Welcome Family and Friends to the 33rd Anniversary of “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum”!
For all of us who are part of what we so proudly call the “Cleo Village” this is an extraordinary time.
“Granny” is 33 years old – and we’re both joyous and humble that we are here to celebrate with each of you! Those of you who’ve made the magical journey to “Granny’s” beautiful home during the past 33 years, and those of you experiencing the magical Island of Karamazaam for the very first time - we’re so happy to welcome all of you to this wonderful adventure that we know brings peace and healing to our hearts, minds, and spirits.
The production’s one-hundred-plus cast, musicians, directors, staff, crew, and volunteers share both anticipation and exhilaration - behind the scenes, on stage, with the audience and our extended dance family. An incredible amount of work goes into this show with planning sessions, technical installations, and rehearsals integrating all elements of the magic. For over three decades, all that time and effort has brought “Granny” to the stages of Denver’s most iconic theatres, most recently returning to our own historic theatre in Five Points historic Shorter AME Building where the show was originally created and performed.
Who knows what “Granny” will look like in the future! As you certainly noticed as you arrived tonight, the work on our 25,000 square foot expansion is moving forward with amazing progress! We plan to open the doors to our beautiful new studios, offices, and theatre in January 2026 and what a celebration that will be! Who knows, it may last all year!! Of course, our Capital Campaign is on-going, so we invite you to visit our website at www. cleoparkerdance.org to learn more and join us in the vision as we continue to manifest the dream into reality.
“Granny” has always been a work of legacy. My sister-friend, colleague, dancer, and rehearsal director of over thirty-eight years, the incomparable Ms. Marceline “Marcy” Freeman, for whom I created the title role, always connected us with the profound strength of the human heart, right up until her passing. Her final “Granny” performances as the Ancestral Spirit in 2010, inspired us as she, even though blind, demonstrated the dignity of a true artist. Veteran actor, Ms. Margarita Taylor, who has now portrayed Granny for 16 seasons, says one of the greatest gifts she’s been given, when she assumed the role, was receiving Marcy’s blessing.
Of course, the Angels of the Rainbow are central to “Granny’s” story. Alumnus Ensemble member Cedric D. Hall, who portrayed our Junkanoo King for ten seasons, and is now the Director of our Cleo II, returns for his eighth season as Griot: The Storyteller, following in the honored footsteps of V incent C. Robinson, who portrayed this memorable character for
twenty-five years. Vince’s impact on “Granny” is timeless and we remain forever grateful for the wisdom, generosity and kindness he has brought us, both on-stage and off.
Chloé Grant Abel, also an Ensemble alumnus and Rehearsal Director, and now Co-Director of the Dance Program at the Denver School of the Arts, celebrates her eleventh season in the role of Cantadora the Dreamweaver. Ensemble member Samiyah Lynnice returns for her seventh season with the company and as Nakia the Granddaughter while Melvin Sutton, now in his third season with Cleo II, returns for his second season in the role of TiSean the Grandson.
I am honored to portray Shakti (Granny’s Guardian Angel), a role that never ceases to elevate my spirit, even after 33 years! I feel the presence of our most extraordinary Angel on stage with us – my beloved husband and soulmate of 52 years, Tom Robinson, who joined the Ancestors in April of 2022. Tom was always the greatest advocate for the importance of sharing this story, and amidst all of the challenges of mounting the production, would always ask the most important question – “Are you having fun yet?” One of my greatest joy is seeing my grand-children grow with “Granny”.
“Granny” veterans already know how “bad” the “Granny Band” is, under the able leadership of our long-time musical director, Mark Caldwell, who is also the composer of the tunes you’ll be humming on your way home tonight! Those of you who are new are in for a treat! This band is made up of some of Denver’s finest musicians!
Our Technical Director, Conor Morford, and our Assistant Technical Director, Stazie Coney, oversee the complex technical requirements of the production, having been mentored by Trey Grimes, who filled that role for over 20 years, while Rhetta Shead, Vice President of Theatre Operations, has shouldered the enormous responsibilities of Production Director and Stage Manager for ten years (with both of her daughters having performed in the production). Mary Hart, Director of Bookings and Touring, has supported script revisions, playbill editing, as well as volunteer and vendor coordination, throughout her nearly 24-year tenure with CPRD. What a divine blessing they all are!
In this historic 54th ANNIVERSARY SEASON, the mission and vision of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, through the outstanding leadership of our President and CEO, Malik Robinson - and the perseverance and dedication of our Ensembles, Staff, Faculty, Board of Directors, and Advisory Board – grows ever stronger. With the support of generous individuals, businesses, corporations, and civic organizations, we continue to advance our artistic and educational vision into an ever-expanding community of students and audiences.
For me, our touring season each year feels as though we are truly traveling the world right alongside “Granny”. This season the Ensemble traveled to the Tamaulipas region of
Mexico, performing in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, bringing the magic of “The Firebird” to over 1,000 people!
Earlier this year, our 29th Annual International Summer Dance Institute (ISDI), the region’s finest summer intensive program, was a great success under the guidance of Victoria Shead Johnston, Senior Academy Manager. Detailed information for our upcoming ISDI in Summer, 2025 will be posted to our website www.cleoparkerdance.org soon – and you can reserve your space now! Both ISDI and our year-round Academy offer a diverse and intriguing range of classes, with the physical, mental, and emotional health of our students and teachers remaining our highest priority. There’s an incredible variety of classes to appeal to all ages and abilities! Give yourself or a loved one a special “Granny” gift - check our website for the latest information on our classes, Make it possible for a young person – or even a not-so-young one - to follow their dream!
