SacredSpaces Program 11.9.23

2023-2024

Performance Series

Opelika Center for the Performing Arts

Thursday, November 9, 2023 | 7:30 p.m.

Opelika Center for the Performing Arts

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Excerpts from ESCAPADES World Premier 1993 “Escapades” was created by Alvin Ailey for the Aterballeto-Centro Regionale Della Danza of Italy in 1983, set to a score by jazz legends Max Roach and Benny Golson. This legacy work is presented by arrangement with the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation.

Choreographer Alvin Ailey Repetiteur Christopher L. Huggins Music Max Roach and Benny Golson Original Lighting Design Tim Hunter Lighting Adaptation Anastazia Coney Original Costume Design Carol Volett-Kingston Costume Reconstruction Joey Santos Male Soloist Michael Battle with the Ensemble Female Soloist Samiyah Lynnice with the Ensemble Alvin Ailey (Choreographer) founded the world-famous Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Discovering dance while in junior high school, he eventually studied with the legendary Katherine Dunham, as well as choreographer Lester Horton, who taught dance in Los Angeles and had a racially mixed company. Ailey began studying with Horton in 1949, and in 1953 made his performance debut. Upon Horton’s death, Ailey took over the company, and made his Broadway debut the next year in Truman Capote's House of Flowers. After the play closed, Ailey remained in New York to study. Over the next ten years, he appeared on and off Broadway and on film as a dancer, choreographer, actor, and director. He choreographed Leonard Bernstein's Mas, (the debut performance of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) and Samuel Barber's opera, Antony and Cleopatra, (the inaugural production of the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Theater). His choreography for Blues Suite (1958) marked the debut of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. In 1965, Ailey chose to concentrate on choreography and his company - the resident company of the Brooklyn Academy of Music for three seasons starting in 1969, becoming the first American dance company to tour the USSR in fifty years. The 1970 Leningrad performance received an ovation lasting over twenty minutes. Two years later, he headquartered his school and ensemble at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Company honors include the Dance Magazine Award, 1975; The Capezio Award, 1979; the Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award, 1987; and Kennedy Center Honors, 1988. Ailey received honorary doctorates from Princeton University, Bard College, and Adelphi University. In 1979, he was awarded the Spingarin Medal of the NAACP. He racially integrated his formerly all-black dance company in 1963 after encountering reverse racism.

Excerpts from CATCH AH FIRE Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble World Premiere September 2023 Choreographer Thomas Talawa Prestø Music “Help is Coming” Ayo “Mocking Bird” Etana Conversation “The Groove You Liked” (Mala Dub) Savanj Rooms Lighting Design Anastazia Coney Wardrobe Design Mo9k aka Monique Prestø Wardrobe Creation Deborah Powell Dance Interpretation Michael Battle, Caeli Blake, Corey Boatner, Jasmine Francisco, Samuel Gaines Jr., Ralaya S. Goshea, Devrae Jefferson, Samiyah Lynnice

Catch Ah Fire was commissioned by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and choreographed by Thomas Talawa Prestø, artistic director of Tabanka Dance Ensemble (based in Norway) and founder of the Talawa Technique, a unique training system for dancers who have an African and African Diaspora dance praxis. At the heart of this performance lies Prestø’s homage to Cleo Parker Robinson and her enduring influence. For over fifty years, Robinson's dedication has cultivated a platform for Black dancers to express their artistic heritage and cultural identity. By advocating for their rightful compensation and recognizing the intrinsic value of Black dance and its performers, she has driven social mobility and empowerment within the community. Catch Ah Fire finds its inspiration in the iconic song by Bob Marley, bearing a profound message of freedom and resistance against injustice. The lyrics poignantly convey the struggle against poverty and illiteracy even after the abolition of slavery. The phrase "catch ah fire" symbolizes the urgency to stand up against oppression and reclaim agency, mirroring the call for positive change and societal transformation. Catch Ah Fire plays with the thought of catching some of Cleo Parker Robinson’s fire and dedication and carrying it on into the future.

INTERMISSION SACRED SPACES? Cleo Parker Robinson Dance World Premiere September 2022 "Sacred Space?" encompasses the collaboration between Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD), the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) and presenting partner, Performing Arts Serving Acadiana (PASA). The work is inspired by the depths of spirit and faith that help us collectively overcome adversity, with the concept developing in the aftermath of the arson fires that destroyed three Black churches in Opelousas, LA: Mount Pleasant, St. Mary Missionary, and Greater Union Baptist, over the course of 10 days between March and April 2019. The choreography of Cleo Parker Robinson, paired with the original musical score by NOJO Artistic Director, Adonis Rose, leads the story and movement through a journey of fear and resilience, rebuilding and celebration.

