2024 Impact Report | Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Corey Boatner and Caeli Blake Photo Credit: Martha Wirth

Letter from the Board Chair

Dear Supporters,

What a remarkable year it has been for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD)! I’m thrilled to share the highlights of our 2024 journey, made possible by the dedication of our incredible community.

This year, we celebrated a milestone with the groundbreaking of a 25,000-square-foot addition to our headquarters in Denver’s historic Five Points Cultural District. This expansion reflects our vision for growth, sustainability, and stronger community connections.

Our Ensemble continues to shine nationally and internationally, embodying the powerful artistry that defines CPRD. Through our Arts-in-Education programs, we’ve reached over 25,000 students in 96 metro-area schools, with a focus on underserved communities.

Our Arts-in-Wellbeing program, developed with the Farley Health Policy Center, is helping students manage stress and express themselves through the arts. Additionally, the Mental Health is Wealth internship program offers paid development opportunities for youth aged 14–25, blending job skills with mental health education and artistic therapies.

We also raised $110,000 through the 14th Annual Dancing with the Denver Stars to support our Arts-inEducation and Arts-in-Wellbeing programs.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our Board, staff, Ensemble, Cleo II, and supporters like you. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us build a world where art, movement, and community thrive.

With deep gratitude,

Michael Battle Photo Credit: Martha Wirth

Gwen Brewer Chair, Board of Directors

Chloé Abel, “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” School Outreach Photo Credit: Amelia Dietz

“For me, the most potent part of the program was not having to work some impersonal job this summer. I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to be around these amazing people, and to be compensated for a joyful job being myself.”

Arts-in-Well-Being Program

- Arts-in-Wellbeing Student

Average long-term student outcomes: 1 poor 5 high

3.8

Feelings of Empathy

Feeling Accepted and United

4.4

3..8 4.0

1 - Poor

2021-2022

4.1

5 - High

2022-2023

2023-2024

ARTS-IN-WELLBEING

3.8

3.7

Average long-term student outcomes

3.5

Arts-in-Well-Being Program CPRD Ensemble, Dancing in the Streets, Vail Dance Festival Photo Credit: Ken Dig

“I remember taking Cleo’s classes in the early 1970s. I remain an admirer. Her success & achievements are spectacular - and she has created space for so many talented dancers & choreographers. She is a true Denver treasure. Thank you, Cleo Parker Robinson!”

- Former Studemt

This has been an incredible year in which we’ve made some major advancements towards our goal of expanding our existing facilities and strengthening our vision of an ever more vital community energized and uplifted through the arts.

For me, a major source of inspiration comes from our President and CEO, my son, Malik Robinson, along with our entire Administrative and Technical Staff, our Academy Faculty, our Board of Directors, and the brilliant artists of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble (CPRDE), Cleo II, and our Youth Ensembles. The entire Cleo Village continues to demonstrate outstanding dedication and commitment to our mission, and the highest level of excellence within the local, national, and international communities that we serve.

I was honored to be named as this year’s Rachel B. Noel Distinguished Visiting Professor at MSU Denver and had the privilege of teaching a series of master classes, culminating with a performance that saw both CPRDE and the student dancers of the MSU Dance program on stage. I was also moved to be part of the panel for the new book “Swans of Harlem”, co-authored by our dear friend and colleague Karlya Shelton-Benjamin, former member of Dance Theatre of Harlem.

Our Spring 2024 concert “Legacy: Opening the Way”, presented here in our own theatre, was a celebration of the path that has led to the expansion of our existing facilities.

We welcomed poet and CPRD co-founder, Schyleen Qualls, along with performances of works by David Rouseve, Winifred R. Harris (CPRD Associate Artistic Director) and two of my own works including “Spiritual Suite”.

Our Fall 2024 concert, “Black Orpheus” saw the reprise of two iconic works from our 54-year repertoire. We presented “Divinities” by choreographer Carlos dos Santos (a former CPRDE member), delving into the nuances of the Brazilian deities, the Orixas.

We also re-staged the work of Jelon Vieria, entitled “Orfeu Negro”, telling the classic story of Orpheus and Euridyce, but with a uniquely Afro-Brazilian perspective. We were also delighted to bring musicians from Bale’ Folclorico da Bahia to Denver, adding their incredible percussion and vocals to the concert.

