Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

What a beautiful video to share the story of our new CPRD Center for the Healing Arts!

As many folks see and feel when walking into our new space, the concept of "Sankofa" is designed into the way we connect the legacy of our beloved state and federal landmark, the Historic Shorter AME Facility, and the new space. The West African bird icon has feet moving forward with head turned back to know where you are going and from where you come.

There is a throughline of legacy in two dancers in this video: Professor Emeritus Gary Abbott who danced in the CPRD Ensemble for 10 years, taught at the University of Missouri Kansas City's dance program, co-founded Deeply Rooted Dance Theater in Chicago...AND is a Guggenheim Fellow! Many of you remember seeing Max Nelson-Steinhoff grow up on our stage...he spent most o his life in the CPRD Academy (his mother took classes here too, and younger sister is currently a student). Max is now a professional member of the CPRD Ensemble after graduating from Gary Abbott's program, and is in his second season.

The legacy of dance excellence continues...take movement classes with us for health and wellbeing, become a student, or join our training track to be a professional. Our CPRD Village has many options for you. https://cleoparkerdance.org/academy/

See Max, the CPRD Ensemble, Cleo II...and Gary Abbott's World Premiere work onstage in "Caribe" September 19 and 20 at The Ellie! You won't want to miss any of it! https://cleoparkerdance.org/tickets

✨ Dancing with the Denver Stars is happening THIS Saturday! ✨ Get to know some of the incredible Stars behind Dancing with the Denver Stars! 

For 16 years, this amazing organization has brought our Denver community together to celebrate incredible talent, inspiring stories, and the Stars who make it all possible. 💜

We’re so excited to celebrate another unforgettable year with our Denver community! In the meantime, enjoy this fun behind-the-scenes look at some of this year’s Stars. 🌟 See you Saturday! 🎉
 DenverStars

Gary Abbott is brilliant, caring, and endlessly innovative. ✨

Gary spent 10 seasons with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble before co-founding Deeply Rooted with Kevin Iega Jeff. Over the years, he has created incredible work for the Ensemble, including our beloved Kwanza and Junkanoo in “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” and “Sweet Rea”.

This year, we are thrilled to announce that Gary is the second recipient of the Tom Robinson Innovation Fund! 🎉He will premiere a brand-new work with us at our Fall Concert, Caribe, this September! 🌴✨
Come experience this spectacular world premiere and celebrate Gary’s artistry, vision, and innovation with us.

🎟️ Get your tickets now, you won’t want to miss it!

Caribe is just a few weeks away! ✨

We’re thrilled to welcome Robert Bain, Director of the National Dance Company of the Bahamas and formerly of Dance Theatre of Harlem. He has joined us to choreograph an exciting new work premiering at our Fall Concert.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with rhythm, energy, culture, and history. This one-of-a-kind collaboration is not to be missed! 🔥
🎟️ Get your tickets TODAY and experience Caribe!

✨ 56 Years of Power. Beauty. Passion. ✨

For 56 years, Denver’s premier dance company, The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, has been a powerful force in celebrating culture, community, and the transformative art of dance. We are honored to carry forward and preserve the legacy of the many dance icons who paved the way before us, while inspiring and empowering the next generation of artists.

Rooted in Denver’s historic Five Points community, our organization continues to use dance as a bridge between generations. Teaching our young dancers not only the art form, but also the rich history, resilience, and spirit of the community we call home.

Don’t forget to buy tickets for our Fall concert, Caribe. A breathtaking bridge between the spirit of the Caribbean and the heart of Colorado ✨

September 19 & 20 | Ellie Caulkins Opera House