CPRD DanceAfrica program v2

JAMBO AND WELCOME to all our Friends and Family: We are so blessed to present “DANCEAFRICA DENVER 2016”, our sixth season to host this cultural celebration. This truly is a remarkable way to renew and unify through the art, music, dance and culture of Africa and the Diaspora.

DanceAfrica began 39 years ago in Brooklyn, through the guidance of the amazing Dr. Charles “Baba Chuck” Davis and is now a yearly festival, not only in New York and Denver, but also Chicago, Dallas, and Pittsburg. I attended that very first DanceAfrica and I knew it must someday come to Denver.

DanceAfrica has a profound influence in every city where it’s hosted, encouraging people of all races and traditions to come together to honor the impact of African culture and the Diaspora on the world community.

Each city shapes its celebration in a way that is uniquely significant to that particular community. “Baba Chuck” Davis is Founder and Artistic Director of the African American Dance Ensemble and is regarded as one of the foremost teachers and choreographers in the traditional techniques of African dance and is truly a national treasure. He has brought his energy and brilliance to Cleo Parker Robinson Dance for over forty years, and had intended to join us last year for DanceAfrica, as he always has, but circumstances intervened.

This year, we are so happy and HONORED that he is with us again, shaping and guiding the rituals and ceremonies of this event, and inspiring us with his wisdom, tireless energy and dedication. There is no one quite like him!

During our years presenting DanceAfrica Denver, we’ve been privileged to present some of the most unique and outstanding artists of the African Diaspora. This year is certainly proof of the excellence of such dance and drumming ensembles, as we welcome the RETURN of Philadelphia’s ILLSTYLE AND PEACE (who were with us for our FIRST DanceAfrica Denver in 2011) and Miami’s own IFE ILE AFRO CUBAN DANCE COMPANY. This year’s.DanceAfrica Denver also includes the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble performance of WISDOM OF THE BAOBAB TREE which reflect both the pain and the courage of the African Diaspora. This work, which I created in collaboration with composer and vibraphonist Jay Hoggard, is both journey and ritual, connecting us to our rich ancestral past. “Wisdom of the Baobab Tree” was commissioned by the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. for the Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, and was premiered live for over 8,000 people on July 17, 1994.

Of course, a major focus of DanceAfrica is the power of the drum circle. This year’s circle, comprised of some of Denver and Boulder’s most extraordinary drum masters, includes Koffi Toudji from Togo (home from Paris to be part of this year’s celebration) Adjei Abankwah from Ghana, and Fred “Baba Ilu Ile” Jordon who has been drumming with us for over forty years. These extraordinary master drummers are joined by Dee Dee Dunbar and John Olsson. We are also pleased to have the beautiful marimba and mbira music of our own Tobatana Marimba Ensemble, directed by Mary Ellen Garrett, adding

to the joy of our AFRICAN MARKET. Both drumming and marimba classes are included in our class schedule, so perhaps one day some of you will join our musicians in celebration.

As we celebrate our 45th ANNIVERSARY SEASON (twenty-five of which have seen us in this historic space in the Shorter AME Building at 20th and Washington), Cleo Parker Robinson Dance continues to witness major changes in our own space and in the Five Points community overall. We are especially proud that our theatre and studios continue to undergo renovations which allow us to welcome world-class performers from around the world to our stage and to advance our artistic and educational vision to progress with a renewed energy and ever-expanding community of students and audience members.

In that spirit, our 7th Annual “Dancing with the Denver Stars!” Gala will take place on August 27th launching our 46th Anniversary Season and featuring some of Denver’s most extraordinary business and community leaders performing at the Marriott City Center Hotel to support the myriad of education programs of CPRD. One of this year’s Co-Chairs will be Dee Wisor of Butler Snow. Bravo to our Stars who sponsor our Gala with significant commitments of time and resources, allowing us to further our educational outreach and scholarship programs, providing scholarships which account for over 75% of our yearround dance school’s enrollment. Through the support of the SCFD and other agencies and sponsors, CPRD continues to work with over 40,000 children in at least 40 metro-area schools, as well as educational and community facilities around the country.