As I reflect on this incredible season, I am continually uplifted by a renewed determination to continue to give voice to our young people, our families, our elders - to elevate each of us through the power, passion, and beauty of the arts. It is my hope that each of you will remain strong in mind, body, and spirit as we advance with a heightened sense of purpose - sharing peace, love, and respect within our communities and around the world.

In the spirit of dance,

Cleo Parker Robinson

Founder and Artistic Director

Cleo’s Corner — a note from our founder

Warmest greetings to you all,

Caeli Blake Photo Credit: Martha Wirth

By the Numbers Increase in scholarship funding for our summer camps Increase in Academy scholarships awarded

1,569

2023-2024 FINANCIALS

unduplicated Academy students served

96

Schools Served

15

Paid Interns

18

ANNUAL BUDGET GROWTH

Cities Toured

Jasmine Francisco Photo Credit: Martha Wirth

A Year Creating a Sense of Belonging and Sparking Inspiration a letter from the President and CEO

Seasons Greetings, Cleo’s Village!

This time of year is well known for its layers. Yes, the ritual dusting off of the fall wardrobe to work that favorite sweater and vest into rotation, and I am also calling to mind the volume of activities that are layered onto our daily calendars. At CPRD, the Fall season ushers in a full array of Ensemble performances and tours along with school residencies for the Education Team in addition to 60+ weekly Academy classes that stretch into the evenings.

This layering is characteristic of the season, and yet, this year is distinctly different. After several years of quietly building our campaign, the capital expansion project is underway, and we are working adjacent to a very active construction site! It makes for an electric atmosphere inside and outside the building.

For this review, I am excited to share that this Fall marks my 10th anniversary in an executive leadership role with the organization. When I took the helm, the organization was already doing extraordinary work, but the question of sustainability loomed over our heads. At the time, this exceptional work rested on the talent, grit, and dedication of three full-time administrative personnel. A decade ago, the team with support from the board and advisory members, set out in earnest to strengthen infrastructure, develop systems, and add depth to departments. A few highlights over the past ten years include establishing the Bachelor in Dance degree program in partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2015; operationalizing our technical theatre internships into the award-winning STREAM program in 2017; and forming the Arts Alliance for Health Equity – a statewide advocacy program – in partnership with the Farley Health Policy Center in 2020. Over this period of growth, CPRD expanded its administrative personnel by 200%, the budget increased from $1.4M to $2.5M, and programmatically, we scaled Arts-in-Education programs from serving 40 to 96 unduplicated schools along with thousands more students!

A few weeks ago, our capital project partners, Mortenson Construction, coordinated volunteers to reorganize our archives. Amidst mining material, we unearthed a vintage 1976 brochure describing philosophies, aspirations, weekly classes, and respective collaborations with the Denver Symphony, Ballet Folklorico Netzahualcoyotl, and Donald Byrd. The brochure also announced the debut international tour to Lagos, Nigeria for Festac 1977. Fast forward 48 years, in 2024 we collaborated with Balé Folklorico da Bahia in Black Orpheus, and our partnership with the Colorado Symphony continues to this day. The Ensemble toured in Mexico this November and we resume touring Sacred Spaces with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra in the new year! We cannot wait to see what the next 50+ years bring, with all of the growth and artistry on tap.

With excitement and gratitude, Malik Robinson President & CEO

CPRD Ensemble, “Catch Ah Fire” Vail Dance Festival 2024 Photo Credit: Christopher Duggan

CPRD Groundbreaking Ceremony 2024 Photo Credit: Kollin Payne

Groundbreaking & Capital Campaign Updates A new 25,000-square-foot wing will connect to our protected historic landmark building and solidify CRPD’s presence in historic Five Points.

Featuring: • New Theatre • New Reception Area • Full ADA Access • New Rehearsal Classroom and Office Space “We are so happy to see your success translate into the ability to expand into a new facility and we would like to participate in a small way by donating to your capital campaign.”

- Robin N.

Construction Costs Raised to Date

2024 Board of Directors Gwen Brewer

President Retired Educator

Debbie Herrera

Vice President Director of Human Resources, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority

Dr Shale Wong

Vice President Director, Eugene S Farley, Jr. Health Policy Center at CU Anshutz Medical Campus

Tyrone Gant, CTP

Treasurer SVP, Dir.,Treasury Mgt, Vectra Bank

Cleo Parker Robinson

Founder/Artistic Director, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Malik Robinson

President and CEO, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Alfred Walker

Retail Manager, Kroger Inc.