“Granny” has always brought a sense of stability and healing to our community – and we’re so glad to bring ALL the elements of the show to the stage every year! We hope you’ll follow ‘Granny’s” wonderful example throughout the year – sing out loud, dance with joy, nurture your mind, body, spirit and emotions, explore your culture and traditions, share your stories…. And let us welcome Peace throughout the World in the New Year! And remember – Granny Loves You – now and always!
In the Spirit of Dance,
The original “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” was conceived, co-directed and co-written by Cleo Parker Robinson based on stories from Opalanga Pugh’s audio tape “Festivals of Light”, an odyssey of stories and songs about holiday celebrations world-wide. The original concept evolved through the creative energies of former Ensemble member and choreographer Gary Abbott, actors Marta Barnard and Jaime Lujan, directors Buddy Butler and Michael R. Durn, musical directors Paul Conly, Carlton Bacon, and Reverend Hayward Hobbs, percussionist Bataki Cambrelen, costume designer Lara Kirksey, and technical director / lighting designer Keith W. Rice. In subsequent years, a myriad of diverse artists has contributed time and talent to the production, offering audiences new incarnations of Granny’s memories.
The journey of “Granny” started over thirty years ago while Cleo Parker Robinson was visiting two former company members in Washington, D.C. The young couple had a children’s book in their nursery titled “The Dancing Granny”, retold and illustrated by Ashley Bryan. The book was, in essence, a story of the special and unique gifts we are given throughout the year, the wonderful blessing of family and friends. Cleo began to reminisce about her own family and the stories her grandmothers would share, including those told by her own “Mama Cleo” for whom she is named.
Cleo herself is now grandmother to three wonderful grand-children and the spirit of the work feels even more familiar, a beautiful reminder of how rich our lives are. “I wanted to create a piece that would bring families, friends, and communities together in celebration of our unique gifts, traditions, and cultures. It is even more perfect for the dancers of the Ensemble and Cleo II, who often begin to feel a bit blue during holiday time, being away from their families.
“Granny” is a perfect way to encourage everyone to count their blessings. For me, “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” lets us experience a greater understanding and respect for all cultures – and a greater reason to dance. We are one - “Harambee.”
Thank you, Granny! Together, as one family, let us celebrate our World of Cultures and the community of Spirit, Heart, and Mind to which we all belong!”
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE – INSPIRING MOVEMENT!
Currently celebrating its 54th Anniversary Season, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is an international performing arts and educational institution rooted in African American traditions and the Diaspora, dedicated to excellence in providing cross-cultural performances, and enrichment programs - empowering all our communities by cultivating healthy mind, body, and spirit development for intergenerational students, artists, and audiences. Viewing dance as a universal language of movement that transcends boundaries of culture, class, and age, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is committed to honoring diversity and inclusiveness throughout the global community. CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE
Located in Denver’s Historic Five Points District 119 Park Avenue West, Denver, Colorado 80205 Ph # 303 295 1759 | Fx # 303 295 1328 www.cleoparkerdance.org
Cleo Parker Robinson is founder and artistic director of the 54-year-old Denverbased artistic institution, CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE (CPRD), leading a professional Ensemble (CPRDE), Cleo II (her 2nd company), a Youth Ensemble, an Academy of Dance, an International Summer Dance Institute, a 240-seat theatre, and numerous community outreach programs nationally and internationally. She has received honors and awards from corporate, civic, community, and artistic entities world-wide, bringing CPRDE to myriad organizations and venues for performances, teaching residencies and community engagement programming. A master teacher/choreographer and cultural ambassador, she and CPRDE have performed nationwide and throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and the African continent, with their most recent international tours taking them to Bogota, Colombia in Spring of 2019, and Mexico in Fall 2019 and again in Fall of 2024.
Ms. Parker Robinson’s awards and honors include the Colorado Governor’s Award for Excellence (1974), Denver Mayor’s Award (1979), induction into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame (1989) and the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame (1994). Recognized in Who’s Who in America Colleges and Universities she holds an Honorary Doctorates from Denver University (1991), an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Colorado College (2003), an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Regis University in Denver (2008), an Alumni Award from University of Denver (2021), the 2020 Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, Honous Causa from CU Boulder, and was named an Honorary Member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (2021).
In 1991, Ms. Parker served on the task force creating a permanent location for the
Denver School of the Arts (DSA), Denver’s first performing arts magnet school, and was subsequently honored In September 2017 at their 7th Annual Fall Gala, in recognition of her long-term commitment to excellence in arts education. She is also co-founder of the National Bahamian Dance Company, based in Nassau. In 2011, Ms. Parker Robinson was voted an Honorary Lifetime Trustee of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, in recognition of her longtime commitment and lasting impact. In June 2017, she received the highly prestigious DanceUSA Honor Award and in September 2017, the Randy Weeks Arts Leadership Award from the Denver School of the Arts. In March 2023, Ms. Parker Robinson, along with the other four founders of the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD), was honored at the White House as the IABD received the 2021 National Medal of the Arts. This year, she is named as the 2024 Professor for the Rachel B. Noel Distinguished Visiting Professorship.