For the 22nd year, we will also offer the International Summer Dance Institute (ISDI), July 5 – 30, one of the finest summer intensive programs in the country, bringing master teachers and dedicated students together for three weeks of dance immersion. This year’s ISDI faculty will include Mauli Ola Cook from Hawaii, Vusi Makhanya of South Africa, Brandon “Peace” Albright of Illstyle and Peace, Milton Myers, CPRDE alumnus Gary Abbott of Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre, and Jamal Story as well as CPRD’s own Artistic Director, Cleo Parker Robinson, and Associate Artistic Director, Winifred R. Harris. The culmination of these extraordinary weeks of dance study will be our MILE HIGH DANCE FESTIVAL on SATURDAY JULY 30. Visit us at cleoparkerdance.org for information and registration.

Our year-round school continues to provide the services of some of the Denver area’s finest instructors, allowing students of all ages and abilities the opportunity to study. We encourage you to visit our website to view our current schedule. We believe that we are all dancers – it’s simply a case of finding your own way to move!! From ballet to Zumba – there is something here for not only your children but for all of you!! And you’ll want to enjoy all the brilliant work of our students in our STUDENT SHOWCASES, on SATURDAY MAY 28 and SUNDAY MAY 29.

As you enjoy this evening’s performance, we encourage each of you to reflect on your own place within the world community, remembering that we are all part of the universal family. Axe’ Axe’.

In the Spirit of Dance

TO OUR ROYAL DENVER DANCEAFRICA COMMUNITY THANK YOU!!!!

Your unwavering support has supported DANCEAFRICA DENVER for over 20 years.

Long time. Ok. Applause.

All of you are so wonderful and I can only extend wishes for more and more success in your lives as you are on top of an ever growing list of DANCEAFRICA cities where we have played to standing room only audiences……..

New York; Washington, D.C., Miami; Dallas, Philadelphia; Pittsburg, Minneapolis/St.Paul; Los Angeles and soon we will add Charlotte, NC, Durham, N.C. and Santiago de Cuba.

We are spreading the love of our heritage throughout the universe as we galvanize and energize all minds to accept the universal truth that all life began on the continent of AFRICA and by understanding the role of each culture we develop a stronger appreciation for the paths which lead to everlasting peace.

Please continue to respect ALL ELDERS who are always visible but rarely heralded. Let’s heighten our respect and support of each other and lend loud voices to the praises of PEACE ALLBRIGHT’S ILLYSTYLE PEACE PRODUCTION AND NERI TORRE’S IFE-ILE ENSEMBLES destined to keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a good thing.

Sooooooooooo prepare yourself for greatness as you constantly remind yourself that you are not a human being having a spiritual experience…you are a spiritual being having a human experience.

Give a HUGE hug to Sister Cleo Parker Robinson and the Denver Dance Theater for their love of the arts. ASE!!! ASE!!! ASE!!!

PEACE AND LOVE Baba Chuck Davis, Founder, Dance Africa America

DR. CHARLES “CHUCK” DAVIS is Founder and Artistic Director of the African American Dance Ensemble and originally New York-based DanceAfrica. A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, he attended Howard University, majoring in Theater/Dance. Continuing his study of African dance under the guidance of Babatunde Olatunji, Eleo Pomare, and the Bernice Johnson Dance Company, his reputation developed as one of the foremost teachers and accomplished choreographers in the traditional techniques of African dance. In 1982, the American Dance Festival of Durham, NC, recruited Davis as an Artist-in-Residence, to organize and manage its outreach program. From this effort sprung the African American Dance Ensemble in 1984.

Chuck Davis is a recipient of the NY Bessie Award and the prestigious Brooklyn Academy of Music Award for distinguished service. In December of 1998, he received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Medgar Evers College of NY; and another in 2005 from Williams College, Williamstown, MA. He’s served as panelist for several programs of the National Endowment of the Arts. Appointed by the Governor to serve on the Board of the North Carolina Arts Council in 1991, Davis chairs the grant panel for Dance. He is the recipient of the AARP’s National Certificate of Excellence, the North Carolina Dance Alliance Award (2002), the North Carolina Artist Award (1990), and the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine. In 1992 Davis received the North Carolina Award in Fine Arts - the highest honor bestowed in the arts.

Dr. Davis’ numerous awards include: the Triangle Community Foundation Kathryn H. Wallace Award for Artists In Community Service (2000); the Dance Heritage Coalition recognition as one of 100 Irreplaceable Dance Treasures in the United States (2000); the Dance for the Planet award (1998 and 2001); the Durham Human Relations Commission’s Advocacy Award - especially on behalf of People with Developmental Disabilities (2002); the Artist of the Year award by Dance USA; the 2002 National Governors’ Association Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts; a citation from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus; and many more.