Choreographer Cleo Parker Robinson Composer Adonis Rose Artistic Collaborator Millicent Johnnie Costume Design Ralaya S. Goshea, Deborah A. Powell Lighting Design Brian D. Schneider Narrator Phillip Manuel The Mother / Preacher’s Wife Ralaya S. Goshea Rev. Toussaint Samuel Gaines Jr. Rev. Sylvester, Sr. Michael Battle Rev. Richard (Deceased) Lamar D. Rogers The Daughters Caeli Blake, Jasmine Francisco, Samiyah Lynnice Christopher (The Son) Corey Boatner The Voice of Mourning Tyveze Littlejohn The Treatur Gabriela Maduro The Community Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble The Musicians Members of New Orleans Jazz Orchestra The Dirge (A Time of Mourning) The pain, trauma, and mourning of the parishioners is evident as they learn the tragic news of the burning of their churches. The communities mourn the loss of their sacred spaces, these three black churches, through brutal acts of violence.

The Plan (A Time of Fear) Tapping into the mind of arsonist Holden Matthews and his plan to burn the churches, from inception to completion of this vicious hate crime, we confront his devious plan and its manifestation in destroying the three churches. While he seeks to create doubt and fear, our sons and daughters grieve in their own way and space of time as the community strives to regain a sense of normalcy.

The Ministers’ Truth (A Time of Prayer) The three ministers finally share their truth, struggling with their conflict between anger and forgiveness.

Sacred Spaces (A Time of Praise) Are all houses of worship targets for hate crimes and acts of violence? In answer to this question each individual discovers their own personal sacredness.

Through music and dance, the community re-discovers the joy of one another even in the face of tragedy.

The Acadiana Strut (A Time of Resilience) The community takes strength from the tradition of the music and dance of its roots through the Zydeco Two-Step and the Creole Waltz.

Why Us? (A Time of Awareness) Exactly 200 years ago in 1822, the first African American church was burned. The pattern continues. The time for silence is over. The time for reconciliation is now.

We confront the trauma of the burning of Denver’s original historic Shorter AME church in 1925, now the home of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. We remember the bombing of the church in Birmingham Alabama that killed four little girls in 1963. We challenge the world to see when three churches in Opelousas LA. are burnt in 2019. How long will this continue? How long will we stay silent?

The Children are Watching (A Time of Love) We honor the unwavering faith and resilience of the children who attended the burned churches. We continue to teach them to love, how to live and remain strong in the face of grief.

God Is the One to Buy You Grace (A Time of Vulnerability) Those who teach forgiveness must also learn to forgive.

The Treatur (A Time of Healing) In every community there is that individual who preserves the ancient and time-honored traditions of physical and spiritual healing. In Acadiana, it is the Treatur who brings these skills to the people in times of need, however small or great they may be.

ReJoice (A Time of Celebration) The congregations come together to rebuild in a spirit of optimism and hope for new beginnings. Each day brings hope for healing and strength as we honor those who celebrate the resurrection of our communities

“Sacred Spaces?” is supported, in part, by the Lafayette Parish Convention and Tourist Commission, Lafayette, LA, Ben Berthelot, CEO; and the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission, Opelousas, LA, Herman Fuselier, Executive Director Performance is subject to change in order, casting, and program selection without prior notice.

Video and/or audio recording of any type, using any device, is not allowed without prior written permission from Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and the East Alabama Performing Arts Center. Failure to comply may result in confiscation of recordings and/or equipment.

THE CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE ENSEMBLE Cleo Parker Robinson - Founder / Artistic Director Winifred R. Harris - Associate Artistic Director Michael Battle Caeli Blake Corey Boatner Jasmine Francisco Samuel Gaines Jr. Ralaya S. Goshea* Devrae Jefferson** Tyveze Littlejohn Samiyah Lynnice Gabriela Maduro Lamar D. Rogers *Wardrobe Mistress **Apprentice to the Ensemble

BIOS Cleo Parker Robinson

Founder | Artistic Director | Choreographer | Producer CLEO PARKER ROBINSON is founder and artistic director of the 53-year-old Denver-based 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.

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.

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.

