Experience Breathtaking Dance Performances by Denver-based Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
Internationally Esteemed Dance Organization Receives Top Honors in Washington D.C., plans upcoming performances in Denver
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance founder and artistic director Cleo Parker Robinson attended the ceremony as a founding member of IABD along with representatives of the four other founding organizations | Photography by Cleo Parker Robinson
Celebrating the art of dance is a passion for Cleo Parker Robinson, founder, artistic director, and choreographer of Denver-based Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. The world-renowned master dance teacher was recently honored at the White House, alongside a group of esteemed recipients, with the National Medal of the Arts. Robinson received the award from President Joe Biden in recognition of her work with The International Association of Blacks in Dance, an organization that promotes dance by people of African ancestry or origin.
2018 CPRD Spring Concert Carmen – Carmen Chloe Abel | Photo by Stan Obert
Robinson’s love of dance started early in life. The Denver-born dancer turned to this creative outlet to escape from health issues and the emotional challenges of racism in the 1950’s. At the young age of 15, Robinson was teaching University level dance classes at the University of Colorado. Robinson founded the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in 1970, with the mission to “use the universal language of dance to honor the African Diaspora, explore the human condition, champion social justice, unite people of all ages, and ultimately celebrate the complexity of life through movement,” as stated on the company’s website. The Denver institution, based in the Five Points neighborhood, offers technique and movement classes to students of all ages and abilities.
The International Association of Blacks in Dance Co-Founder Cleo Parker Robinson attends White House ceremony March 21, 2023; medal presented by President Joe Biden
The talented dance ensemble will marry their dance moves with music from the Colorado Symphony during a performance that pays tribute to Robinson and her decades-long passion for community, art and dance. “The collaboration with the Colorado Symphony features excerpts from Aida, Porgy and Bess, Firebird, and Carmen,” explains Patricia B. Smith of OnTarget Public Relations. The performance will take place at the Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver on Thursday, March 30th at 7:30 pm.
The International Association of Blacks in Dance Co-Founder Cleo Parker Robinson accepts medal along with representatives of the four other founding organizations
The ensemble is also preparing to wow their Denver audience with their spring concert, Legacy, From the Masters to New Voices. The performance will take place May 12th – 14th at the Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre. For further information, visit https cleoparkerdance.org or email tickets@cleoparkerdance.org.
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
119 Park Ave. W
Denver, CO 80205
