Cprd 45th page no stars

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance 119 Park Ave W, Denver, CO 80205 303.295-1759 cleoparkerdance.org

August 29, 2015 Greetings from Cleo and the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Village: Welcome to the 45th Anniversary Gala of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD), “Dancing with the Denver Stars!” For the sixth year in a row, some of Denver’s most outstanding business and community leaders are dancing tonight to support the myriad of education programs of CPRD. Their generosity of time and resources has an everlasting effect on our community. Bravo to our Stars who have each sponsored our Gala with a $5,000.00 donation!! These major commitments of time and resources have done much to move us towards our $200,000.00 goal which represents 10% of our annual budget.

2015 has been an exceptional year for our community outreach and education programs, with the Ensemble and Cleo II bringing performances, workshops, master classes and extended teaching residencies to over 250 community and educational venues throughout the state. We also celebrated the 21st Anniversary Season of our International Summer Dance Institute (ISDI), bringing together international artists and eager students for three weeks of master classes and culminating in our 5th Annual Mile High Dance Festival. Our year-round school continues to thrive with students of all ages and levels of technique becoming more brilliant than ever thanks to the daily training that they experience in the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance School. These programs (and their related scholarships) continue to develop through the strength and support of our civic and community partners and all of you attending this evening’s Gala.

We’ve continued to define the role of dance and its relationship to a holistic and global education. This was our first season for a historic collaboration with Arte Crisol Danza of Guadalajara, Mexico in a series of community performances, including two full length concerts in our own beautifully renovated theatre in 2014, as well as performances together in Mexico in February of this year. We proudly presented our fifth annual Dance Africa Denver with Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre of New Zealand (Cleo Parker Robinson Dance was the first American dance company invited to perform by the Maori nation) and Step Afrika joining our own Ensemble, Cleo II, Trainin’Group and students on stage. We’re already excited about Dance Africa Denver 2016!

We will launch our performance season October 26 – 27 at the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts with a new work by Millicent Johnnie entitled “Bamboula,” commissioned by the National Endowment for the Arts, revealing the deep traditions retained within the cultural expressions of the Mardi Gras Indians. And we will be preparing soon for our 24th anniversary of our annual “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum.” Finally, CPRD will host the 2016 International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) right here in Denver. What an incredible way to celebrate our 45th Anniversary Season!

I wish to thank our Honorary Chair, Pat Cortez (Wells Fargo), as well as our Event Co-Chairs Hal Logan, Tina Walls, James G.

Kaiser, Tim Davis, Susan France and Richard Male. The members of our Gala Steering Committee, led by our CPRD Board Chair Gwen Brewer, have worked countless hours on every detail of “Dancing with the Denver Stars” with our committees to ensure the success of tonight’s event. Our 12 Stars amazed me with their dedication, spirit and generosity, as did our wonderful entertainment—MC Shed G and The Isaac Points Jakarta Band. Our Board of Directors, Executive Director Malik Robinson, staff, the brilliant Ensemble, along with Cleo II and the Youth Ensemble have all demonstrated an incredible degree of devotion to this event. A host of volunteers including our outstanding Parents and Friends Association led by co-chairs, Virginia Poor Gussman and CPRD Executive Administrative Assistant Rhetta Shead, have touched me deeply with their level of commitment. Special thanks as well to the incredible Denver Marriott City Center staff who have worked so closely with our Gala team.

We sincerely thank all of you here this evening for your continued dedication and advocacy. We look forward to continuing our work, knowing that the funds we raise tonight make it possible for us to provide the most diverse and comprehensive cultural arts program in the Western United States. Through both education and performance, we have truly come to understand that we all can embrace our creative selves and nurture that same spirit in others.

“Axe’, axe’” to all of you!

Cleo

Several decades ago, CPRD founders set the groundwork to decidedly build an organi-zation with a dual purpose in its commitment to artistic excellence and civic engagement. You see, CPRD emerged out the tumult of the 1960’s equipped with a certain clarity around social service for diverse communities through creative means. In the company’s nascent years, it tapped into a recipe for community development that is predicated on this symbiotic relationship. For CPRD, civic engagement devoid of artistic excellence or quality culturally relevant art has very little impact, and conversely, high quality art unconcerned with the harmonious growth of society is completely irresponsible and unbalanced. This philosophy continues to guide, inform and inspire the direction of the organization.

