Board Chair, Gwen Brewer), as well as the CPRD Board of Directors and Advisory Board, Executive Director Malik Robinson, the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Cleo II, Youth Ensemble, our staff, interns and volunteers – all working tirelessly on every detail of “DWTDS” to ensure both a memorable event and a successful outcome in meeting this year’s financial goals to sustain and nurture CPRD’s educational and community programming for the coming scholastic year. Special thanks as well to the incredible Hilton Denver City Center staff who have worked so closely with our Gala team.
We sincerely thank all of you for your continued advocacy and commitment. We look forward to advancing our goals of providing the most diverse and comprehensive cultural arts programming in the Western United States. Tonight’s Stars are performing with boundless excitement and glamour for this “Celebration of the Divas of Music”! Let’s keep the wonder alive, recognizing our creative selves and nurturing that spirit in others so that everyone, young and old, of every culture and background, can truly step forward to a bright new day, filled with opportunity, compassion, and love!
In the Spirit of Dance,
Good evening, and welcome to the 13th Anniversary of Dancing with the Denver Stars!
This special event is at once the chief fundraiser for our Arts-inEducation programs as well as the star-studded dance showcase of the year featuring community and business leaders! The 2023 Denver Stars have dedicated the past couple of months to perfecting their routines in the spirit of this year’s theme, Celebrating the Divas of Music, and like the goddesses of music, they will not disappoint!
For 13 years, Dancing with the Denver Stars has provided critical support that has enabled Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) to expand and deepen arts-in-education work throughout the Denver metropolitan area. This year, your support is needed more than ever to maintain a robust approach to work to complement the work of teachers both during and after-school hours. In May, we proudly announced the public phase of our capital campaign to support the construction of a new state-of-theart education and performance center adjacent to our current home. This project will enable CPRD to serve thousands more students through vastly improved, 21st century facilities. We are relying on community partnership to support this new vision while we keep 100% of our programs in operation.
We are so very fortunate to have two longstanding community champions and friends, Hollie Velasquez Horvath and Jerome Davis, as the 2023 Event Co-Chairs. I also extend a special thanks to the CPRD Ensemble who are as dynamic performers as they are educators. To be clear, CPRD is anchored by the generosity and expert guidance of the Board of Directors and Advisory Committee who support a small but mighty staff. On behalf of all of us, thank you for being partners in transformative community work.
Malik Robinson Gwen Brewer Executive Director Chair, CPRD Board Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Chair, Gala Steering CommitteeWelcome to the 13th Annual Dancing with the Denver Stars, presented by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. We are excited you are here with us this evening to share in the pride we have for these amazing artists and to celebrate our very own Denver community leaders. Tonight we are “Celebrating the Divas of Music,” women who have graced our lives during pivotal moments of change in our American culture using the power of their beautiful and strong voices.
Beyond the entertaining performances, Dancing with the Denver Stars is also an opportunity to make a positive impact. We are proud to share that all monies raised from this evening will go directly towards supporting the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Arts-in-Education programs. These funds will provide subsidies and scholarships to students and youth in all 7 Metro Denver counties. Cleo Parker Robinson, an icon in the world of dance, has tirelessly devoted her life to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of artists through these transformative programs. Your presence and support tonight contribute to their growth and continuation.
We thank you for attending tonight's event. We also want to thank the members of the Dancing with the Denver Stars Steering Committee (led by CPRD Board Chair Gwen Brewer), the CPRD Board of Directors and Advisory Board, Executive Director Malik Robinson, the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Cleo II, Youth Ensemble and Junior Youth Ensemble, Rhetta Shead, Hillary Harding and the entire CPRD staff for their hard work and support.
Let’s dance and sing the night away and support this amazing organization doing amazing things in our community.
We hope you will enjoy this evening as much as we will!
Hollie Velasquez Horvath Jerome Davis Regional Vice President Executive Vice President
Xcel Energy - Colorado
Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
PresidentDenver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation
Meet Shed G, one of the hottest and blessed entertainers to hail from Denver Colorado. Shedrick Garrett is a 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
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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.
