2022 Dancing With The Denver Stars Program Book - Cleo Parker Robinson Dance 12th Annual Gala!

Warmest greetings from Cleo and the entire Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Village: Tonight, as we celebrate our 52nd Anniversary Season, we welcome you with the deepest appreciation to this “Night of Wonder!” - our 12th 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 livestream and in-person 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 4th Annual Creative Academy and 28th Annual International Summer Dance Institute (ISDI), enabling students to advance their dance studies in person with exceptional master teachers from around the country, including some special CPRD Ensemble alums. 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, Dr. Janine Davidson (President, Metropolitan State University) and Ms. Danielle Shoots (New Community Transformation Fund – Denver), 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 on this “Night of Wonder!”. 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 2022 Dancing with the Denver Stars!

We feel very fortunate to come together in person at top capacity this year. There is really no substitute for seeing you fully and feeling your energy fill the space.

Tonight marks the 12th anniversary of this special event that is a culmination of weeks of minds and bodies hard at work, mastering routines and perhaps for some rediscovering the joy of movement. The 2022 Denver Stars have jumped both feet first into the theme “A Night of Wonder,” performing to the timeless catalogue of Stevie Wonder hits. When each of them touch the stage, let’s make sure they feel our full support with applause and cheers. They’ve already earned it!

At the heart of Dancing with the Denver Stars is the critical support for the arts-in-education work Cleo Parker Robinson Dance conducts in communities throughout the Denver metropolitan area. Your support directly subsidizes our work in schools where more than 60% of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch, an indicator for families living on low income. While we celebrate our collective perseverance and resolve to carry forward, we must also recognize that we are still very much in the process of restoration and healing while addressing the learning loss over the past two years.

More than 80% of teachers report spending more time addressing mental health issues and 81% report an increase in the workload due to staff shortages. Propelled by your support at the paddle raise, our cadre of teaching artists continue to meet the demand for community partners needed to complement the work of teachers both during and after-school hours.

We are so very fortunate to have not one but two longstanding community partners and friends, Dr. Janine Davidson and Danielle Shoots, as the 2022 Event Co-Chairs. We also extend a special thanks to the CPRD Ensemble for working diligently with our Star Dancers. This work begins with a base of support that includes the CPRD Board of Directors, Advisory Committee and staff. On behalf of all of us, thank you to our corporate sponsors, contributors, supporters and friends for being a part of this wonderful evening.

Sincerely, Malik Robinson, Executive Director Gwen Brewer, Board Chair Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

A warm welcome to all those attending (both in person and virtually) this year’s Dancing with the Denver Stars celebrating the 52nd anniversary of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance! CPRD has served as an unwavering beacon of inspiration and hope in our community and beyond, serving more than 25,000 youth each year with unique in and after-school Arts-in-Education Programs. The funds raised this evening will allow CPRD to provide subsidies and scholarships to students and youth in all 7 Metro Denver counties. This support is needed now more than ever as our youth continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of our country.

After years of supporting Cleo, I had the immense honor of dancing in DWTDS in 2021 and seeing firsthand the world class talent of the dancers and the staff. It was an incredible experience, but I am happy to be back in the spectator’s seat this year and supporting instead through my role as co-chair of this event! In the past year I have transitioned into a new role as Managing Partner and Managing Director of The New Community Transformation Fund – Denver, a venture capital fund for BIPOC businesses in Colorado. I am thrilled to continue to partner with CPRD as we work alongside one another for the thriving of our community. Please join me in giving your full support to the mission and vision of this extraordinary organization – the future of lives and communities depend on it.

Finally, a huge thank you to the stellar CPRD staff for their work to pull off what I know will be another dazzling event! Thanks also to the CPRD board of directors, advisory committee, my event co-chair Dr. Janine Davidson, and of course our sponsors and supporters. Now sit back and enjoy the show!