Ms. Robinson has served on NEA panels on Dance, Expansion Arts, Arts America, and Inter-Arts panels for the USIS, and for the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts as well as other national task forces, boards, and committees on the arts. In April 1999, she was appointed by then-President William Jefferson Clinton, with Senate confirmation, to serve for four years on the National Council on the Arts, a 14-member panel advising the Chairman of the NEA on agency policy and programs, evaluating and making recommendations on grant applications.
Since 2011, Ms. Parker Robinson has significantly returned to her greatest passion as a choreographer, creating and presenting “Dreamcatchers: The Untold Stories of the Americas” and the world premiere of her “Romeo and Juliet”, in collaboration with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Her work “On the Edge… Reaching to Higher Ground” premiered in October of 2014 in answer to resurging racial and human rights infractions world-wide. In Spring 2017, she re-staged two works, melding classical and jazz composition with the power, passion and beauty of modern dance – ”Romeo and Juliet” and “Porgy and Bess”. Fall 2017 saw the premiere of “Copacetic: A Tribute to Jonathon “JP” Parker”, honoring her late father. In Spring of 2018, she premiered “Lark Ascending” in collaboration with the Boulder Philharmonic. Her “Rhapsody in Black”, created in collaboration with CPRD Associate Artistic Director, Winifred R. Harris, premiered at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, University of Denver. In January 2019, in collaboration
with the Denver Brass, she choreographed an innovative interpretation of Bernstein’s “On the Town” and Spring 2019 saw a collaboration with the Colorado Ballet entitled “The MOVE/ment” as part of the Tour de Force series at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Center for the Performing Arts. In 2019, she traveled to UMKC, Kansas City, to set a work on the students of CPRDE alum Gary Abbot, entitled “Check Cashing Day” in tribute to the jazz genius of Bobby Watson and Milt Abel. In August 2021, she premiered “Standing On the Shoulders”, a work commissioned by the Vail Dance Festival. September 2021 saw the debut of her work “Freedom Dance”, created in collaboration with jazz icon Dianne Reeves and CPRD co-founder and poet, Schyleen Qualls and in October 2021, she premiered “R.I.Power”, an original work commissioned by the Colorado College Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs. Her newest work, “Sacred Spaces?”, set to an original score by Adonis Rose, Director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, premiered in September 2022 at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. September 2023 saw the reprise of her innovative interpretation of “The Firebird”, set amidst the pantheon and legacy of Hawaiian culture. In October 2023, she choreographed and coproduced the production of “Mozart Requiem Evermore” in collaboration with Dr. Dennis Law.
As part of its mission and vision to preserve the legacy of Black Dance in America, the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble also proudly holds within its extensive repertoire the works of many of the icons of American dance, including those of Katherine Dunham, Donald McKayle, Alvin Ailey, and Eleo Pomare.
Cleo Parker Robinson remains dedicated to celebrating the human experience and potential through the Arts and Education. Her life-long vision of “One Spirit, Many Voices” remains strong and steadfast, expanding to welcome, embrace, and sustain all people.
Ms. Taylor began dancing in her birthplace, Port-of-Spain Trinidad, under the direction of the late Astor Johnson. Upon moving to New York, she studied with Leni Wylliams, Rom Pratt, Lyn Simmonson, Phil Black, John Hatchett of The Broadway Dance Center, as well as the Jeffory Ballet, and the Jeannett Neil Dance School of Boston. She danced with the Mafata Dance Company of New York, the Impulse Dance Company of Boston, and ensemble roles in “Cinderella”, “Romeo and Juliet”, and “The Wizard of Oz” with the Wheelock Family Theatre.
She graduated from Wheelock with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and while there directed Ntozake Shange’s “For Colored Girls who have considered suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf” and Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias”. Her roles with a myriad of companies include the village woman in Derek Walcott’s “Steel”, and the Denver Brass production of “Jump in da Line”.
She has been a dance teacher for Children’s Creative Movement, and Adult Modern classes at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. She served as Children’s Rehearsal Director for “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum” in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Ms. Taylor is also a kindergarten teacher with Denver Public Schools. In January 2020, she had the pleasure of performing with Nu-World Contemporary Danse Theatre. This is Ms. Taylor’s twentieth season with “Granny” and her sixteenth season in the title role, fulfilling a long-time dream with the blessing of Ms. Marceline Freeman, the production’soriginal “Granny”. Ms. Taylor dedicates her performance to her son, Rommel Quincy Taylor.
A Kansas City native, Ms. Abel trained for twelve years under full scholarship at the Kansas City Ballet School. She studied in New York at the Ailey School as a Fellowship recipient, and received her BFA in Dance, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. Her professional career includes performances with Quixotic Performance Fusion, the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, the Owen/Cox Dance Group, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company and as an Apprentice with the Kansas City Ballet. Following twelve seasons as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble (also as Ensemble Rehearsal Director from 2017 - 2023), Ms. Abel served as Senior Ensemble Manager before becoming the Co-Director of the Dance Program at the Denver School of The Arts. This is her eleventh season as “Cantadora the Dreamweaver”.