He now resides in dallas and is becoming one of the most requested for events In the Metroplex.
Follow Him On All Social Media Platforms @ShedG
For 53 years, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance has been committed to teaching and educating. Cleo's vision has always been to bring Denver to the World, and the World to Denver.
Each year, CPRD educators teach in classrooms, lunchrooms and recreation facilities across the Denver Metro area, as well as in our Academy. The professional teaching team shares dance, movement, culture and joy with students of every background.
In the past 5 years, CPRD education programs have;
s Served a quarter million people in schools
s Had 3,574 engagements at 732 programs
s Provided stipends to 47% of our school partners
s Created 7 new school-age based programs focused on movement and engaging conversations on equity and social justice
s Launched an early childhood education curriculum and partnered with Metropolitan State University at Denver to create a Dance
"We so appreciate you all continuing to try to make things work for everybody. Many families benefit from all of the talent within CPRD!!" – School partner that Gala funds subsidize
"I love the mission of CPRD and the tremendous influence the organization has, particularly on children. It is always my pleasure to have the opportunity to support such an impactful organization. Thanks to everyone at CPRD for all you do every day to change the world for the better!"
- AIE supporterFunds from the 13th Anniversary of Dancing with The Denver Stars delivers art, movement, multiculturalism, and dance to schools across the Denver Metro Area. Schools of all sizes and budgets benefit from a sliding scale of fees and subsidies supplemented by tonight’s event.
Do you have a school that needs Dance, movement and culture?
Contact Shelby@cleoparkerdance.org
ADMINISTRATIVE and ARTISTIC STAFF
Cleo Parker Robinson Founder / Artistic Director
Winifred R. Harris Associate Artistic Director
Rhetta Shead Production Director
V ictoria Shead Johnston Stage Manager
Cedric D. Hall Cleo II Rehearsal Director
Ralaya S. Goshea Wardrobe Mistress
Chloé Grant Abel Makeup and Wardrobe Assistant to the Stars
DeBorah Powell Seamstress
Gabriela Maduro Props Mistress
Trey Grimes Technical Director
Conor Morford Camera Operator
Anastazia Coney Camera Operator
Paulina Nunez Camera Operator
Jody Gilbert (Kolorgraphix) Playbill Design
Mary Hart Playbill Editor / Volunteers Coordinator
Amelia Dietz-Rowe Media Design
Micah Bursh Social Media Coordinator
Pat Smith (OnTarget) Public Relations
Stan Obert CPRD Photographer
B ernard Grant CPRD Photographer
Shed G
Master of Ceremony
Cleo Parker Robinson
Mistress of Ceremony
Hollie Velasquez Horvath and Jerome Davis
Co-Chairs, Dancing with the Denver Stars
Introduced by Student Ambassadors
Andre Alcala and Fransia Jusu with
Lisa McMillon, Kindergarten Teacher, Ponderosa Elementary School
CPRD Ensemble, Cleo II, Youth Ensemble and Junior Youth Ensemble
Jane and Skip Netzorg
Honorary Co-Chairs, Dancing with the Denver Stars
Grand Entrance of Denver Stars
The Denver Stars, Act 1
Cody Field, Gabby Maduro/Sadie Sandoval
Laura Nieto and Cedric Hall
Naquetta Ricks and Melvin Sutton
Meredith Leighty and Corey Boatner
Michelle Griego and Michael Battle
Kelly Flenniken and Samuel Gaines
Malik Robinson
Executive Director, CPRD
Gwen Brewer
CPRD Board Chair
Chair, Gala Steering Committee
Introduced by Student Ambassadors
Gianna Garcia and Amelia Nelson-Steinhoff