In partnership, Danielle Shoots Managing Director and Partner The New Community Transformation Fund

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance’s premier event, the Dancing with the Denver Stars Gala, is not only one of the most fun events of year but is the city’s foremost arts-in-education fundraiser. I’m excited to share with you the experience I had the fortune of being a part of as one of those dancing Denver stars back in 2019. Witnessing firsthand not only the world-class talent but the comprehensive understanding of the dance world CPRD provides, my eyes were opened to how movement can be used to further mutual understanding of the complexities of life.

MSU Denver is proud to partner with CPRD to help our students gain demonstrable programmatic leadership skills, including teaching, internships and other opportunities in community programs and schools. We share the mutual goal of maximizing employment in the arts, and the access to cross-discipline career-building expertise CPRD provides is unparalleled. Dance also serves as a vehicle for personal empowerment for many of our students, giving them leadership skills so highly prized by employers in all fields. As one student recently put it, “I’m not always great at speaking my feelings, but through dance I’ve been able to find my voice.”

More than a dance academy, CPRD is a cultural ambassador, infusing vitality, innovation and education into our community. Thanks in part to the support of visionaries like you, CPRD provides dance and movement education in schools across the Denver metro area, using the power of dance to enrich the lives of our next generation.

You have the vision, the knowledge, the wherewithal and the experience to help pave our way into the future. I ask you to stay engaged and help CPRD continue to shape the future of the arts in Colorado and beyond.

Sincerely, Janine Davidson, Ph.D President of Metropolitan State University of Denver Co-Chair, Dancing with the Denver Stars Gala

2022 CORPORATE PARTNERS Special thank you to our 2022 Chairs & Presenting sponsors Metropolitan State University of Denver The New Community Transformation Fund

DANCE OF LIFE SPONSORS Safeway Southwest Airlines Xcel Energy Colorado DANCE OF PASSION SPONSORS CHFA Mortenson Construction DANCE OF GRACE SPONSORS Denver Art Museum Empower Janus Henderson DANCE OF FAITH SPONSORS CoBank Comcast Denver Museum of Nature and Science Dr. Reggie and Faye Washington Eugene S. Farley, Jr. Health Policy Center The Crowley Foundation Porter Billups Leadership Academy Norman Harris US Bank Vectra Bank

EVENT CHAIRS Danielle Shoots Dr. Janine Davidson DINNER COMMITTEE Bespoke & Justin W. Ball Celia Dietrich/Dietrich Partners City of Aurora Cleo Parker Robinson Delta Eta Boulé Gwen and Moses Brewer In Memory of Jim Wallace Jametta White Kim Bimestefer & Sara Wahls Lisa Levin Appel Olga Gonzalez & Malik Robinson Maude Lofton Moving Ahead Danielle & Robert Thompson Zelda DeBoyes 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

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 G has opened up stages for many music artists of all genres 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 Becoming One Of The Most Requested For Events In The Metroplex.

Follow Him On All Social Media Platforms @ShedG

For 52 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

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Had 3,574 engagements at 732 programs

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Provided stipends to 47% of our school partners

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Created 7 new school-age based programs focused on movement and engaging conversations on equity and social justice 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 supporter Funds from the 12th 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

Shed G Master of Ceremony Cleo Parker Robinson Mistress of Ceremony

Malik Robinson Executive Director, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Gwen Brewer Chair, CPRD Board of Directors Chair, DWTDS Steering Committee

CPRD Ensemble, Cleo II, Youth Ensemble and Junior Youth Ensemble

Introduced by Naseer Frances Carpenter Safoora Carpenter Xareni Gonzalez-Robinson

Thomas Edward Robinson Tribute

VIDEO

Ximalma Gonzalez-Robinson Xareni Gonzalez-Robinson Dr. Janine Davidson Ms. Danielle Shoots Co-Chairs, Dancing with the Denver Stars Introduced by Diego Fonacier Zay’Ahni Jackson-Jones GRAND ENTRANCE The Denver Stars, Part 1 1. Megan Scremin & Corey Boatner 2. Debbie Herrera & Martez McKinzy 3. Georg Hill & Samiyah Lynnice 4. Dave Espinosa & Jasmine Francisco 5. Elizabeth “Liz” Gardner & Davry Ratcliffe 6. Miles Malone & Caeli Blake 7. Tori Mason & John Roberts