First dancing with the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre’s CONSORT Youth Dance Training and Development Program, Mr. Hall later became a full company member. He was featured in numerous musicals including The Wiz, West Side Story and Footloose, and has worked with renowned choreographers Terrance Greene, Dianne McIntyre, Gary Abbott, and Kevin “Iega” Jeff. After twelve seasons as a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Mr. Hall is now the Rehearsal Director of Cleo II, for whom he also choreographs, and is an integral part of the Cleo Parker Robinson Education Department and Academy of Dance. This is his eighth season to portray the beloved character of “Griot / The Preacher” following in the footsteps of 25-year Granny veteran, Vince Robinson.
Samiyah Lynnice is a Florida native. She began her training at Academy of Ballet Arts and DunDu Dole Urban African Ballet in the Tampa Bay Area, Fl. Miss Lynnice is a graduate of New World School of the Arts and has a BFA in dance from The Hartt School in Hartford, CT. She has performed works by Martha Graham, Jose Limon, Doug Varone, Norbert DeLaCruz, Donald McKayle, Manuel Vignoulle, Brian Arias, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Amalia Viviana Basanta Hernandez, and Katherine Dunham. Her sophomore year of college, she performed at the Joyce Theater during the Jose Limon International Dance Festival. She has performed with Anita Baker for The Songstress tour, at the American Dance Festival premiering the commissioned work Resist by Micaela Taylor in 2019, and the Vail International Dance Festival where she premiered Standing on the Shoulders by Cleo Parker Robinson in 2021. Miss Lynnice was nominated for a Princess Grace award and performed the prestigious role of Firebird last year. Samiyah is elated to be in her seventh season with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, and her seventh season in the role of “Nakia”..
Born in Raleigh NC, Mr. Sutton holds a B.S in Rehabilitation Studies & Human Services from Winston-Salem State University and is a 2022 MFA (DANCE) graduate from the University of The Arts. Beginning his dance studies under the direction of Susan Hill and Lisa Wilder, he has trained in a wide range of styles, performing and touring with Theatre of Movement, directed by Duane Cyrus, North Carolina Black Repertory Company’s Black Nativity, directed by Mable Robinson, and more. He has studied with numerous luminaries including Shani Collins, Baba Chuck Davis, Karen Mcdonald, Debbie Allen, and Milton Myers. Mr. Sutton performed at the Special Olympic World Games in 2015 with artists Stevie Wonder, Becky G and J Balvin and has worked with international recording Gospel artists Walt Wittman in 2012. In 2021, he made history as one of the first male cheerleaders for the Carolina Panthers 2021-2022 season! Mr. Sutton continues to share his passion for the arts with the next generation, extending his choreographic service through MelLOWmovement, creating a blend of dance styles from contemporary, hip-hop, and jazz forms. Continuing to seek more knowledge about dance and its connection with life and all cultures, Mr. Sutton lives by the quote “You have nothing to prove and EVERYTHING to share.” This is his third season as a member of Cleo II and his second in the role of “TiSean”.
Cleo Parker Robinson
Founder / Artistic Director / Producer Director / Choreographer
Winifred R. Harris Associate Artistic Director
R hetta Shead V P of Theatre Operations / Production Director / Stage Manager
Mark Caldwell Musical Director
Cedric D. Hall Cleo II Rehearsal Director
Jessica Horton Youth Ensemble Director
Jasmine Francisco Children’s Ensemble Director
Christopher Page Sanders
Assistant Director
L ara Kirksey Original Costume Design
Joey Santos Costume Design
Alex J. Gordon Costume Design
L eticia Tanguma S et Design
Michael Battle Wardrobe Supervisor
G abriela Maduro Props Supervisor
Conor Morford
Anastazia Coney
Technical Director / Digital Audio Design
Assistant Technical Director / Lighting Design
Melissa Bautista Camera Operator
DSDI Audio / Visual
Paulina Nunez
E lijah Lynch
Audio / Visual Operator
Assistant Stage Manager / Deck Crew
Cibriano Ortega Assistant Stage Manager / Deck Crew
Jaron Van Horne Deck Crew Lead
E stella Searfoss Deck Crew
K athryn Otteson
Jody Gilbert
Mary Hart
Assistant Lighting Design
Playbill Design
Playbill Editor / Volunteer Coordinator
Vendor Coordinator
Amelia Dietz-Rowe G raphic Design
Micah Bursh G roup Sales Coordinator / Box Office Manager
David Andrews Archival Videographer
S tan Obert
CPRD Photographer
Shae Isaacs House Manager
MARK CALDWELL
Musical Director / Composer / Arranger / Guitar
Mr. Caldwell has been part of the Granny production for twenty-four years, eighteen of which as the Musical Director. As composer for the show, Mr. Caldwell has written most of the production’s music including Butterfly in memory of Marceline Freeman and the musical tour de force Granny Boom Boom. When not working with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Mr. Caldwell performs in other productions and with several local bands. He is very active, teaching guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele and general music.
EVAN BALLINGER
Keyboards
Mr. Ballinger has been the keyboardist for the Granny Band since 2016. He enjoys performing and collaborating with many different groups around Denver, and occasionally teaches piano, drums, and music theory to students of all ages. Mr. Ballinger studied computer science at MSU Denver.
YVONNE BROWN
Vocals
Ms. Brown balances a professional career as a singer, songwriter, vocal coach, and producer. Her diverse performance and recording credits include contributions to Andrew Woolfolk, Darren Rahn, Eric Darius, Wayman Tisdale, Bobby Wells, Nina Storey, and String Cheese Incident. She is currently performing with Tunisia.