The City of Durham declared August 5, 2002 as Chuck Davis Day in recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to the arts; and again on January 1, 2007 in honor of Davis’ 70th birthday. He was honored with a prestigious Dance Magazine Award (2004); bestowed the Balasaraswati Joy Ann Dewey Endowed Chair for Distinguished Teaching by the American Dance Festival (2006); and presented the Spirit of Hayti Trail Blazer Award (2004). Dr. Davis was also honored when his biographical profile was chronicled in The North Carolina Century: “Tar Heels Who Made a Difference 1900-2000”; and again as a choreographer and consultant interviewed for “Free to Dance,” a PBS production on the history of African American Dance since the 20th century (2004). Dr. Charles “Chuck” Davis is recognizably a national treasure and cultural icon.

Recent months have seen Dr. Davis receive additional accolades. The American Dance Festival dedicated its entire 82nd Anniversary season in his honor, in recognition of his distinguished career as a teacher, choreographer, and ambassador for dance. Early in 2016, he was given the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) Award of Merit, as well as the Dance Place (Washington D.C.) Meritorious Award.

Dr. Davis keeps a full schedule including appearances with the Ensemble, guest artist directorships, choreographic assignments, and research and travel excursions to Africa and international points.

As founder and facilitator of the Cultural Arts Safari, Davis makes an annual pilgrimage, which this year will be to the Cuba, an historic trip to which he invites uninitiated and veteran travelers alike to join him.

CLEO PARKER ROBINSON Founder / Executive Artistic Director CLEO PARKER ROBINSON is founder, executive artistic director and choreographer of the 45-year-old Denver-based artistic institution, CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE which she began in 1970. She leads a professional dance Ensemble, Youth Ensemble, a School of Dance, an International Summer Dance Institute, a 240 seat theatre that bears her name, and a myriad of community outreach programs. She is the recipient of honors and awards from civic, community, and artistic organizations world-wide, and is called upon by a myriad of organizations and performance venues to bring her Ensemble for performances, workshops, master classes, and motivational seminars. Her philosophy of “One Spirit, Many Voices” is reflected in the vision she brings to everyone she meets, everywhere she goes.

A master teacher,/choreographer, and cultural ambassador, she has taught and performed with her Ensemble in such diverse places as Iceland, Singapore, Hawaii, Nassau, Belize, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, throughout Europe, and the African continent. People of all ages and backgrounds have participated in her workshops and master classes at conservatories, universities and dance centers worldwide Ms. Parker Robinson’s awards include the Colorado’s Governor’s Award for Excellence (1974), Denver’s 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 Doctorate from Denver University (1991), an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Colorado College (2003), and an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Regis University in Denver (2008).

In 2011, she was voted an Honorary Lifetime Trustee of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, in recognition of her longtime commitment and lasting impact on the Center. In March 2011, she was inducted into the Denver and Colorado Tourism Hall of Fame, and in 2012, she was named a “Timeless Legend” by the Denver Urban Spectrum. Most recently, in October of 2015, she is the recipient of the “Molly Brown” Award. In 2013, she produced and presented, for the first time in the United States, the incomparable “Southland”, a masterpiece of the immortal Katherine Dunham. To the delight of audiences around the world, the 2014/2015 season saw Ms. Parker Ground Robinson resuming her role as a significant choreographic master – with two new works “Madiba’s River” and “On the Edge… Reaching for Higher Ground”.

In light of powerful events across the country, these works represent both a personal statement and a call to action.

THE CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE ENSEMBLE

Winifred R. Harris / Rehearsal Director Chloé-Grant Abel * Theresa Berger+* Ameila Dietz Ralaya Goshea * YooJung Hahm * Cedric Dewayne Hall * Jessica Horton+* Saidiya Imari Martez McKinzy+* Christopher Page-Sanders Edgar L. Page * Davry Ratcliffe+ +Apprentice to the Ensemble

CLEO II

Chloe-Grant Abel / Director Alexis Amos * Jonalyn Bradshaw * Carrie Farmer Alyse West * Hannah Prudhomme

THE YOUTH ENSEMBLE

Bashir Page-Sanders / Director Maya Contreras * Nyna Moore Zoey Nadal * Gabriella Shead * Ajala Way