PADDLE RAISE Reggie Rivers The WONDERfuls Nancy Alterman Rene Garcia Lexi Miller Moira Morrison Marcia Romero The Denver Stars, Part 2 8. Zelda DeBoyes & Cedric D. Hall 9. Bee Harris & Tyveze Littlejohn 10. Romita Wadwa & Gabby Maduro 11. Cedric Pride & Topaz von Wood 12. Andrea Fulton & Jarrett Rashad 13. Kenneth Crowley, Sr. & Yoojung Hahm Closing Remarks and Special Acknowledgements

1st Annual DWTDS Event Chairs | Moses Brewer and John Wagner Honorary Chair | Sandy Wolf Dance 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010

Styles from Around the World Dawn Bookhardt Moses Brewer Louisa Collins Eric Lee Richard Lewis Donna Lynne Scott Mitchell Laura Nieto Jesse Ogas Sandra “Coco” Roberts-Taylor Rich Rogers Faye Washington Faye Wilson Tate

2nd Annual DWTDS Event Chairs | Donna Lynne and Richard Lewis Honorary Chairs | Dawn Bookhardt and Moses Brewer Salute 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011

to Ballroom Dance Styles Geta Asfaw Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis, Damon & Heather Barry Felix Burrows Jr Brenda W. Granger Charles “CJ” Johnson Tara LaBrie Danielle LaCabe Gregory Moore & Nina Henderson Moore Chuck Morris Murugan Palani Mike & Dawn Perez Nita Mosby Tyler

3rd Annual DWTDS Event Chairs | Lloyd Lewis & Jerome Davis Honorary Co-Chairs | Geta & Janice Asfaw and Elder & Brenda Granger Disco 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012

Lives!

Priya Burkett Verne Harris Kim Huskins Ken Johnson Lloyd & Kennedy Lewis Janice Turner Danielle Vaughn Quinn Washington Denver Police Chief Robert White

4th Annual DWTDS Event Chair | Janice Turner Corporate Chair | Priya Burkett Honorary Chairs | Gwen and Moses Brewer A Tribute to Michael Jackson 2013 Matthew Burkett 2013 State Rep. Rhonda Fields 2013 Demesha Hill Alumni Dance Only 2013 Cathy Kuo 2013 Mary Louise Lee 2013 Chris Martinez 2013 Kathy Nesbitt 2013 Frances & Monica Owens 2013 Ryan Ross 2013 Landri Taylor 2013 Hollie Velasquez-Horvath 5th Annual DWTDS Event Chair | Janice Turner Honorary Chair | Kathy Nesbitt A Night at the Grammys 2014 Albus Brooks 2014 Daphne Fink 2014 Jim Guttau 2014 Wanda Harris 2014 Steve Jordan 2014 Eddie Koen 2014 Kasia Iwaniczko MacKleod 2014 Elizabeth Oyekan 2014 Kirk Scheitler 2014 State Rep. Angela Williams 2014 Mollie Zimmerman 6th Annual DWTDS Event Chairs | Tim Davis, Susan France, James Kaiser, Hal Logan, Richard Male and Tina Walls Honorary Chair | Pat Cortez Ballroom Dance Styles 2015 Donna Baros 2015 Kim Bimestefer & Brent Brown 2015 Justin Cooper 2015 Hon. Crisanta Duran 2015 Hon. Michael B. Hancock 2015 Pastor Chris Hill 2015 Wy Livingston 2015 Isaiah Salazar 2015 Michael Sawaya 2015 Gloria Schoch 2015 Dee Wisor 2015 Jennifer Wozniak