FELICIA GALLEGOS PETTIS Vocals
A third generation Coloradoan, Ms. Gallegos Pettis has been performing professionally for over 30 years. She is a Denver-based creative with collaborations that tap into her vocal, acting, and writing talents. Ms. Gallegos Pettis is also the lead singer of the Song of Pueblo Ensemble which tells the history of Pueblo, Colorado as an oratorio; written by Daniel Valdez.
CHRISTOPHER HARRIS
Bass Guitar
Joining the Granny Band for his seventeenth season, Mr. Harris comments “I go where others have gone before, to seek out and explore new forms of expression and the sharing of new musical moments and ideas.”
RONNY NOEL Percussion
Ronny Noel is a Master Djembe’ drummer and accomplished lead vocalist. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, Mr. Noel has traveled extensively promoting his cause of music in service of world peace, spiritual harmony, and unity. He has been performing before enthusiastic live audiences in Trinidad and Tobago, Las Vegas NV, New Mexico, and Colorado. His strong social convictions, belief in humanity, and spirituality meld uniquely with his performances. Mr. Noel is an unstoppable force in World Music
JOHN OLSSON
Drum Set
A drummer for over 30 years, Mr. Olsson joins the Granny Band for his tenth season. Having been a Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) academy accompanist since 2009, he has also instructed drumming classes and performed in numerous CPRD productions, including Ms. Parker Robinson’s Madiba’s River. Holding a professional music degree in jazz performance / production / music business from Boston’s Berklee College of Music, he has traveled often to West Africa for in-depth studies and has worked with the Koffi Togo Cultural Center Foundation since 2010. Mr. Olsson performs in numerous pit orchestras including the Denver Center for Performing Arts and is a band member at various Denver area churches. He also plays with numerous local and national bands, as well as teaching both privately and at area schools.
REX PEOPLES Vocals
Mr. Peoples has been praised as “one of the sweetest voices in Colorado”. In 2014, he was awarded “Best Blues Singer” by the Colorado Blues Society. He has been singing since age two and professionally for over thirty-five years as a singer, songwriter, educator, and nationally renowned recording artist. In addition to teaching at The Music Lesson Place, he also teaches at Golden Music Center, and has been a member of the Colorado Blues Society and Blues in the Schools educator for over 12 years.
Angel ShAkti Cleo Parker Robinson
Angel CAntAdorA Chloé-Grant Abel
Angel griot Cedric D. Hall
nAkiA, the grAnd-dAughter Samiyah Lynnice
tiSe An, the grAnd-Son Melvin Sutton
ACT I SCENE I THE MAGICAL JOURNEY TO KARAMAZAM
“Butterfly”
“Spirit of the Drum”
Original music and lyrics by Mark Caldwell
Original music and lyrics by Mark Caldwell
C o-arranged with Djordie Vasovic Granny M argarita Taylor
Yemanja, the Water Goddess Caeli Blake
Agwe, the Water God Devrae Jefferson
Dancers Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
Invocation T he Granny Village Little Granny Ja smine Francisco
ACT I SCENE II STORYTIME
“Dreamtime”
Original music by Mark Caldwell
C o-arranged with Djordie Vasovic
Coyote Meneka Hecox / Marisa Buck
Deer
V iolet Sterling / Eloise Peoples
ACT 1 SCENE III SALANGO “ANCESTOR’S MESSAGE OF LOVE AND JOY”
“Granny’s Lament”
Original music and lyrics by Mark Caldwell C o-arranged with Djordie Vasovic
“Fanga” West African Traditional Welcoming Dance
Dancers Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, and The Granny Village
ACT I SCENE IV NATIVE AMERICAN WINTER SOLSTICE
Honoring our future as we honor our past
Co-author C o=Authors, Olga Vianey Gonzalez / Nezahualcoyotl Gonzalez
Slave Parents Na sira Watson, Lamar D. Rogers
Slave Children Chloe James, Blake Taylor, Eliana Yepaala
Slaves Little Granny, Nakia, TiSean, Michael Battle, Gabriela Maduro
Native Maidens Nayeli Tarango, Koura Wright / Meneka Hecox
Native Woman X imalma Gonzalez-Robinson
Village Children
The Four Winds
THE FOUR WINDS
Children’s Ensemble
Youth Ensemble and Children’s Ensemble
Eagle K atie Carothers
Bear Adrian Dominguez
Coyote Meneka Hecox / Marisa Buck
Deer V iolet Sterling / Eloise Peoples
GRANDMOTHER SPIDER’S STORY
Grandmother Spider Caeli Blake
“Lament of the Moon”
“Sun and Moon Jig”
ACT I SCENE V YULE TIME
Original music and lyrics by Mark Caldwell
C o-arranged with Djordie Vasovic
Original music by Mark Caldwell
C o-arranged with Djordie Vasovic
The Moon G abriela Maduro
The Sun Devrae Jefferson
African Slaves
Irish Servants
Na sira Watson, Lamar D. Rogers
K atie Carothers, Reese Gentry, Eloise Peoples
Great Migration Tappers C orey Boatner, Jasmine Francisco, Jasmine Valencia
A melie Dillon, Mireya Dillon, Amelia Nelson-Steinhoff
M arisa Buck, Ximamla Gonzales-Robinson Carlen Holmes, Nayeli Tarango
ACT I SCENE VI LA SENDA A BELEN MEXICAN NATIVITY PROCESSIONAL
Our Lady of Guadalupe L auren Slaughter
Dancers
Cleo II, Youth Ensemble and Children’s Ensemble
Children With Flowers Solana Molina-Brown, Mireya Dillon