THE CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE

Cedric Dewayne Hall / Director Hannah Bustillos * Rebecca Cline * Meadow Contreras * Tamia Fair Naturelle Garcia-Taylor * Joanie Kinsella Lily & Zinnia McKenna * Sophie Rapp Max Nelson Steinhoff * Isabel Thornton

THE VILLAGE DRUMMERS

Koffi Toudji * Adjei Abankwah * Fred “Baba Ilu Ile” Jordon Dee Dee Dunbar * John Olsson

ILLSTYLE & PEACE (April 29, 30, May 1)

Brandon Albright / Director Alonzo “ZO” Carter * Steven Gates * Anthony Burno * Victor Lewis Jr. * Deshawn Sanders Terrell Richardson * Jerrell Richardson * Robert Durkson * Antiwne Freeman * Darryl Shane Pettway Jr.

IFE ILE AFRO CUBAN DANCE COMPANY (May 6, 7, 8) Neri Torres / Director Deyanira Formental * Nemesis Formental Maury Jose Prado * Yoniet Garcia Luis Ezequiel Torres * Aruan Torres Lianne Liz Milian * Claudina Torres Felix D. Sanabria * Juinier Quintero

Illstyle & Peace Productions is a multicultural, Philadelphia-based dance company founded in 2000 by Brandon “Peace� Albright. The company creates and performs works rooted in contemporary, West African, old school & new school hip-hop, blended with an eclectic mix of dance and performance disciplines including tap, ballet, DJ-ing and beat-boxing.

The company has toured to critical acclaim both nationally and internationally and is committed to delivering positive messages to all audiences. Illstyle & Peace Productions were the 2013 US Culture Ambassadors chosen by the U.S. State Department, and have toured throughout Russia, Belarus and the Ukraine.

IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Company is an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Afro-Cuban culture. Founded by renowned Cuban choreographer, Neri Torres, in 1996, IFE-ILE promotes cross-cultural understanding and educates the community and visitors through performances, lectures, workshops and master classes.

Recognized for the ritual dances of the Orishas and a repertoire that combines Cuban traditional and contemporary fusion dance works, IFE-ILE has been featured at the Latin Grammy Awards, Super Bowl Sunday, movies, documentaries and international tours.

In addition, the company produces the IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Festival every summer in Miami, FL, since its creation in 1998, that showcases dance and drumming workshops and attracts participants from all the US and abroad.

PROCESSIONAL Listen for the drum call and response and join us with rhythmic clapping as we welcome the Council of Elders. In traditional African societies, Elders are shown the utmost respect. Let us give thanks to the Creator and to the Elders for their wisdom.

MEMORIAL As we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before, we understand that they watch over us in spirit as we share their legacies. Our memorial honors these “torch bearers” who have shed blood, sweat and tears to better life for those following in their footsteps. When asked, please speak the name(s) of those you wish to be remembered.

GRIOT

Brandon “Peace” Albright April 29 and 30, May 1

Dr. Charles “Baba Chuck” Davis May 6, 7, 8

DANCERS

Cleo II, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Children’s and Youth Ensembles

CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE ENSEMBLE

April 29, 30, May 1

WIDSOM OF THE BAOBAB TREE (World Premier1994 / Reconstruction 1999) “In the beginning there was the rhythm of life and the rhythm of life was the DRUM.” The African Baobab tree is a gathering place for healing ceremonies and rites of passage, with the drum created from its trunk held sacred. This collaboration between Cleo Parker Robinson and composer Jay Hoggard is both journey and ritual, connecting us to our rich ancestral past. Knowledge is passed through the generations, with elders and youth, men and women, discovering truth and growing in understanding. “Wisdom of the Baobab Tree” draws on Ghanaian drum and African marimba rhythms, speaking of love, hate, freedom, and slavery. The piece concludes in celebration, uniting diverse dance cultures in the belief that the Baobab Tree is the root for ALL people. “Wisdom of the Baobab Tree” was commissioned by the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. for the Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, and was performed there live for over 8,000 people on July 17, 1994.