ADMINISTRATIVE and ARTISTIC STAFF Cleo Parker Robinson Malik Robinson Rhetta Shead Hillary Harding Shelby Jarosz Tobias Juniel Winifred R. Harris Chloé Grant Abel Cedric Dewayne Hall Mary Hart Trey Grimes Amelia Dietz Victoria Shead Johnston Shawnee DeChristopher Jarrett Rashad Micah Bursh Pat Smith

Founder / Artistic Director Executive Director Director of Administration Director of Development Senior Director of Programs and Education Director of Advocacy and Engagement Associate Artistic Director Ensemble Rehearsal Director Cleo II Rehearsal Coordinator Director of Booking and Touring Technical Director Marketing Manager Academy Manager Assistant Academy Manager Programs Coordinator Marketing Associate Public Relations (OnTarget Public Relations)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gwen Brewer, Chair Cleo Parker Robinson *Founder / Artistic Director Malik Robinson, Executive Director Tyrone Gant, Treasurer Debbie Herrera, Vice Chair Shale Wong, Vice Chair

Lisa Levin Appel, Toni Baruti, Jehan Benton-Clark, Christopher Cardenas, Darryl Collier, Tim Davis, Demesha Hill, Lisa Hogan, Tony Price, Maria Sepulveda, Robert Thompson, J. Matt Thornton, Josett Valdez, Alfred Walker, Jennifer Wozniak

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 * (Deceased) John Wagner Lester Ward Faye & Reggie Washington * Founding members of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Board of Directors

7th Annual DWTDS Event Chairs | Dee Wisor and Gloria Shoch Honorary Chair | Governor John Hickenlooper Honoring Music Royalty 2016 Brian Allen 2016 Tracee Bentley 2016 Terrance Carroll 2016 Mark Clemency 2016 Eric Hiraga 2016 Lisa Hogan (Aerial) 2016 Courtney Hutchison 2016 Kim Locker 2016 Michelle Lucero 2016 Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz 2016 Monica Rosenbluth 2016 Simone Ross 2016 George Sparks 2016 Paul Washington 8th Annual DWTDS Event | Chair Kim Bimestefer Salute to Motown 2017 Jonathan Adelman 2017 John Bolger 2017 Ivan Burwell 2017 Evan Dreyer 2017 Scott Gilmore 2017 Ken Greene 2017 Bruce Johnson 2017 Dr. Johnny E. Johnson 2017 Britt Moreno 2017 Huy Pham 2017 Marcia Romero 2017 Janice Sinden 2017 Celia Dietrich Wattles

9th Annual DWTDS Event | Chairs George Sparks and Dr. Shandra Wilson A Night in Las Vegas 2018 Kristin Bronson 2018 Leslie Eaton 2018 Colleen Faddick 2018 Tyrone Gant

2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018

Patrick Heck Gov. John Hickenlooper Joel Hillan Alice Jackson Kelli Kelly Gloria Neal Amy Parsons Cliff Rigsbee Murphy Robinson

10th Annual DWTDS Event Chair | Celia Dietrich A Salute to Broadway 2019 Darryl Collier 2019 Dr. Janine Davidson 2019 Ashley Kilroy 2019 Ron Klump 2019 Maude Lofton 2019 Kynnie Martin 2019 David Mayhan 2019 Karen McNeil-Miller 2019 Mardi Moore 2019 Nikki Price 2019 Dianne Primavera 2019 Gisela Shanahan 2019 Quincy Shannon 11th Annual DWTDS Event Co-Chairs | Amy Parsons and Karen McNeil-Miller Hollywood in Black 2021 Justin Adams 2021 Abasi Baruti 2021 Gillian Bidgood 2021 Elias Diggins 2021 Ryan Harris 2021 Carlos Martinez 2021 Christian McGill 2021 Maja Rosenquist 2021 Danielle Shoots 2021 Kris Staaf 2021 Brooke Trammell 2021 Fabian Tunson