Boot Children Josephine Balakier, Blake Taylor
INVITAADOS DE NAVIDAD
Dancers
Na kia, TiSean
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and The Granny Village
ACT I SCENE VII THE CHURCH
The Preacher Griot
Mary and Joseph Na kia and TiSean
The Innkeeper C orey Boatner
The Choir and Congregation
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Cleo II, T he Granny Village
ACT II SCENE L KWANZAA SEVEN-DAY AFRICAN AMERICAN CELEBRATION
The Storyteller A ngel Shakti
Dancers Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
THE AFRICAN FAMILY
“Family Trio”
Original music by Mark Caldwell
African Parents Ja smine Francisco and Corey Boatner
African Child Chloe James
THE KWANZAA FAMILY
Kwanzaa Parents
Na sira Watson, Lamar D. Rogers
Kwanzaa Child El iana Yepaala
ACT II SCENE II HANUKKAH FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Women’s Trio
Caeli Blake, Gabriela Maduro, Lauren Slaughter
MEN’S DANCE
Antiochus C orey Boatner
The Macabee TiSean, Michael Battle
The Syrian Soldiers Devrae Jefferson, Lamar D. Rogers
DREYDL CHILDREN’S GAME
Dancers
Women’s Trio and Children’s Ensemble
ACT II SCENE III DIWALI EAST INDIAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
Renunciation
Dancers Shakti, Nakia, Granny
K atie Carothers, Meneka Hecox / Amirah Byrd
BHANGRA
Dancers
Na kia and TiSean
Na sira Watson and Jesus Munoz
K ayla Massey and William Davis
‘Christmas Rap”
ACT II SCENE IV CHRISTMAS RAP
Original music by Mark Caldwell
Choreographers C edric D. Hall, Melvin Sutton
Dancers Griot, Youth Ensemble
ACT II SCENE V JAPANESE NEW YEAR
“Shishimai Dance”
Original music by Mark Caldwell
Storyteller Cantadora
Dancers Granny, TiSean, Nakia, Youth Ensemble, and Children’s Ensemble
ACT II SCENE VI CANDOMBLÉ
Dancers Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
ACT II SCENE VII CHINESE NEW YEAR
“Dragon Dance”
“
Dreaming”
Original music by Mark Caldwell
Original music by Mark Caldwell
C o-arranged with Djordie Vasovic
Acrobats Josephine Balakier, Amalie Dillon, Mireya Dillon, Leilani Walker
Dragonettes K atie Carothers, Kayla Massey, Koura Wright
Dragon Youth Ensemble
ACT II SCENE VIII JUNKANOO
The Caribbean Celebration of Christmas
“Granny Boom Boom”
Original music and lyrics by Mark Caldwell
C o-arranged with Djoride Vasovic
The Junkanoo King C orey Boatner
Dancers Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and The Granny Village
Remember Always…. Granny Loves You!!
Audio and/or Video recording of any kind, on any device, is not permitted without prior written permission from Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Failure to comply may result in confiscation of both the recording and the device.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Cleo Parker Robinson Founder / Artistic Director
Malik Robinson President and CEO
Rhetta Shead Vice President of Theatre Operations
Hillary Harding Vice President of Development & Communication
Shelby Jarosz Vice President of Educational Programs
Tohbias Juniel Director of Advocacy and Engagement
Isaac Tafoya Comptroller
Mary Hart Director of Booking and Touring
Amelia Dietz-Rowe Graphic Designer
Micah Bursh Marketing Communications Specialist
Kollin Payne Grants Manager
Vanessa Williams Community Engagement Coordinator
Victoria Shead Johnston Senior Academy Manager
Kylie Straub Academy Manager
Amandine Aubertot Academy Administrative Assistant
Gabriela Maduro Academy Administrative Assistant
Theresa Peoples Academy Administrative Assistant
Conor Morford Technical Director
Anastazia Coney Senior Technician
Eli Lynch Technician
ARTISTIC STAFF
Winifred R. Harris Associate Artistic 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, President and CEO
Tyrone Gant, Treasurer | Debbie Herrera, Vice Chair
Shale Wong, Vice Chair
Lisa Levin Appel / Toni Baruti / Christopher Cardenas
Darryl Collier / Tim Davis / Demesha Hill / Lisa Hogan
Eric Itambo / Kelli Kelly / Robert Kenney / Robert Thompson
J. Matt Thornton / Alfred Walker
EMERITUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Judge Raymond Dean Jones J.D.* Chairman Emeritus
Les Franklin / Helen Franzgrote / Marceline Freeman / 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
Cleo Parker Robinson
Margarita Taylor
Cholé-Grant Abel
THE CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE ENSEMBLE
Winifred R. Harris – Associate Artistic Director
Michael Battle / Caeli Blake / Corey Boatner / Adrian Dominguez*
Jasmine Francisco / Devrae Jefferson Samiyah Lynnice
Gabriela Maduro / Lamar D. Rogers / Lauren Slaughter
*Apprentice to the Ensemble
CLEO II
Cedric D. Hall – Director
Katie Carothers / Williams Davis / Kayla Massey / Jesus Munoz
Melvin Sutton / Jasmine Valencia* / Nasira Watson / Koura Wright
*Apprentice to Cleo II
THE YOUTH ENSEMBLE
Jessica Horton - Director
Marisa Buck / Amirah Bryd / Reese Gentry / Ximalma Gonzales-Robinson
Giana S. Hall / Meneka Hecox / Carlen Holmes / Bella Lockhart / Jem Michalec
Eloise Peoples / Constanza Reyes Atencio / Violet Sterling / Nayeli Tarango
THE CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE
Jasmine Francisco - Director
Beatrice Acosta O’Brien / Josephine Balakier / Moriah Bass / Solana Molina-Brown