Choreographer Music Original Set & Lighting Original Costumes Costume Adaptations Headdresses THE CELESTIAL PRAYER Ancestral Spirit of the Baobab

Cleo Parker Robinson Jay Hoggard Keith W. Rice Lara Kirksey Joey Santos Tiffany Snyth Ralaya Goshea

RITE OF PASSAGE Ancestral Spirit of the Baobab

Ralaya Goshea Elder Cedric Dewayne Hall Youth Christopher Page-Sanders Men Martez McKinzy, Edgar L. Page, Davry Ratcliffe

THE BAOBAB TREE

Ancestral Spirit of the Baobab Ralaya Goshea The Women Theresa Berger, Amelia Dietz,

YooJung Hahn, Jessica Horton, Saidiya Imari IN SEARCH FOR TRUTH LOVE IS THE ANSWER

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble

NOTE: WISDOM OF THE BAOBAB TREE will be performed in Act II on May 6, 7, 8 IFE ILE AFRO-CUBAN DANCE COMPANY

May 6, 7, 8

WEMILERE A party for the orishas in the Afro-Cuban tradition of Yoruba-lucumi origin Choreographer

Neri Torres, Deyanira Formental, NEMESIS FORMENTAL Music Sacred traditional Afro-Cuban Ochun Deyanira Formental, Nemesis Formental Chango Junier Quintero, Yoniet Garcia Eleggua Maury Prado Yemaya Beanies Monzon RUMBA ABIERTA Musicians Ezequiel Torres, Aruan Torres, Felix D.

Sanabria, E.T. Todd TEMA A CACHITA Cachita is the nickname of the Ochun syncretized image of La Caridad del Cobre.

Choreographer Neri Torres Lyrics Aruan Torres Dancers Deyanira Formental and Nemesis Formental Formental MAKUTA Musicians

Ezequiel Torres, Aruan Torres, Felix D, Sanabria, E.T. Todd

PALO NGANGA Palo is rooted in the Bantú people of Central Africa (particularly from Congo). It is an energetic warrior’s dance based upon communication with ancestral spirits and the power of the forest to help overcome earthly challenges.

Choreographer Nemesis Formental, Deyanira Formental

and Junier Quintero Music Sacred traditional Afro-Cuban Dancers Nemesis Formental, Deyanira Formental,

Junier Quintero, Joniet Garcia, Maury Prado 20 minute INTERMISSION – Please enjoy our marketplace!

ILLSTYLE AND PEACE

April 29, 30, May 1

KINGZ This WARRIOR DANCE is based on the POWER that exists in the black man. This is a dance for AFRICA & the AFRICAN PEOPLE, always reminding us to NEVER FORGET that black men and black women are STRONG, INTELLIGENT, BEAUTIFUL and SPIRITUAL. KINGZ is Spirit and Movement for the People - a dance from the spirit of GOD and Love that pushes our talents and creativity through us. This is the dance for LIFE, LOVE, PEACE and UNITY! Choreographer Brandon “Peace” Albright Music: Brazilian Beatz & Mega House / Mix by

Darrin Ross & Brandon “Peace” Albright Costumes Brandon “Peace” Albright Dancers Brandon Albright, Alonzo “ZO” Carter, Robert Durkson, Steven Gates,

Antiwne Freeman, Victor Lewis Jr., Anthony Burno, Darryl Shane Pettway Jr.,

Terrell Richardson, Jerrell Richardson, Deshawn Sanders CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE ENSEMBLE

May 6, 7, 8

WIDSOM OF THE BAOBAB TREE (World Premier1994 / Reconstruction 1999) “In the beginning there was the rhythm of life and the rhythm of life was the DRUM.” NOTE – Please see Act I for complete performance notes SINTE (Grand Finale) We are SO HAPPY to spend this time with all of you and we do THANK YOU ALL for supporting Denver Colorado’s CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE and its sixth annual DANCEAFRICA DENVER. SINTE further unites ALL OF THE ARTISTS as we continue on our quest for PEACE LOVE and RESPECT THROUGHOUT the PLANET.

The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Cleo II, The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Children’s and Youth Ensembles The Village Drummers Illstyle and Peace April 29, 30, May 1 Dr. Charles “Baba Chuck” Davis May 6, 7, 8 Ife Ile Afro-Cuban Dance Company May 6, 7, 8

DANCE AFRICA DENVER 2016 is dedicated to the memory of:

Jonathon Parker | Tommie Robinson | Beverly J. Robinson | Elizabeth Tansiel and all others who have passed to the ancestors this year.

Performance selections, casting, and order are subject to change without prior notice.

Please silence all cell phones. Absolutely NO video, photographic or sound recording (including cell phones and other electronic devices) is permitted without the express written permission of CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE. Failure to comply may result in the confiscation of both the footage and the device.

