Cleo Parker Robinson Dance - Dancing with the Denver Stars 2016

August 27, 2016 Greetings from Cleo and the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Village: Welcome to the 46th Anniversary Gala of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD), “Dancing with the Denver Stars!” For the seventh year in a row, some of Denver’s most outstanding business and community leaders are dancing in support of the myriad of education programs provided by CPRD. Tonight, as we salute “The Royalty of Music,” we also salute the royal spirit of these wonderful individuals. 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 both time and resources have done much to move us towards our $200,000.00 goal which represents a significant portion of our annual budget.

2016 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 15,000 students at over 250 community and educational venues throughout the state. For the fourth time, we proudly hosted the 28th Annual International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) Conference (Black Dance Rising), bringing members of the world’s most prominent Black dance companies and educational institutions to Denver. During the IABD, we also had the distinct honor of hosting the historic first audition for ballerinas of color in our Five Points studios.

We also celebrated the 22nd Anniversary Season of our International Summer Dance Institute (ISDI), bringing together international artists and eager students for four weeks of master classes, culminating in our 6th Annual Mile High Dance Festival. Our year-round school continues to thrive with over 1,000 students of all ages and levels of ability becoming more brilliant than ever thanks to the extraordinary training that they experience in the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Academy. These programs (and their related scholarships) continue to develop through the strength and support of our civic and community partners - and each of you in attendance this evening.

We continue to define the role of dance and its relationship to health and wellness, within a holistic and global education.

We proudly presented our sixth annual Dance Africa Denver with both Illstyle and Peace and the Ife Ile Afro-Cuban Dance Company joining our own Ensemble, Cleo II, Junior Youth and Youth Ensembles on stage. We’ve also welcomed prominent Latin-American choreographer Jairo Heli to our studios as he set an extraordinary new work, “Mictlan Rx” on the Ensemble.

This powerful and provocative work will have its World Premiere when we launch our new season on September 10 with “Relativity” at Boulder’s Chautauqua Auditorium, before beginning our national touring season. Our beloved annual holiday production, “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum”, will

bring its magical 25th anniversary performances to our Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre stage in December.

I wish to thank our Honorary Chair, Governor John Hickenlooper, as well as our Event Co-Chairs Dee Wisor (Butler Snow) and Gloria Schoch (MillerCoors). The members of our Gala Steering Committee, led by our CPRD Board Chair, Gwen Brewer, have worked countless hours with the various committees on every detail of “Dancing with the Denver Stars” to ensure the success of tonight’s event. Throughout the rehearsal process, our 14 Stars have amazed me with their dedication, spirit and generosity. Our Board of Directors, Executive Director Malik Robinson, the CPRD Advisory Board, our mighty staff, the brilliant Ensemble, along with Cleo II and the Youth and Junior Youth Ensembles, have all demonstrated an incredible degree of devotion to this event. A host of volunteers have touched me deeply with their level of commitment. Special thanks as well to the incredible Dion Sanders and the Denver Marriott City Center staff who have worked so closely with our Gala team.

We sincerely thank all of you for your continued advocacy and commitment. We look forward to advancing our educational and outreach goals, 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, let’s all continue to embrace our creative selves and nurture that same spirit in others, understanding that “Community Matters.”

Thank you and “Axe’, axe’” to all of you!

Cleo

Thank you for joining us for this year’s Dancing with the Denver Stars! You have invested both time and money to be here tonight, and we are grateful for your support and commitment to our vision and our programs.

As Cleo Parker Robinson Dance enters its 46th anniversary year, we find ourselves in an extraordinary position. This year, we initiated a three-year capacity campaign in order to strengthen our infrastructure and facilitate sustained strategic growth in the organization’s four key pillars: the Ensemble, the Academy, our Theatre, and our Education programs.

The success of this inspiring movement enables the organization to focus more intently on the scope and depth of our education and outreach programming.

In fact, coinciding with the launch of the capacity campaign this year, CPRD initiated two after-school programs and two additional summer arts camps providing kids in high poverty neighborhoods the opportunity to experience the power of arts-in-education and its ability to ignite a passion for learning. With our sights on the future, your support will provide the impetus for greater strategic growth with our school partners that will have both an immediate and long-term impact on student learning outcomes. Together, we will make the inspiring movement necessary to stimulate personal growth, critical thinking and academic achievement.