In 45 years, CPRD has developed into an internationally renowned cultural arts institution that has endured by its investment in maintaining a dynamic contemporary dance company who embody this philosophy. This cadre of professional artists also serves as the CPRD Education team core, a college educated workforce dedicated to igniting a passion for learning in students throughout Denver. The CPRD Academy, having developed in association with the premiere ensemble, serves as fertile ground for both students and professional instructors. The newly formed Dance Major created in partnership with Metropolitan State University expands the CPRD family and our ability provide a pipeline for direct education services from Early Childhood Education to the University.

As a leading provider of arts-in-education services, CPRD works in partnership with schools and communitybased agencies to fill the gap in arts instruction and movement based programs throughout the city. With your support, new curricula will promote college and career preparedness with instruction in resume building, job searches, audition/interview skills as well as dance related job opportunities. Professional development for educators, both CPRD and affiliates, will increase. Within the Academy, CPRD’s scholarship and subsidy fund will grow to maintain the highest level of talent, training and diversity for which CPRD is renowned. In the community, CPRD intensives and dance camps will multiply to broaden outreach.

Whether a student, parent, patron or supporter you are a part of a movement to realize a vision for greater equity and access to innovative arts education.

Malik

August 29, 2015 Good Evening, Welcome to the 6th annual Dancing with the Denver Stars! We thank our corporate donors, dinner cochairs, the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Board of Directors, and everyone present this evening for helping to make this a very successful Gala.

As always, proceeds from this celebration help to fund the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) education program that serves over 20,000 Denver metropolitan area students each year.

Tonight is fun because of the countless volunteer hours that our “Denver Stars” and the CPRD Ensemble dedicates to each other to make this an entertaining and memorable evening. Thank you and congratulations to each of you!

Also we extend our special thanks to Honorary Chair Pat Cortez of Wells Fargo; Malik Robinson, Executive Director of CPRD; Gwen Brewer, CPRD Board Chair and Chair of the “Dancing with the Denver Stars” Steering Committee; the members of the “Dancing with the Denver Stars” Steering Committee; and our Master of Ceremony Shed G. To Cleo and the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance organization that she has nurtured for 45 years, we wish you continued success and many more years of generously and lovingly touching the lives of tens of thousands in our community, in the Nation, and around the globe!

Sincerely,

Tim Davis

Susan France

James Kaiser

“Dancing with the Denver Stars” Event Co-Chairs

Hal Logan

Richard Male

Tina Walls

August 29, 2015 Good Evening, We are honored to welcome you to the 45th Anniversary celebration of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD)—Dancing with the Denver Stars! It will be a wonderful evening of dance entertainment as members of the world renowned Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble perform routines with “stars” of Denver’s business and community service circles to raise funds for CPRD’s education programs that serve approximately 20,000 youth in metropolitan Denver each year.

Tonight, we also celebrate Cleo Parker Robinson, one of Denver’s true cultural gems who has touched the lives of thousands with her talent, generous spirit and love. For 45 years, she has worked tirelessly to create and maintain a “village” at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance that is inclusive and provides children of all ages a safe place where they are nurtured and receive an excellent arts education.

I want to acknowledge the individuals who worked so diligently to make this event possible: our Honorary Chair and Event Chairs; Malik Robinson, Executive Director of CPRD; the members of the “Dancing with the Denver Stars” Steering Committee; our Master of Ceremony Shed G; and last, but not least, the CPRD Ensemble who volunteered countless hours to develop our “stars” into dancers. We also want to thank the CPRD Board of Directors and staff, corporate sponsors, contributors, supporters and friends for being a part of this wonderful evening!

Sincerely, Gwen Brewer Chairperson, Board of Directors Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

PROCLAMATION

Meet Shed G, as one of the hottest and blessed entertainers to hail from Denver Colorado, Shedrick Garrett (Shed G) is a well renowned comedian, actor and radio personality known for his clean faith based comedy. Shed G brings a style of comedy that universally captivates audiences of all ages and races.

In 2000, Shed G gained momentum by taking his talents to Atlanta where he earned his credits on the big screen.

He worked alongside Tyler Perry in hit movies like Madea’s Family Reunion, A Madea’s Christmas and Meet the Browns.

Shortly thereafter he was featured on hit TV shows like House Of Payne, Meet The Browns and The Rickey Smiley TV Show.