Amelie and Mireya Dillon / Diego Fonacier / Rylan Garderen / Elizabeth Hyer
Chloe James / Charli Johnson / Phoebe Lapham / Amelia Nelson-Steinhoff
Blake Taylor / Leilani and Samara Walker / Eliana Yelpaala
THE GRANNY BAND
Mark Caldwell - Musical Director
Evan Ballinger / Yvonne Brown / Felicia Gallegos Pettis
Chris Harris / Ronald Noel / John Olsson / Rex Peoples
CLEO PARKER ROBINSON
Founder / Artistic Director
(See Featured Artists)
WINIFRED R. HARRIS
Associate Artistic Director
Ms. Harris, choreographer, artist, teacher, and community activist has created a significant body of work with a strong balance of technical prowess and gestural expression. Having trained under Cleo Parker Robinson, she danced professionally for ten years with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble before moving on to Dallas Black Dance Theater and a solo stint in New York and abroad. In October 1991, she relocated to Los Angeles, CA, founding her own award-nominated contemporary modern dance company. In recognition of her dedication and commitment to underprivileged youth, Ms. Harris received several awards from the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles for her teaching efforts within that community. Having served on faculty at various universities and studios nationwide, including Cal Arts (her alma mater), Cal State Los Angeles and Spelman College, she returned to Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in 2010 as Ensemble Rehearsal Director and became Associate Artistic Director in 2014. Many of her innovative works are part of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble’s repertoire.
CEDRIC D. HALL
Cleo II Rehearsal Director
(See Featured Artists)
JESSICA HORTON Youth Ensemble Director
A native of Tuscaloosa, AL, Ms. Horton trained at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Wright State University. Over a period of six years, she was a member of Cleo II, an apprentice, and ultimately a member of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. This is her 12th season as part of the “Granny” production, and her 8th year as Youth Ensemble Director. While at CPRD, she taught numerous residencies at various Denver Public Schools and served as an instructor in the Academy. Ms. Horton is also a gymnastics coach and choreographer.
JASMINE FRANCISCO
Children’s Ensemble Director
(See Ensemble bios)
WINIFRED R. HARRIS
A ssociate Artistic Director (See Granny Directors)
MICHAEL BATTLE
Ensemble Member / Wardrobe Supervisor
A native of Detroit, MI, Mr. Battle began his dance training at Detroit School of the Arts at the age of 14. In 2009, he joined the Lula Washington Dance Theatre as a company member, and in 2019, joined Ronald K. Brown/ Evidence, A Dance Company as a company member. Mr. Battle has traveled to China, Russia, Haiti, Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy-performing works by nationally and internationally acclaimed choreographers worldwide. He has performed with Grammy Award Winning and Nominated artists Kamasi Washington, Meshell Ndegeocello, Terence Blanchard, Aurturo O’Farrill, and Jody Watley. After guesting with the Ensemble in 2022, he is now in his third season as an Ensemble member with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.
CAELI BLAKE – Ensemble Member
From Washington, DC, Ms. Blake began her formal training at BalletNova Center for Dance in Arlington, VA. She attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts under the tutelage of Charles Augins, Sandra Fortune-Greene, & Katherine Smith. Ms. Blake has also studied with various company institutions such as Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Dance Theater of Harlem at the Strathmore, and Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive. Blake graduated from Southern Methodist University, with a BFA in Dance Performance and BS in Education & Human Development. While being a full-time student at SMU, she joined B.Moore Dance. She has performed in choreographic works by Katherine Dunham, Alvin Ailey, Donald McKayle, Robert Battle, Christopher Huggins, Kevin Iega Jeff, Silas Farley, Nicole Clarke-Springer, and many more. Ms. Blake joined the Ensemble in 2022. Now entering her third season, Ms. Blake has performed at Jacob’s Pillow & Vail Dance Festival with the CPRD Ensemble.
COREY BOATNER – Ensemble Member
Born in Chicago, IL and growing up in Hammond IN, Mr. Boatner trained in multiple dance techniques at the Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts. An alum of Indiana University, he performed there in notable works including Kyle Abrahams Radio Show,Jose Limon’s Psalm, Andrea Millers Spill, Jerome Robbins Fanfare, and the original restaging of Twyla Tharp’s Deuce Coupe and Rennie Harris’ Home. He has also toured professionally with Elizabeth Shea Dance in Philadelphia and New York, performed overseas with Norwegian Creative Studios and toured with Anita Baker during her Songstress tour. After one season as an apprentice, Mr. Boatner is now in his fifth season as a Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble member.