Sincerely,

Malik Robinson

Executive Director Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

August 27, 2016 Good Evening: Welcome to the 7th annual Dancing with the Denver Stars! We thank our corporate donors, dinner committee members, the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Board of Directors, Advisory Committee, and everyone present this evening for helping to make this Gala the most successful yet.

Having both been Dancing Stars last year, we can attest to the amount of work and commitment each of tonight’s “Star” dancers has put in to get here tonight. Their commitment does not go unnoticed. The funds raised by them and by everyone here this evening will support the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) education and outreach programs. These programs serve over 15,000 K-12th grade students each year, proving opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable.

Also we extend our special thanks to Honorary Chair Governor John Hickenlooper; 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 46 years, we extend our sincere wish for your continued success and many more years of generously and lovingly touching the lives of tens of thousands in our community, and around the globe!

Sincerely,

Dee Wisor Gloria Schoch

“Dancing with the Denver Stars” Event Co-Chairs”

August 29, 2015 Good Evening, We are honored to welcome you to the 46th Anniversary celebration of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD)—Dancing with the Denver Stars! Tonight you will experience a wonderful evening of dance entertainment as “stars” of Denver’s business and community service circles step out of their “comfort zones” to dance choreographed routines with the professional dancers of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.

Your presence this evening demonstrates your support of CPRD’s unique education programs that bridge the gap between arts education and physical fitness by providing in-school dance and movement programs, after-school programs and summer programs. The dollars we raise tonight will directly benefit our education programs and also help us continue to expand our outreach beyond the15,000 youth we serve in metropolitan Denver.

Tonight, we also celebrate Cleo Parker Robinson. For 46 years she has inspired us with her loving spirit, her generous nature and her deep commitment to spreading the healing art of dance. The “village” she has created at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance 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 and Event Chairs; Malik Robinson, Executive Director of CPRD; our Development Director Hillary Harding, the members of the “Dancing with the Denver Stars” Steering Committee and the CPRD dancers who worked countless hours to develop our “stars” into dancers. Finally, I thank the CPRD Board of Directors, Advisory Committee 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

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, Ron Tripoli, Dave Coulier and Lachlan Patterson.

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 expertise of

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.

funk has been proven time and time

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.

everything from Jazz to Country and is

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 consistently committed to perfecting his art.

THE ISAAC POINTS JAKARTA 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 Sustaining a cultural arts institution for 46 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.

STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE ANCESTORS Cherished Family and Friends— Martha Parker, Jonathon “JP” Parker, Whalon Jesse Parker, John Whalon Parker Jr., Diane and Cherish Robinson, Ian Wallace, Beverly J. Robinson, Tommie E. Robinson, Roberta Freeman, Louisa De Luna Coley, Elizabeth Tansiel, Ernestine Harris, John Buckner, Henry Lowenstein, George Morrison Jr., Betty Robnett, Donald Sewell.

THE MUSES Marceline Freeman, Opalanga Pugh, Maya Angelou HONORED ALUMNI Cedric Flynt, Curtis Fraser, Eric Hill, Ronnie Whittaker, Leni Williams and ALL of the former CPRD dancers over these past 46 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, Geoffrey Holder, Dudley Williams, Fred Benjamin.

OUR CO-FOUNDERS From the beginning of CPRD’S 46-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-six years.

TOM ROBINSON CO-FOUNDER You have been my soul mate and the rock for our incredible 46-year journey, giving 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.

KEEPING THE LEGACY ALIVE MALIK ROBINSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR You guide and manage the organization and staff with a vision and work ethic that has given us momentum to sustain and grow for the next 46 years.

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

Axe’ Axe’ my son.

GUARANTEEING THE LEGACY OF THE POWER, BEAUTY AND PASSION Darrell Anderson, Tamara Banks, Moses and Gwen Brewer, Randy Brooks, John Buckner, Ed Dwight, Li Hardison, Kevin Fallon, the Hart Family, Helen Franzgrote, Barbara Gardner, Trey Grimes, Dr. Vincent Harding, Eric Hughes, Renee Hurley, Lara Kirksey, Nancy McCloskey, Marcie Moore Gantz, George Morrison Jr., John Mosley, Dawn NakamuraKessler, Edmond “Buddy” Noel, Reina Parker, Wrandell Belafonte and Athanasia Parker, Schyleen Qualls Brown, Bob Ragland, Keith Rice, Susan Richardson, Daniel Ritchie, Tom Robinson, Malik and Vianey Robinson, Linard “Scotty” Scott, Donald Seawell, Lu Vason, 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 Ensembles, Volunteers, Faculty, Family and Friends.