Shed G has opened up stages for many music artists such as Cassandra Wilson, Anthony David, S.O.S Band, Earth Wind and Fire, The Temptations, Brian McKnight, Marvin Sapp, and Lalah Hathaway. He has also opened for fellow comedian’s Ricky Smiley, Dave Chapelle, ISAAC POINTS For over 35 years, Isaac Points has been creating the groove that gets people on the dance floor. Whether Isaac was opening for Stanley Clark and Herbie Hancock, playing bass with Chuck Berry or Tony Bennett, performing USO tours with Joe Clemons, signing with the Platters, or playing amusement parks with Tom Slick and Jinx Jones, his

Ron Tripoli, Dave Coulier and Lachlan Patterson.

In 2012 Shed G moved to Minneapolis to pursue his dream of being a radio host/personality where he joined the Morning Show on 89.9 KMOJ FM. Shed G has expanded his gift to entertain to now include the corporate sector. With Corporations that include United Way, General Mills, Coors, Ucare and a variety of other organiztions, his brand has become universal.

As a philanthropist, Shed G has a deep passion for helping youth. As an active board member of the nonprofit, Steps Of Strategy, Shed G plans events and create curriculums for the mentor program. He spends countless hours educating and providing tools to young boys helping them become successful men. expertise of funk has been proven time and time again. The Denver native began his musical career at the age of nine playing trumpet, switching to bass at age 17, working Denver’s local club scene. Isaac has experimented with everything from Jazz to Country and is consistently committed to perfecting his art.

THE ISAAC POINTS JAKARTS BAND In the early 90’s a quartet called the Jakarta Funk Attack made its debut at the Rock Bottom Brewery. The original band was made up of Tom Sandquist, Robert Johnson (now touring with “A Brief History of White Music”), Robby Chamberlain and Bob Rebholtz.

When Isaac added Funk to the mix, Jakarta started packing the dance floors of Denver’s best clubs and has now grown into Denver’s hottest funk and R & B band.

IN APPRECIATION

TOM ROBINSON – CO-FOUNDER

Sustaining a cultural arts institution for 45 years is not possible without the love and support of those who have gone before and those who remain.

I wish to extend my gratitude for the love and dedication of so many.

You have been my soul mate and the rock for our incredible 45 year journey that has given us a foundation that is rooted in integrity and love.

Thank you for your devotion and your dedication and your relentless faith in the organization’s future and in all of us.

STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE ANCESTORS

MALIK ROBINSON – KEEPING THE LEGACY ALIVE

Cherished Family Martha Parker, Whalon Jesse Parker, John Whalon Parker Jr. Diane and Cherish Robinson and Ian Wallace

Malik Robinson – Executive Director You have guided and managed the organization and staff with a vision and work ethic that has given us momentum to sustain and grow for the next 40 years.

Your unique leadership and commitment to our holistic educational programs is a driving force that gives us great pride . Axe’ Axe’ my son.

THE MUSES Marceline Freeman and Opalanga Pugh

HONORED ALUMNI Cedric Flynt, Curtis Fraser, Eric Hill, Ronnie Whittaker, Leni Williams and All of the former CPRD dancers over the 45 years

THE VISIONARIES Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Rita Berger, Katherine Dunham, Lester Horton, Kris Katsuma, Eleo Pomare, Pearl Primus, Jimmy Truitt, Dr. Sherrill Berryman Johnson, Baba Olatunji, Baba Ishangi, Denise Jefferson, Rod Rodgers RAYMOND DEAN JONES - FOUNDER

OUR CO-FOUNDERS From the beginning of CPRD’S 45 year journey, Schyleen Qualls Brown, Les Franklin, Judge Raymond Dean Jones and Edmond “Buddy” Noel have shared the vision of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and have been an unwavering force in our development. They have seen us grow from a young group of dancers with a dream and a promise in our hearts to an international cultural arts institution.

We are grateful for your dedicated service and commitment over forty five years.

GUARANTEEING THE LEGACY OF THE POWER, BEAUTY AND PASSION Darrell Anderson, Tamara Banks, Moses and Gwen Brewer, Randy Brooks, Ed Dwight, Roberta Freeman, Li Hardison, Kevin Fallon, the Hart Family, Helen Franzgrote, Barbara Gardner, Trey Grimes, Eric Hughes, Renee Hurley, Lara Kirksey, Henry Lowenstein, Nancy McCloskey, Marcie Moore Gantz, Dawn Nakamura-Kessler, Edmond “Buddy” Noel, Jonathan and Reina Parker, Wrandell Belefonte andAthanasia Parker, Schyleen Qualls Brown, Bob Ragland, Keith Rice, Susan Richardson, Daniel Ritchie, Betty Robnett, Tom Robinson, Malik and Vianey Robinson, Donald Seawell, Jim Wallace and Leslie Sue Parker-Wallace, Lester Ward, the Shead Family, Faye and Reggie Washington, Barbara Williams, Letitia Williams, DHA, SCFD, NEA, CCA. Sponsors, Partners, Board of Directors, Staff, Dance Ensemble, Faculty, Family and Friends My thanks and blessings AXE’AXE’