Cleo Parker Robinson

Winifred R. Harris

Christopher Page-Sanders Chloe-Grant Able Bashir Page-Sanders Cedric Dewayne Hall Trey “Trezie” Grimes Connor Morford Rhetta Shead

Mary Hart

Founder / Artistic Director / Producer / Choreographer Associate Artistic Director / Ensemble Rehearsal Director Electronic and Digital Media Coordination Cleo II Director Youth Ensemble Director Children’s Ensemble Director Technical Director / Sound Engineer Lighting Engineer and Adaptations Executive Administrative Assistant / Production and Box Office Guest Services / Marketplace and Volunteers Coordinator

WINIFRED R. HARRIS Associate Artistic Director / Ensemble Rehearsal 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. She has been on faculty at various universities and studios nationwide, including Cal Arts (her alma mater), Cal State Los Angeles and Spelman College. She has now returned to Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and the Ensemble as Rehearsal Director and Associate Artistic Director.

CHLOE-GRANT ABEL A native of Kansas City, Ms. Abel first trained for twelve years at the Kansas City Ballet School under full scholarship. In New York, she studied at the Ailey School as a Fellowship recipient, and in 2010 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, and Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company. After one season with Cleo II, this is Ms. Abel’s fourth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.

THERESA BERGER + Originally from Ankeny, IA, Ms. Berger studied and performed with the Iowa Dance Theatre and with Performing Edge, Moore Dance’s pre-professional company. While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in dance from the University of Iowa, she performed works by Alan Sener, Armando Duarte, Deana Carter, among others. Upon moving to Denver, she danced with Kim Robards Dance and Moraporvida Contemporary Dance. Now in her first season as an apprentice with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, she also teaches at Classical Ballet of Colorado, Denver School of the Arts, and the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance School.

AMELIA DIETZ First training at Barbara Baker School and BalletMet Columbus, Ms. Dietz continued her studies at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, Northern Ballet Theatre in Leeds, England, American Repertory Ballet and The Ailey School. She received the BalletMet Mary Fuller Scholarship Award and for four seasons was a member of the Dayton Contemporary Dance Second Company. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Wright State University in 2012. This is Ms. Dietz’s fourth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.

RALAYA GOSHEA Born in Detroit, Ms. Goshea trained at the Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts and Oakland University before receiving her Bachelor’s in Performing Arts. She has performed with the Brown Dance Project, Patterson Rhythm and Pace, Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, SMAGDance Company and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC). As a choreographer she created a full concert for the Triple Threat Productions Company of Rochester, Michigan, and set a work on the University of Dayton’s Dance Ensemble. She was a member of Cleo II for two seasons and is now in her third season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.

YOOJUNG HAHM Born in Seoul, Korea, Ms. Hahm began training with the Muyoungnara academy in Ilsan, Korea. Her studies also included the Seoul Arts High School and the Korea National University of Arts. Near the conclusion of her studies at the KNUA, she received a scholarship from Alvin Ailey in NYC based on her performances at the Seoul International Dance Competition.

After graduation she moved to Manhattan, training in Horton technique for a year at the Ailey Dance School. She also performed at LAUNCH:10 with the North West Dance Project in Portland. This is Ms. Hahm’s first season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.

CEDRIC DEWAYNE HALL Mr. Hall began dancing with the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre’s CONSORT Youth Dance Training and Development Program, later becoming 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. This is Mr. Hall’s ninth season with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.

JESSICA HORTON + Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Ms. Horton trained at Shelton State Dance Department, studying the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus before attending the Alabama School of Fine Arts with a focus in Dance, receiving the Woodward Dishion Memorial Award. She has attended intensives with The Ailey School, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference. Her training continued at Wright State University where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, while also performing with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II from 2009-2011. As a post graduate she became a counselor for Summerdance with Ballet Academy East in New York. She was a member of Cleo II for two seasons and is now in her first season as an apprentice to the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.

SAIDIYA IMARI Born in Clio, SC, Ms. Imari attended Howard University on full scholarship under the tutelage of Dr. Sherrill Berryman Johnson and in 2009, graduated Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance Arts and a minor in psychology. Her training includes ballet, Horton and Graham techniques, and traditional Senegalese dance. She has performed with David Dorfman Dance Theatre, DishiBem Traditional Contemporary Dance Company, Kadiatou Conte, Chuck Davis, Louis Johnson, and Dianne McIntyre. She interned with the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre, and Ronald K. Brown/ Evidence, A Dance Company. After interning a season with DCDC 2, she apprenticed with their first company with whom she toured extensively. This is Ms. Imari’s fifth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.