My thanks and blessings, AXE’ AXE’

Cleo

ADMINISTRATION Cleo Parker Robinson* Founder/Artistic Director Malik Robinson Executive Director Hillary Harding Development Director Rhetta Shead Director of Administration Winifred R. Harris Assistant Artistic Director/ Ensemble Rehearsal Director

EMERITUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Judge Raymond Dean Jones J.D. *

Lillyanna Chapa

Chelsye J. Burrows

Hector Galindo

Michael Donegan

Mariana Galvan

Kevin Fallon

Bernadette Moreno

Les Franklin

Amir Patterson

Helen Franzgote Rosalind “Bee” Harris Eric Hughes Renee Hurley Nancy McClosky Dawn Nakamura-Kessler

Debbie Herrera Vice Chair Shale Wong Vice Chair Alfred Walker Board Treasurer Cleo Parker Robinson * Founder/Artistic Director Brian Allen Heather Barry Tyrone Gant Angela Norris Hawkins Tony Price Shelley Thompson Josett Valdez-Negley

Theresa Berger Amelia Dietz

Hannah Prudhomme Jonalyn Bradshaw guest artist

Victoria Shead guest artist

YOUTH ENSEMBLE Nina Moore Gabriella Shead Ajala Way

Meadow Contreras

Jessica Horton

Tamia Fair

Lester Ward

Martez McKinzy

Naturelle Garcia-Taylor

Dr. Reggie and Faye Washington

Edgar Page

Lilly McKenna

Davry Ratcliffe

Zinnia McKenna

Bria Tyner

Max Nelson-Steinhoff

Chris Page Sanders

Isabelle Thornton

John Wagner

Gwen Brewer Board Chair

Alexis Amos

Carrie Farmer

Cedric Hall

Mary Hart Ensemble Bookings/ Volunteers Coordinator

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chloe Abel

Tony DeBerry

JUNIOR YOUTH ENSEMBLE

Edmond “Buddy” Noel *

Bashir Page-Sanders School Clerk

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble

CLEO II

Rai Goshea

Janelle Ayon Community Programming Director

Amelia Dietz Senior School Clerk

COMMUNITY OUTREACH STUDENTS

Schyleen Qualls Brown * Tom Robinson *

*Founding members of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

guest artist

HONORARY CHAIR Governor John W. Hickenlooper

EVENT CHAIRS Gloria Schoch Dee Wisor

STEERING COMMITTEE Gwen Brewer, Chair Hillary Harding Debbie Herrera Malik Robinson Rhetta Shead

DINNER COMMITTEE Kim Bimestefer Dawn Bookhardt Moses and Gwen Brewer Amy Harmon Nita Mosby Henry Tyler Hal and Ann Logan James and Kathryn Kaiser Tom Robinson Tina Walls Wallace and Parker Family Dr. Reggie and Faye Washington Dr. Shale Wong

VIDEOGRAPHERS Reflections in Video Productions, Inc. Epiphany Ai (Digital)

PRESENTING SPONSOR: Butler Snow

DANCE OF LIFE: MillerCoors

DANCE OF PASSION: Delta Dental

DANCE OF GRACE:

Xcel Energy Denver International Airport

DANCE OF FAITH

Honorable Ken Salazar AON Hewitt Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck CHFA Children’s Hospital Colorado City and County Denver Office of Economic Development City of Aurora Police Department Colorado Petroleum Council Delaware North Denver Museum of Nature & Science Epiphany Ai (Digital)

DANCE OF HOPE: arc Thrift Stores Delta Eta Boule CenturyLink CoBiz Bank Colorado Nut Company Comcast DA Davidson DAM/DCPA Denver Museum of Nature & Science DRG Metrix/North Highland Hall Render Hogan Lovells

Kutak Rock LLP Marriott Metro State Motorola Solutions Mortenson Construction Panasonic Polsinelli Porter-Billups Leadership Academy RBC Wealth Management Sawaya Law Firm Sewald Hanfling WSP | PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF

MASTER OF CEREMONY Shed G CLEO II, YE, JYE Excerpt from Earth, Wind and Fire CPRD ENSEMBLE Excerpt from Bamboula: Musicians’ Brew CO-CHAIRS, DANCING WITH THE DENVER STARS Dee Wisor, Butler Snow and Gloria Schoch, MillerCoors Introduced by Amir Patterson MISTRESS OF CEREMONY Cleo Parker Robinson INVOCATION Father Jeffrey Harrison

DINNER

VIDEO

Gwen Brewer Steering Committee Chair Chair, CPRD Board of Directors

PADDLE RAISE Reggie Rivers

Malik Robinson Executive Director, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Introduced by Lillyanna Chapa

GRAND ENTRANCE THE DENVER STARS, PART 1 (In order of appearance) Simone Ross, Monica Rosenbluth, Tracee Bentley, Eric Hiraga, Terrance Carroll, Chief Nick Metz, Lisa Hogan

THE DENVER STARS, PART 2 Paul Washington, Kim Locker, Brian Allen, Mark Clemency, Courtney Hutchison, George Sparks, Michelle Lucero CLOSING REMARKS AND SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ENTERTAINMENT Isaac Points and the Jakarta Band

We thank you for your support and commitment to our programs and our vision. This evening we are doing our first-ever paddle raiser. The purpose of the paddle raiser is to secure additional money for our school outreach programs. Raising your paddle tonight will support the following programs.

1. Additional in school outreach: CPRD has stepped in to bridge the gap between arts education and physical fitness by providing in-school dance and movement programs. Our professional ensemble provides dance education to 15,000 Metro-Denver public school children.

2. After School Scholarships: 80 students participated in our after school program. These students rely 100% on scholarship. Our programs at Stedman and Whittier are 12-week programs focused on building confidence, increasing physical activity, and providing opportunities for kids at the end of the school day.

With the addition of the paddle raiser this year, we are hoping to expand our reach and our depth within the public school system. We will steward your dollars wisely and thank you for your partnership.

CPRD has significant social impact. Believing that crosscultural exchange through dance leads to healthier, happier and more inclusive communities, CPRD strives to be an epicenter for this exchange through performance, education, and the celebration of dance for all people.

CPRD improves Academic Performance. According to Americans for the Arts, young people who participate regularly in arts classes are three times more likely to attend their regular classes, achieve higher academic results, and have a statistically significant decrease in dropout rates. In the past 5 years, 100% of our CPRD Youth Ensemble seniors have graduated from high school, over 95% have continued to college and university, and several have gone on to dance professionally with companies around the U.S.

CPRD builds community.

Countless times, we’re told that CPRD is a unique and welcoming environment for everyone: seeing young men and women of color, many from the LGBT community, become exceptional artists, developing their creativity and their inner and outer beauty. The opportunities you provide for adults who may or may not have had a background in dance are revolutionary.

Arc Thrift Stores is a proud sponsor of

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Dancing with Denver’s Stars

Arc Thrift Stores is a proud sponsor of

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Dancing with Denver’s Stars

“If you enjoyed tonight, we hope you’ll mark your calendar now for August 2017 for the next Dancing with the Denver Stars!

We are pleased to announce Kim Bimestefer will chair our 2017 Gala. A little more about Kim....”

Recognized as a visionary strategist who passionately energizes those with whom she engages, Kim has a special talent for achieving objectives. Combining a collaborative approach with a strong sense of possibility, ownership, and accountability, Kim’s leadership has facilitated corporate cultural change, rallied support for dedicated community organizations, and prompted significant innovations in numerous fields. Throughout her career, Kim has cultivated a trusted, personal brand and is known for her captivating, inspirational style, her passion and on point messaging.

“It is an honor to serve as Chair of the 2017 Cleo Parker Robinson Dancing with the Denver Stars Gala. CPRD helps children identify talents that may otherwise remain unexplored, teaches children and young adults to express their passion through the arts, and introduces our youth to a fun way to be more physically active. From boosting self-esteem, to promoting physical activity, to teaching individuals how to express themselves in healthy ways, CPRD is making a significant difference in the lives of individuals in our community. We are truly blessed to have CPRD in our community.”

Kim Bimestefer