Cleo

Honorary Chair Pat Cortez

Event Chairs Hal Logan Tina Walls James G. Kaiser Tim Davis Susan France Richard Male

Dinner Committee

Geta and Janice Asfaw Rose Andom The Baros Family Moses and Gwen Brewer The Honorable Albus Brooks Amy Harmon Kelly Hawthorne The Salazar Family Judy Wagner Al Walker Jim Wallace & Leslie Sue Parker Wallace Dr. Shale Wong

Steering Committee Gwen Brewer, chair Malik Robinson Cleo Parker Robinson Rhetta Shead Debbie Herrera Anthony Price Kelly Hawthorne Smith

Videographer

Lawrence Alexander

Special Thanks

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their generosity in helping to make tonight’s event a success.

CPRD Ensemble CPRD Staff Shed “Can I Vent” Garrett Isaac Points and Jakarta Jody Gilbert Rosalind “Bee” Harris The Dancing with the Denver “Stars”

Administration

Emeritus Board Of Directors

Cleo Parker Robinson Founder / Artistic Director

Judge Raymond Dean Jones J.D.*

Malik Robinson

Chairman Emeritus

Executive Director

Chelsye J. Burrows

Rhetta Shead

Executive Administrative Assistant

Board Of Directors

Winifred R. Harris

Gwen Brewer

Michael Donegan Kevin Fallon

Assistant Artistic Director / Ensemble Rehearsal Director

Board Chair

Les Franklin Helen Franzgrote

Janelle Ayon

Cleo Parker Robinson *

Founder /Executive Artistic Director

Kelly Hawthorne Smith

Rosalind “Bee” Harris

Director of Community Programming

Mary Hart

Board Secretary

Ensemble Bookings / Volunteers Coordinator

Amelia Dietz

Senior School Clerk

Bashir Sanders School Clerk

Alfred Walker Board Treasurer

Debbie Herrera

Marceline Freeman Eric Hughes Renee Hurley Henry Lowenstein

Vice Chair

Nancy McClosky

Shale Wong

Dawn Nakamura-Kessler

Vice Chair

Heather Barry Tyrone Gant Angela Norris Hawkins Lori Pace Tony Price

Edmond “Buddy” Noel * Schyleen Qualls Brown * Tom Robinson * John Wagner Lester Ward Faye & Reggie Washington

* Founding members of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Board of Directors

Dance of Life Sponsor

Walmart The Advisory Committee of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance: James G. Kaiser Hal Logan Tina Walls Tim Davis Susan France Richard Male

Dance of Passion Sponsor

Cigna Xcel Energy Dance of Grace Sponsor GE Johnson Construction Company Dance of Faith Sponsors Barclays Childrens Hospital Colorado Foundation City of Denver Wystone’s World Teas Salazar Family Foundation ?

Butler Snow LLC MillerCoors The Potters House Church of Denver PERA Sawaya Law Firm State of Colorado Dr. Reginald and Faye Washington

Dance of Hope Sponsors Agency Off Record (AOR) ARC Thrift Bookhardt & O’Toole CenturyLink CHFA The City Park Group Civil Technology CoBiz Bank

Dance of Hope Sponsors

Colorado Nut Company Comcast Deloitte Delta Eta Boule Dimond?

Epiphany Digital Forest City Stapleton Marriott Metro State University Porter-Billups Leadership Academy Sewald Hanfling University of Denver

Table Sponsors

Community Partners Denver Public School Foundation Denice Edwards

MASTER OF CEREMONY Shed G WELCOME Gwen Brewer, Steering Committee Chair President, CPRD Board of Directors Malik Robinson, Executive Director Cleo Parker Robinson Dance INVOCATION Pastor Del Phillips, The House Worship Center CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE ENSEMBLE Rétrospective 45 MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES Cleo Parker Robinson EDUCATION VIDEO DINNER GRAND ENTRANCE THE DENVER STARS PART 1 (In order of appearance) Justin Cooper, Jennifer Wozniak, Kim Bimestefer, Hon. Crisanta Duran, Isiah Salazar, Michael Sawaya