BIOS 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 co-produced a 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 continues to be 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

BIOS

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Inspiring Movement!

Currently celebrating its 53rd Anniversary Season, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is an international performing arts organization, rooted in African American traditions, dedicated to excellence in providing cross-cultural performances, and enrichment programs empowering all our communities by cultivating healthy mind, body, and spirit development.

Viewing dance as a universal language of movement transcending 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 www.cleoparkerdance.org

Adonis Rose

BIOS

Composer | Artistic Director, NOJO Adonis Rose is a Grammy-award winning artist, composer, educator, and producer from the city of New Orleans, LA. He has played and recorded with the biggest names in Jazz, including Terence Blanchard, Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Roberts, Harry Connick, Jr., and Wynton Marsalis, and has performed on the most renowned stages in the world such as Carnegie Hall, Olympia in Paris, North Sea Jazz Festival, Umbria, Birdland, Apollo Theater, Newport Jazz Festival, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, to name a few. Rose has over fifty recordings to his credit (five as a leader), including six with longtime friend, trumpeter Nicholas Payton. In 2010, he won a Grammy Award with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra for Best Large Ensemble.

In January 2017, Rose was named the Artistic Director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) and led the eighteen-piece orchestra to its first concert season in October of that year that featured world-renowned artists Sheila E, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ledisi, Slick Rick, and Eric Benet. He has been instrumental in the organization's success by developing educational and community programs, leading performances, and developing partnerships associated with The Jazz Market, a 350-seat performance venue in New Orleans’ Central City neighborhood which is home to the orchestra. Prior to his role at NOJO, Rose served as the Artist in Residence at the University of Texas Arlington and Cadillac’s Jazz by the Boulevard Festival, produced the Keller Jazz in June series, and founded the Fort Worth Jazz Orchestra, a 501c(3) non-profit organization.

In 2019, Rose produced NOJO's most recent recording Songs: the music of Allen Toussaint on the legendary Storyville Records imprint, which received rave reviews. He is currently working on several new recordings with the orchestra and his own ensembles and continues to tour, perform, and produce a range of projects. This past January 2021, Rose was named the New Orleans Music and Culture Curator for Jazz Ascona in Switzerland.

BIOS

New Orleans Jazz Orchestra The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) was formed in 2002 and was designed to celebrate and fortify the American Jazz portfolio while providing infrastructure for developing the New Orleans Jazz industry. Led by Artistic Director Adonis Rose, this 18piece big band has an ever-increasing repertoire that exemplifies the influence of Jazz as the grandfather of all modern American music. As such, the band and its members are true Ambassadors of American Music. The members of the orchestra span several generations and have over one hundred years of combined professional experience.

They have performed and recorded with a veritable who’s who of artists across all genres. NOJO has headlined all of America’s major performing arts venues and clubs and produced the first local, ticketed Jazz Concert Series in New Orleans’ history.

NOJO’s album, BOOK ONE released on World Village (Harmonia Mundi) won the 2010 Grammy Award for “Best Large Jazz Ensemble.” Their album that followed, Dee Dee’s Feather’s, was released in 2015, and features Grammy and Tony award-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater.

On their 2018 release, Songs: The Music of Allen Toussaint (Storyville 2019), NOJO takes a look into the mind and music of New Orleans’ piano legend Allen Toussaint, whose music has influenced generations spanning more than fifty years. In their inimitable swinging style, the Orchestra performs original Big Band arrangements of Toussaint’ greatest hits including “Southern Nights,” “With You In Mind,” “It’s Raining,” “Ruler of My Heart,” “Java,” and “Working in the CoalMine.” The recording features Dee Dee Bridgewater and several other special guests.

Their upcoming release, Petite Fleur, tells the beautiful love story between France and the City of New Orleans. Adonis Rose and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and featured vocalist Cyrille Aimee come together to create a recording that exemplifies the cultural sophistication and collaboration between artists from different parts of the world sharing similar musical experiences. The album features classic songs "Petite Fleur," "Si Tu Savais," and "What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life," along with original compositions. This recording takes the listener on a musical journey filled with love, history, and inspiration.

www.thenojo.com/orchestra

BIOS

New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Adonis Rose. Artistic Director Philip Manuel. Narrator Nolwazi Ydestral Vocalist Victor Atkins Piano Rex Gregory. Sax Miles Berry Tenor Sax Ricio Fruge. Trumpet Ethan Santos Trombone Alexy Marti Percussion Alexander "Lex" Warshawsky. Bass Le’Kedra Robertson. Road Manager

www.thenojo.com/orchestra

BIOS Phillip Manuel

Singer | Actor | Narrator

“A local treasure,” says Eric Paulsen, anchor of WWL TV’s top rated morning show in New Orleans. “Phillip is in a class by himself,” this from Richard Bourcier of Jazz at a Glance. After a sold out performance at Yoshi’s in Oakland, California, The San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “Manuel sang the wordless melody as if it were a prayer. His ethereal high tones suggested Bobby McFerrin, his sensuous low ones, Billy Eckstine.”