Arts-in-Education Video
Paddle Raise
Reggie Rivers
The Denver Stars, Act 2
Dakeana Jones-Bishop and Devrae Jefferson
Brian Holland and Samiyah Lynnice
Brian Vogt and Caeli Blake
Chris Ross and Jasmine Francisco
Maisha Fields and Tyveze Littlejohn
Lauren Guthrie and Lamar Rogers
Terrell Davis and Rai Goshea
Closing Remarks and Special Acknowledgements
2023 CORPORATE PARTNERS
Special thank you to our 2023 Chairs & Presenting Sponsors
Xcel Energy and Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
DANCE OF FAITH SPONSORS
AllHealth Network
Alpine Bank
Amazon Arts Alliance
Butler Snow
CHFA
City of Denver
City of Northglenn
CoBank
Colorado State University
Delta Eta Boule
Denver Art Museum
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Dr. Reggie and Faye Washington
Empower
Farley Health Policy Center
Janus Henderson
Lonnie Porter
Mortenson Construction
Safeway
Southwest Airlines
The Denver Zoo & DCPA
The Equity Project US Bank
Vectra Bank
Xcel Energy
EVENT CHAIRS
Hollie Velasquez Horvath and Jerome Davis
DINNER COMMITTEE
Ann and Hal Logan
Cleo Parker Robinson
Gwen and Moses Brewer
In Memory of Jim Wallace
Lisa Levin Appel
Malik Robinson & Olga Gonzalez, table 1
Zelda DeBoyes
Ivan Burwell
Kim Bimestefer and Sara Wahls
Maude Lofton
GALA STEERING COMMITTEE
Gwen Brewer
Cleo Parker Robinson
Hillary Harding
Rhetta Williams Shead
Trey Grimes
VIDEOGRAPHER
Lawrence Alexander
Reflections in Video Productions, Inc.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Jody Gilbert
KOLORGRAPHIX
ADMINISTRATIVE and ARTISTIC STAFF
Cleo Parker Robinson Founder / Artistic Director
Malik Robinson E xecutive Director
Rhetta Shead Director of Administration
Hillary Harding Director of Development
Shelby Jarosz Senior Director of Programs and Education
John Byers Director of Operations
Tobias Juniel Director of Advocacy and Engagement
Mary Hart Director of Booking and Touring
Amelia Dietz-Rowe Marketing Manager
Micah Bursh Marketing Communications Specialist
Kollin Payne Grants Manager
V ictoria Shead Johnston Academy Manager
Shawnee De Christopher Youth Enrichment Coordinator
Amandine Aubertot Academy Administrative Assistant
Michael Battle Academy Administrative Assistant
Gabriela Maduro Academy Administrative Assistant
Trey Grimes Technical Director
Anastazia Coney Theatre Lead Technician / Rental Assistant
Conor Morford Theatre Lead Technician / Rental Assistant
Patricia Smith OnTarget Public Relations
S ylvia Lambe L ambe PR
ARTISTIC STAFF
Winifred R. Harris Associate Artistic Director
Chloé Grant Abel Ensemble Rehearsal Director
Cedric D. Hall Cleo II Rehearsal Director
Jessica Horton Youth Ensemble Director
Jasmine Francisco Junior Youth Ensemble Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gwen Brewer Chair
Cleo Parker Robinson Founder / Artistic Director
Malik Robinson E xecutive Director
Tyrone Gant Treasurer
Debbie Herrera V ice Chair
Shale Wong V ice Chair
Lisa Levin Appel, Toni Baruti, Christopher Cardenas, Darryl Collier, Tim Davis, Demesha Hill, Lisa Hogan, Robert Thompson, J. Matt Thornton, Josett Valdez, Alfred Walker, Jennifer Wozniak.
EMERITUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Judge Raymond Dean Jones J.D.* Chairman Emeritus, Les Franklin, Helen Franzgrote Marceline Freeman, Rosalind “Bee” Harris, Eric Hughes, Henry Lowenstein, Nancy McClosky, Dawn Nakamura-Kessler, Edmond “Buddy” Noel , Schyleen Qualls Brown * Tom Robinson * Lester Ward, Faye & Reggie Washington. *Founding Members of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