EDUCATION PROGRAMS Janelle Ayon, Director of Education Cleo Parker Robinson Dance EXCERPT FROM “GRANNY DANCES TO A HOLDAY DRUM” Youth Ensemble, Junior Youth Ensemble, CPRD School Children THE DENVER STARS PART 2 (In order of appearance) Dee Wisor, Donna Baros, Wy Livingston, Gloria Schoch, Pastor Chris Hill, Hon. Michael B. Hancock Closing Remarks and Special Acknowledgements ENTERTAINMENT Isaac Points and the Jakarts Band

A HISTORY OF EXEMPLARY ARTISTIC PRACTICE In the 1970’s…

CPRD quickly established itself as an internationally recognized dance company. The company works with world renowned artists, and exposes Denver to the breadth of Black cultural arts expression. CPRD collaborates with Alvin Ailey, Eartha Kitt, Chuck Davis and Eleo Pomare among others. During the company’s first premiere of the politically-charged Eleo Pomare work, Blues for the Jungle, the audience became so enraged that theatre staff had to rush the New York City-based Colombian choreographer out of the backstage door to safety. Years later, Eleo credits Cleo’s father Jonathan “JP” Parker, who had just become the first and only Facilities Director of the newly built Houston Fine Arts Center, with saving his life and making sure Eleo didn’t get lynched. In 1977, the dance company also experiences its first international tour as the US representative of modern dance at the 2nd World Black and African Festival of Art and Culture in Lagos, Nigeria.

In the 1980’s…

CPRD continues to develop a repertoire characterized by artistic excellence. The dance company partners with globally recognized artists on stage, film and video.

In 1984, Maya Angelou joins CPRD in performance at the Arvada Center in the premiere of The Lush Life.

In preparation for the performance, Cleo stayed with Ms. Angelou in North Carolina to write the 3-hour work. Notably, Milton Myers creates Raindance – the ballet that will become the company’s signature work.

Additionally, CPRD is invited to perform as part of the 1984 Summer Olympic ceremonies in Los Angeles, CA. In 1986, Cleo collaborates with Meiji Soo Hoo Lee and Gordon Parks, director of Shaft, in Run, Sister, Run – a film chronicling the life of Angela Davis and her flight from the FBI. Cleo also partners with Kim Fields and Stephanie Mills on the film Black Women in the Arts.

One of the highlights of the decade is the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble tour with R&B artist, Jeffrey Osborne. The ensemble is also featured in Osborne’s music video Borderline. With the leadership of Moses Brewer, Ivan Burwell and Ivory Crockett, Coors Brewing Company sponsors a national tour for the company. In 1988, CPRD moves into its current home, the historic Shorter African Methodist Episcopal Church, with the assistance of the late Councilman Hiawatha Davis, the late Councilman King Trimble and Denice Edwards.

In the 1990’s…

Amidst a full travel schedule with performances in Africa, Europe and the Americas, the organization formalizes the structure of its educational programming and inaugurates a new holiday tradition unique to the Rocky Mountain region – Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum, created in association with master storyteller Opalanga Pugh. In 1991, Cleo Parker Robinson and Harvey Milkman, a clinical psychologist, receive a multiyear federal grant to establish Project Self Discovery – a treatment service program – which becomes an award winning model program for high-risk youth. In 1992, Ms. Robinson helps found the National Dance Company of the Bahamas, modeled after CPRD, at the behest of the late Winston Saunders, Chairman of the Quincentennial Commission. In 1994, Cleo concludes a 10-year teaching residency in Hawaii to start the International Summer Dance Institute – One Spirit Many Voices in Denver, CO. This new intensive brings international teachers and art education specialists to Denver to create a summer intensive like no other in the nation.

In the 2000’s…

The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble affirms its place as a living archive of important works by master choreographers. CPRD develops one of the largest collections of works by Donald McKayle, and is commissioned by the American Dance Festival (ADF) to restage McKayle’s Games for ADF’s 75th Anniversary. In 2005, Ms. Robinson is honored by the

Kennedy Center with a prestigious medal recognizing her as a “Master in African American Choreography.”

In November 2007, the estate of Katherine Dunham designates CPRD the custodian of all rights, licenses, and contracts for the presentation of Ms. Dunham’s Barrel House Blues and Choros - an act that affirms the CPRD’s commitment to excellence. In 2008, Ms. Robinson sets Choros on la Compagnie James Carles in Toulouse, France, and on the Trinity College Dance Department in Hartford, CT in 2009. For the 40th anniversary season, CPRD restores Ms. Dunham’s signature ballet, Rites de Passage.