From New York to Los Angeles; from Portugal to Paris, Phillip Manuel has graced the worlds’ stages with some of the biggest stars in jazz. His voice has been described as dramatic, warm and full of soul. One critic said his voice charms and seduces and his range sounds effortless.

To say that Phillip Manuel’s talents are diverse is to state the obvious. While his musical abilities are obvious, Phillip is also an accomplished actor, writer and sought after voice over talent. Musically, recent performances attest to his unique ability to cross genres without missing a beat His current CD, for example, finds him at his soulful R&B best, performing 12 original compositions—a marked departure from his other jazz recordings. A concert with the Mobile Symphony orchestra featured Phillip singing American classics in a program entitled “Songs of the South.” A few months earlier he performed Duke Ellington’s Sacred Mass along with Charmaine Neville, of the iconic Neville family. Phillip wowed the audience at the New Orleans Jazz Fest in 2008, performing his Nat “King” Cole retrospective to rave reviews. In a further test of his talents, on a world tour with trumpeter and film composer, Terence Blanchard, Manuel sang the entire tour in Portuguese. The tour was in support of Blanchard’s Grammy nominated album, “The Heart Speaks,” featured the music of Brazilian songwriter, Ivan Linns. The following year, Phillip accompanied Blanchard on tour following his Sony release, an album of Negro Spirituals featuring classical vocalist Jubilant Sykes. In addition to his current CD, Phillip has an impressive body of work including his 2001 release, “Love Happened To Me,” for the MAXJAZZ label; “Swingin’ in the Holidays” Phillip’s Christmas release in 1999; The soundtrack for the movie, “Cane River,” filmed in Louisiana and as featured guest on compilations, and CDs with other artists.

Phillip Manuel’s thespian abilities garnered him a lead role in the bebop opera,“Lulu,” featuring the original music of jazz great Jon Faddis and the libretto of MacArthur Genius Award Winner, Lee Breur. And in 2004 Phillip was nominated for a best actor “Big Easy” Award for a remarkable performance as ground-breaking vaudevillian, Bert Williams in the two-man play, “Williams and Walker.”

BIOS Looking back, Phillip says he feels fortunate not having to make the decision about what his career path would be. “I was born a singer,” says Phillip. “And, I come from a long line of them, my father being the most gifted of them all.”

While Phillip counts many singers with inspiring him, he says his ultimate role model as a singer is his father. “Listening to him taught me a lot about subtlety and understatement. He also gave me a daily example of how powerful and compelling singing could be.” Manuel says his father’s voice was so sweet and soulful that people would literally stop in their tracks when he sang.

“We sang at home, at the neighborhood store-I’d sing for my dad’s friends, whenever. We were always singing.”

If coming from a gene pool of highly talented singers wasn’t enough, Phillip was fortunate to grow up on the same block with the Neville family. “After my father, Aaron was really my first mentor,” said Phillip, talking about the legendary Aaron Neville. In fact, Manuel says his first wife and Neville’s, now deceased wife, Joel, were sisters.

“Aaron used to love to hear me sing Jackie Wilson’s version of Danny Boy. I had a really high voice when I was younger, and I could hit all the notes.” Phillip recorded his first record when he was 16, called “Will you marry me girl.” It was around this time that Phillip would meet legendary New Orleans song writer, Allen Toussaint who began to use him as a background vocalist on various projects. “One of my favorite memories is spending a good portion of the month of December working with Patti Labelle on a record that Allen Toussaint was producing.” Phillip would go on to work with Toussaint and other artists like Fats Domino, Dr. John and the Meters. In 1982, Phillip was chosen to arrange and produce the soundtrack for a motion picture being filmed in and around New Orleans. The movie, called “Cane River,” enjoyed modest local success, but the soundtrack received rave reviews and brightened Manuel’s already shining star.