ADRIAN DOMINGUEZ –Apprentice to the Ensemble
A native of Denver, CO, Mr. Dominguez graduated from Anderson University with a B.F.A. in Dance Performance and has since made significant strides in his dance career. Most recently, he performed with Dance Kaleidoscope under the direction of Joshua Blake Carter, and previously under the guidance of David Hochoy. He has also had the privilege of dancing with Gregory Hancock Dance Theater, where he further developed his artistry. He has had the pleasure of performing works by renowned choreographers including David Hochoy, Joshua Blake Carter, Earl Mosley, Nicole Springer, Eddy Ocampo, Sidra Bell, Christal Brown, Alexander Diaz, Vincent Hardy, and Matthew Rushing. Additionally, he spent his summers training at Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts, enhancing his skills and artistic expression. Having been a guest artist with Cleo II, he is now in his first season as an Apprentice to the Ensemble.
JASMINE FRANCISCO –
Ensemble Member / Ensemble Coordinator
CPRD Children’s Ensemble Director
Originally from Houston, TX, Ms. Francisco began her training at the Fine Arts Magnet School and graduated from The High School of Performing and Visual Arts as a dance major under the directions of Luanne Carter and Janie Carothers in 2012. She continued her education and received her Bachelors of Fine Arts 2016 from Point Park University while having an esteemed repertoire from Jessica Lang, Terrance Marling, Troy Powell, Bennyroyce Royon, Garfield Lemonius and MADBOOTS. In her sophomore year of 2010, her student choreography project Tales of Courage was chosen to be featured at ACDA for the University. Six months after graduating from Point Park, she joined the Lula Washington Dance Theater in Los Angeles, CA for two seasons performing works by Kyle Abraham, Donald Bryd, Rennie Harris, Christopher Huggins and David Roussève. Ms.Francisco moved to Denver, CO to begin her journey with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. She is now in her seventh season as an Ensemble member as well as the Company’s Assistant, serving also as the Children’s Director for the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Academy.
DEVRAE JEFFERSON – Ensemble Member
A native of Atlanta, GA., Devrae “DJ” Jefferson began his training in the Magnet Program for Visual and Performing arts at Tri-Cities HS where he focused on all genres of dance. With a special affinity for ballet, he attended summer programs including Metropolitan Ballet Theater and Lines Contemporary Ballet. Having furthered his training, he subsequently received a BFA from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem NC. Mr. Jefferson has performed with BallethnicDance Company and Dallas Black Dance Theater Encore. With extensive experience in coaching gymnastics and teaching a variety of dance techniques, he first joined Cleo Parker Robinson Dance as a guest artist for the holiday production Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum before becoming an Apprentice to the Ensemble. He is now in his first season as an Ensemble member. expression. Having been a guest artist with Cleo II, he is now in his first season as an Apprentice to the Ensemble.
SAMIYAH LYNNICE – Ensemble Member / Social Media Liaison (See Featured Artist)
GABRIELA MADURO – Ensemble Member / Props Supervisor
Originally from Fremont CA, Ms. Maduro began her dance training at Yoko’s Dance and Performing Arts Academy and Nor Cal Dance Arts. She has attended Summer Intensives with the Ailey School, the Martha Graham School, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance. She is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance. While at UCI, she was honored to perform as part of the distinguished Donald McKayle’s Etude Ensemble. She has performed works by Donald McKayle, Martha Graham, Darshan Singh Bhuller among others. Upon graduation, Ms. Maduro joined Cleo II. After one season with the second company, she joined the Ensemble, where she is now in her fifth season.
LAMAR D. ROGERS – Ensemble Member
Mr. Rogers is a performer and choreographer hailing from Philadelphia, PA. Having graduated from The Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, he later earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from The University of the Arts under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield. During his college career, he toured and performed with Eleone Dance Theatre under the direction and mentorship of Shawn-Lamere Williams. He has trained at various institutions throughout the Philadelphia area as a scholarship student attending Koresh School of Dance, DCNS Summer Dance Intensive and the Rock School for Dance Education. Following graduation, he joined the Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO!) as a full-time company artist. He has performed works by Sidra Bell, Kyle & Dinita Clark, Merce Cunningham, Ulysses Dove, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Helen Simoneau, Rennie Harris and other acclaimed choreographers. He now joins Cleo Parker Robinson Dance for his second season with the Ensemble.
LAUREN SLAUGHTER, – Ensemble Member
Lauren Slaughter, a Colorado native, began her dance training at Miller’s Dance Studio where her love for dance grew through ballets, showcases, and competitions. Lauren is a 2020 graduate of Washington University in St. Louis where she earned a B.A. in Biology and a Minor in Dance. At the University, she danced with the Washington University Dance Collective and performed works by choreographers such as Ting-Ting Chang, Diadie Bathily, Kirven Douthit-Boyd, and Dana Tai Soon Burgess. Following graduation, Lauren returned to Colorado where she began her professional dance career with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. With the company, she has performed works by Donald McKayle, Christopher Huggins, Milton Myers, and Gary Abbott among several others, as well as toured at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Lauren first joined the company as a Cleo II member, and after a season as an Apprentice, is now in her first season as an Ensemble member.
In Memoriam
Tom Robinson
Jonathon “JP” Parker, Martha Parker, James Wallace, Marceline Freeman, Robertta Freeman, Carl Bourgeois
Abuelita Olga Gonzalez