In the 2010’s…

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance experiences program expansion that encompasses the inaugural presentation of DanceAfrica - Denver, a festival and performance series featuring internationally renowned companies from Africa and the Diaspora. In 2011, CPRD establishes Cleo II, the second company, to cultivate young dancers and expand education outreach. In 2015, CPRD and Metropolitan State University of Denver launch the joint Major in Dance.

Artistic innovation continues to flourish with national awards and tours. With support by the National Dance Project, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble tours Fusion by Jeanguy Saintus throughout the United States. CPRD also reconstructs and premieres Katherine Dunham’s Southland in the US after the piece was banned more than 50 years ago.

Educational programming is the cornerstone of the organization, and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) Education initiatives include in-school, after-school and summer outreach programs, in addition to the CPRD Academy for uninterrupted access to quality services throughout the year.

Education: CPRD Academy

“Education takes place in the studio, on the stage, and in the spirit. We want to see our children develop strategies to make this world a better place. Dance is much more than just entertainment. It is a means to self-discovery. And whether it’s hip-hop, ballet, or modern dance, it isn’t the form; it’s the essence of the spirit that I’m after.”

Cleo Parker Robinson

Denver’s Dance Destination

The CPRD Academy serves as the official home of the world-renowned Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. This major dance academy currently enrolls 1,200 students annually, offering a professional training program for aspiring dance students, ages 13-23, and a training program for younger students, ages 3-12. Its diverse curriculum offers more than 50 classes weekly in a myriad of dance techniques and genres.

Undergraduate Dance Major - CPRD Academy and Metropolitan State University (MSU) MSU Denver’s individualized Dance Major integrates Cleo Parker Robinson Dance’s mission of social transformation through dance with MSU Denver’s focus on education through real world experience. In this unique program, students will immerse themselves in the art and science of dance technique, composition, history, pedagogy, social responsibility and community involvement, graduating with the knowledge and experience necessary for a successful career. Students will also have the opportunity to pick a concentration from the following categories:

• Social Transformation/ World Dance and Culture • Dance Administration

• Dance Pedagogy • Performance and/or Choreography Education: CPRD In-School, After-School and Summer Outreach

“A study published by the Colorado Department of Education demonstrates schools that offer more arts education have distinctively higher academic achievement and lower dropout rates.

This study was bolstered by a follow up assessment conducted by A+ Denver that emphasizes the need for DPS to develop strategic partnerships with external arts service agencies to redress the gap in art instruction provided at schools. As one of the largest arts-in-education providers in the region, CPRD and its Education programs help fill this gap.” - Malik Robinson The CPRD Education Team, a cadre of 20 dedicated creative industry professionals, partner with schools and agencies throughout the Denver metropolitan area serving an average of 20,000 children and teens each year through more than 250 workshops.

Literacy Through Arts and Humanities

LTAH is an interactive creative expression workshop that engages young people in a dialogue about bullying in its many forms and manifestations. This unique forum includes literacy as a central element for engaging discussion as well as creative expression for practicing and modeling pro-social behavior.

Dream Catchers – Untold Stories of the American West

Dream Catchers, a work by Cleo Parker Robinson, illumines the epic experiences and adventures of historic visionaries of the Americas uncovering lost stories that shape who we are today. This dance theatre suite not only transports the imagination to a distant time through extreme artistry - it implores us to heed the power of dreams and positive thinking in shaping a greater humanity today. The workshop is accompanied by a study guide mapped to Colorado State education standards.

Signature Lecture/ Demonstration Programs

The signature lecture/demonstration program is a highly energetic, movement-based program that engages students in open dialogue about diversity, respect and social harmony. The Education Team performs as well as teaches various genres and techniques of dance including modern, jazz, ballet, tap, and West African. Each vignette is preceded by a brief historical articulation about the cultural relevance of the work and the historicity of the genre. The students are given opportunities to ask questions and participate on stage with the dancers. The interactive discussion and demonstration give students greater insight into the lives of professional artists and the arts in general. The lecture/demonstration culminates in a performance by the Team.

Specialized Arts-in-Education Workshops

CPRD Arts-in-Education programming involves a greater level of collaboration with school administrators and teachers to create lesson plans and activities that supplement or enliven current units of study in each individual class. Arts-in-Education partnerships are characteristically one to two weeks in duration and students in the entire school are served. In most Artsin-Education residencies, students create a performance for the entire student body and their families to experience how academic concepts are expressed through the arts.

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Dancing with Denver’s Stars

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Dancing with Denver’s Stars