Phillip would record his first jazz CD in 1992 for the AFO label. “A Time for Love” featured Manuel with the all star New Orleans group, the Astral Project. In 1996, after deciding to go back to school, Manuel received a call from trumpeter and film composer Terence Blanchard. Manuel would subsequently be featured on two world tours with Blanchard. Phillip would go on to work with Nicholas Payton, Ellis Marsalis, Jon Hendricks and a host of other jazz greats.

BIOS Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble

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.

MICHAEL BATTLE Ensemble Member 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 first full season with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.

BIOS 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 Company. She has performed in choreographic works by Katherine Dunham, Donald McKayle, Robert Battle, Christopher Huggins, Kevin Iega Jeff, Silas Farley, Nicole Clarke-Springer, and many more. Ms. Blake joined the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble in 2022.

COREY BOATNER Ensemble Member 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 and performed overseas with Norwegian Creative Studios. After one season as an apprentice, Mr. Boatner is now in his fourth season as an Ensemble member.

JASMINE FRANCISCO Ensemble Member Originally from Houston, Tx , Ms. Francisco began her training at the Fine Arts Magnet School, originally called Johnston Middle School, under Jesse Woodcock 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,

BIOS CA for two seasons performing works by Kyle Abraham, Donald Bryd, Rennie Harris, Christopher Huggins and David Roussève.

In the summer of 2018, Ms.Francisco moved to Denver, CO to start her journey with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. She is now in her sixth season as a company member, serving also as the Children’s Director for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Academy.

SAMUEL GAINES Jr. Ensemble Member Originally from Washington, D. C., Mr. Gaines began his dance training at Divine Dance Institute and trained under scholarship at Dance Theatre of Harlem, Pneuma Dance Project, and in Edinburgh, Scotland. In 2020, he received his BFA in Dance and Business Management at Goucher College. Mr.Gaines has performed as a company member with Dance Iquail!, Sound Xpressed, and Contemporary West Dance Theatre.

Additionally, he performed in productions of Mary Poppins, Wonderland, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Tuacahn Amphitheater and performed in the original cast for the very first musical in Saudi Arabia, presented by the Royal family. He now joins Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble for his first season.

RALAYA S. GOSHEA Wardrobe Mistress / Ensemble Member Born in Detroit, Ms. Goshea trained at the Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts and Oakland University, receiving her BFA. She has performed with the Brown Dance Project, Patterson Rhythm and Pace, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, SMAGDance Company and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC). After being a member of Cleo II, she is now in her twelfth season with the Ensemble, serving also as Wardrobe Mistress for both the Ensemble’s local performances and national / international touring.

DEVRAE JEFFERSON Apprentice to the Ensemble A native of Atlanta, GA., Devrae “DJ” Jefferson is now in his first season as an Apprentice to the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. He 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 Ballethnic Dance Company and

BIOS 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.

TYVEZE LITTLEJOHN Ensemble Member After graduating in 2011 from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Mr. Littlejohn apprenticed with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble for one year. In the Summer of 2017, he toured in the south of France touring his original work Evolution of Love. As a choreographer and teacher, he has worked with many diverse communities. In 2014, while performing with Lexington Ballet, he taught children with specific disabilities, and while touring with Ballet Palm Beach, he traveled to Cuba where he worked with the elder community. Having performed with Ballet Eddy Toussaint de Montreal, Lexington Ballet, and Ballet Palm Beach (2015-2018), with leading roles in Giselle, The Nutcracker, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Rite of Spring, and Gatsby, he subsequently returned to the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble in 2018. Touring with the Ensemble, he has performed at the American Dance Festival in 2019, the Vail Dance Festival in 2021, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in 2022. Mr. Littlejohn is now in his sixth season with the Ensemble.

SAMIYAH LYNNICE Ensemble Member Samiyah Lynnice is a Florida native. She began her training at Academy of Ballet Arts and Artz 4 Life Academy, Inc. 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 toured the United States as a principle dancer with DunDu Dole West African Ballet in her youth and starred in the Chocolate Nutcracker as ‘Claire’ and ‘The Dream Princess”. 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

BIOS 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 is elated to start her sixth season with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble of Denver, Colorado, performing the role of Firebird.

GABRIELA MADURO Ensemble Member Originally from Fremont California, 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, and after one season as an apprentice, joined the Ensemble, where she is now in her third season.

LAMAR D. ROGERS Ensemble Member Mr. Rogers is a performer and choreographer hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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.

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