Chris Cardenas

SVP, Customer Services & Experience, Avangrid

Robert Thompson

VP, Mountain West Region, Comcast Business

2024 Marketing Committee Demesha Hill, Co-Chair Andrea Kalivas Fulton, Co-Chair FloraJane DiRienzo Kelli Hawthorne Smith Kelli Kelly Lexi Mueller Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd Jennifer Wozniak J. Matt Thornton

Lisa Levin Appel Retired

Lisa Hogan, Esq., Retired

Tim Davis Retired

Toni Baruti

CIO & CTO, AllHealth Network

Demesha Hill

Head of Diversity and Community Relations, Janus Henderson Investors President, Janus Henderson Foundation

Eric Itambo

Chief Banking Officer, CoBank J. Matt Thornton, Esq. Attorney, Ballard Spahr

Kelli Kelly

Vice President, Business Development & Strategy Economic Inclusion, Kiewit

Darryl Collier

Managing Director, Relationship Management Government Markets, Empower

Robert Kenney President, Xcel Energy

Business Advisory Debbie Herrera, Chair Andrea Kalivas Fulton, Co-Chair Shelley Thompson Tina Walls Hal Logan James Kaiser Tim Davis

Capital Campaign Cabinet Lisa Hogan, Co-Chair Dwinita Mosby Tyler, Ph.D., Co-Chair Jane and Skip Netzorg Gwen and Moses Brewer Kelli Hawthorne Smith Maude Lofton Hal Logan Chris Ross

Gratitude to our Supporters

Gabriela Maduro Photo Credit: Martha Wirth

Aya Supporters $100K+ Ann and Hal Logan Anonymous Boettcher Foundation Bonfils-Stanton Foundation* Black Resiliency in Colorado (BRIC) Chambers Initiative* City of Denver Cleo and Tom Robinson Colorado Health Foundation* Colorado Trust Community Project Funding* CPRD Board of Directors Curt Fentress and Fentress Architects Daniel Ritchie Denver Housing Authority* Dr. Dwinita and Tim Tyler El Pomar Foundation Gates Family Foundation Jane and Skip Netzorg Judith Wagner Kathyrn and James Kaiser Lisa Hogan Lisa Levin Appel Maude Lofton Mellon Foundation Mile High United Way Mortenson Construction Paula and William Bernstein Family Foundation State of Colorado Revitalization Fund* Tina Walls *These sponsors have generously contributed transformational gifts to the capital project

Sankofa Supporters $50K+ Amy Harmon Audra and Sean McNicholas Celia Dietrich CoBank Dr. Brenda Allen Dr. Jandell Allen Davis Dr. Renee Cousins King Ellen Bruss and Mark Falcone Gary Community Ventures Grace Family Foundation Judi and Robert Newman Lloyd Lewis Marie Logsden, Matthew Buckstein & Cooper Krapfl Nina Sohn Pam and Duke Hartman Rose Community Foundation Shirley Harrison Toni and Abasi Baruti US Bank Vectra Bank Anonymous x 2

Thank you to the many individuals, companies, and organizations who supported Cleo Parker Robinson Dance from November 1, 2023 to October 31, 2024.

2024 Dancing with the Denver Stars Dave Aguilera • Partner: Gabriela Maduro Michelle Barnes • Partner: Adrian Dominguez Makisha Boothe • Partner: Devrae Jefferson Brian Fitzpatrick • Partner: Caeli Blake Jocelyn Hittle, MBA • Partner: Corey Boatner Robert Kenney • Partner: Samiyah Lynnice LaTonya Lacy • Partner: Lamar Rogers Andrea Miller, MPA • Partner: Michael Battle Mahes Prasad • Partner: Lauren Slaughter Dr. Derek Sims • Partner: Jasmine Francisco Samantha Unell • Partner: Melvin Sutton

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2023-2024 Sponsors

CO-FOUNDER

Topaz Von Wood, Michael Battle, Jasmine Francisco Photo Credit: Martha Wirth

2021 Recipient