MARTEZ McKINZEY+ Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. McKinzey previously studied with Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey under the direction of Tyrone Aiken. This is his first season as an apprentice to the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, having been a member of Cleo II last season.

CHRISTOPHER PAGE-SANDERS Originally from St. Louis, Mr. Page-Sanders trained with the Center of Creative Arts and the University of Missouri-Kansas City / Conservatory of Music & Dance. He has performed with Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company, Owen/Cox Dance Group, and the Madison-Cannon Project. He has also served as resident choreographer for Young Musical Theatre Workshop, UMKC Musical Theatre & Opera Department, That Uppity Theatre Co., as well as various high-schools, community theaters and dance companies. This is Mr. Page-Sanders’ seventh season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.

EDGAR L. PAGE Originally from Detroit, Mr. Page began his training through the Detroit Public School System. He furthered his studies at the Alvin Ailey Dance School and the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange before receiving his BA in Dance from Western Michigan University (as an M. L. K. Cultural Diversity Scholar and Wade H. McCree Jr. Incentive Scholar). A former member of the Dayton Contemporary Second Dance Company this is Mr. Page’s sixth season with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.

DAVRY RATCLIFFE+ Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Ratcliffe began his training at Fort Hayes Performing Arts MEC under Marva “China” White (former Dance Theatre of Harlem dancer) in the Pre-Professional program. In addition to myriad productions, performances, and building a non-profit company supporting professional development/ leadership and community outreach through hip hop culture, Mr. Ratcliffe has worked with renowned choreographers including Laurieanne Gibson, Gil Dudilduo, and several “Dancing with the Stars” competitors. After two seasons as a member of Cleo II, he is now in his first season as an apprentice to the Ensemble. +Apprentice to the Ensemble

ADMINISTRATION Cleo Parker Robinson Malik Robinson Winifred R. Harris Rhetta Shead Janelle Ayon Mary Hart Amelia Dietz Bashir Page-Sanders BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gwen Brewer Cleo Parker Robinson * Alfred Walker Debbie Herrera Shale Wong Heather Barry Tyrone Gant Angela Norris Hawkins Tony Price Shelley Thompson

Founder / Artistic Director Executive Director Associate Artistic Director / Ensemble Rehearsal Director Executive Administrative Assistant Director of Community Programming Ensemble Bookings / Volunteerism Coordinator Senior School Clerk School Clerk

EMERITUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Judge Raymond Dean Jones J.D.* Chairman Emeritus Chelsye J. Burrows Michael Donegan Kevin Fallon Les Franklin Helen Franzgrote Marceline Freeman Rosalind “Bee” Harris Eric Hughes Renee Hurley

Board Chair Founder /Executive Artistic Director Board Treasurer Vice Chair Vice Chair

Henry Lowenstein Nancy McClosky Dawn Nakamura-Kessler 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

SPECIAL THANKS FROM

“DANCE AFRICA DENVER 2016”

The Denver Post (John Wenzel) The Denver Post Community

The Ensemble, Cleo II, Youth and Children’s Ensembles, Board of Directors

Five Points Business District

CPRD Administrative & Technical Staff, our Sponsors, Volunteers, Faculty, Students and Parents

Marceline Freeman (In Memoriam)

We also thank the following for their continuing support…

BBoy Factory (Ian Flaws) Pat Brooks Buchi Café Cubano Colorado High School Activities Association (Tom Robinson) Cuba Cuba Café and Bar

Five Points News (Brother Jeff)

Robertta Freeman The Johnsbury Family KUVO (Arturo Gomez) Metropolitan State University (Tony Price) Jonathon “JP” Parker (In Memoriam) Kristen Nelson Steinhoff Stan and Chris Obert Martha Parker (In Memoriam) Reina Parker and Family

Publication Printers Malik and Vianey Robinson The Robinson Family Rocky Mountain PBS Salsa Central Denver (Joey Genova) Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Rhetta and Kenny Shead The Thornton Family Two Sistahs Catering Univision (Dan Daboub) The Urban Spectrum (Bee Harris) Leslie Sue Parker Wallace and James Wallace Letitia Williams