01/07/2025
The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and Cleo II will be holding an audition Monday, January 13th, 2025, in New York City at Gibney Studios ✨
Please email your headshot and resumé to [email protected] by tomorrow at 11:59pm! In addition, we ask that you bring a hard copy of your headshot and resumé in person on January 13th. Registration will take place 11-11:30am at Gibney, 280 Broadway, NYC | Enter at 53A Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007.
The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble is taking the stage at the Association of Performing Arts Professionals conference in New York City on January 11, 2025! 🌟 Don’t miss this unforgettable performance—grab your tickets now through the link below.
Know someone in NYC? Share the news! Or better yet, make it a trip and experience this amazing performance with us. See you then ✨
Photographers: Jerry Metellus and Martha Wirth
Dancers:
Michael Battle
Gabby Maduro
Lauren Slaughter
01/03/2025
We are excited to welcome these incredibly talented teaching artists to the CPRD Academy this month! ✨💜
Space in these classes is limited and filling up quickly so don’t wait to register!
Sign up at cleoparkerdance.org/academy.
01/02/2025
✨Coming soon! ✨
Joo Ree Chu, School Psychologist and lifelong dancer, will lead children and their grown-ups in a creative movement class. All gender identities are welcome and encouraged to join the fun! Attendance is limited to (6) pairs of caregivers/children aged 2 to 3 years. One additional caregiver may observe if desired.
Attire: Whatever you are comfortable moving in. Grippy socks recommended for children.
Space is limited so don’t wait to register!
Sign up today at cleoparkerdance.org/academy
12/28/2024
The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and Cleo II will be holding an audition Monday, January 13th, 2025, in New York City at Gibney Studios ✨
All gender identities are encouraged to attend and 52-week contracted positions available immediately.
Please email your headshot and resumé to [email protected] by January 8th. In addition, we ask that you bring a hard copy of your headshot and resumé in person on January 13th.
Registration will take place 11-11:30am at Gibney, 280 Broadway, NYC | Enter at 53A Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007.
We look forward to dancing together!
Photographers: Jerry Metellus and Martha Wirth
Dancers:
Samiyah Lynnice
Brandon Penn
12/27/2024
Exciting news! The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble is taking the stage at the Association of Performing Arts Professionals conference in New York City on January 11, 2025! 🌟 Don’t miss this unforgettable performance—grab your tickets now through the link in the bio.
Know someone in NYC? Share the news! Or better yet, make it a trip and experience this amazing performance with us. See you there!
Upcoming Tours ✨
* APAP (January 11th)
* IABD (January 25th)
* Lafayette Tour (January 29th)
* New Orleans Tour (February 1st)
12/21/2024
The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble is set to grace the stage at the 36th Annual International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference in Pittsburgh, PA!
You won’t want to miss this unforgettable performance during the Founders & Invited Guests Concert on Saturday, January 25th.
Join us for an incredible evening of artistry and celebration ✨
Dancers:
Jasmine Francisco
Michael Battle
Photographer: Jerry Metellus
12/19/2024
Thanks to , for supporting CPRD through their allowing us to improve our technology infrastructure so we can continue to share dance through one spirit and many voices.
12/14/2024
The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and Cleo II will be holding an audition Monday, January 13th, 2025, in New York City at Gibney Studios ✨
All gender identities are encouraged to attend and 52-week contracted positions available immediately.
Please email your headshot and resumé to [email protected] by January 8th. In addition, we ask that you bring a hard copy of your headshot and resumé in person on January 13th.
Registration will take place 11-11:30am at Gibney, 280 Broadway, NYC | Enter at 53A Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007.
We look forward to dancing together!
Photographers: Jerry Metellus and Martha Wirth
Dancers:
Samiyah Lynnice
Michael Battle
Lamar Rogers
Gabriela Maduro
Brandon Penn
12/11/2024
“My heart is heavy with the news of the passing of the iconic Nikki Giovanni. Hers was one of the most profound, fearless, and resonant voices of the 1970s. Her poetry spoke to me deeply as I was choreographing an original work, focusing on the struggles of Angela Davis. Her unflinching words spoke the truth of a generation moving through an intense period of unrest and social change. I was introduced to her work by poet, and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance co-founder, Schyleen Qualls. I found such passion and power in Nikki’s words that I included her poem, The Women Gather, in my ballet, “Spiritual Suite”, created in tribute to Dr. King and to my own brother who had passed suddenly in his teens. Over the next few years, as my company toured the world, that poem was recited aloud in the language of each country where we performed, and its universal message was heard intently by every audience.
I encourage all people to read and reflect on her writings – their message continues to be deeply meaningful in a nation struggling yet again with division. We are so blessed that she spoke in our theatre for our Juneteenth celebration in 2023, and her voice was as powerful and courageous as ever! Her words will live forever!”
Cleo Parker Robinson
Founder / Artistic Director
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Photo 1: Cleo Parker Robinson, Nikki Giovanni
Photo 1: Tohbias Juniel, Leslie Sue Parker Wallace, Nikki Giovanni, Cleo Parker Robinson, Javon Jackson, Pat Smith
12/03/2024
✨It’s Colorado Gives Day! ✨
Today is the perfect opportunity to make a difference! Your support means the world to CPRD, and we’re endlessly grateful for your generosity.
Be the spark that inspires movement and helps us continue our mission! Show your support by visiting:
cleoparkerdance.org
Thank you for being apart of the change! 🌟
Photographer: J. Benjamin Burney
12/02/2024
Exciting news! The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble is taking the stage at the Association of Performing Arts Professionals conference in New York City on January 11, 2025! 🌟 Don’t miss this unforgettable performance—grab your tickets now through the link below.
Know someone in NYC? Share the news! Or better yet, make it a trip and experience this amazing performance with us. See you there!
11/29/2024
Meet Griot, the storyteller of Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum💜
Griot is the heart and voice of our holiday production, guiding the audience through Granny’s inspiring journey. As the story unfolds, Griot not only narrates Granny’s life but also immerses himself in the rich, vibrant cultures celebrated throughout the show.
With his captivating presence and storytelling magic, Griot connects the past and present, bringing the audience along for a powerful exploration of memory, culture, and celebration.
We are ONE WEEK AWAY from the opening of our holiday production and tickets are selling FAST! Have you secured your tickets yet? Click the link in our bio to purchase ✨
Dancer: Cedric Dwayne Hall
Creative Director: Samiyah Lynnice
Photographer: J. Benjamin Burney
11/28/2024
Happy Thanksgiving from Little Granny, Nakia and Tisean, Griot, and Yemanja & Agwe—some of the beloved main characters of Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum!
As we gather to celebrate this special day, may it be a time to reflect on life’s blessings and embrace the spirit of gratitude. From our production to your home, we wish you joy, connection, and a heart full of thanks.
11/24/2024
Meet Nakia and Tisean, two pivotal characters in Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum ✨
As Granny’s loving grandchildren, Nakia and Tisean join her on a heartfelt journey to rediscover who she is and the rich tapestry of cultures she danced in during her youth. Along the way, they not only help Granny reconnect with her memories but also embark on a learning journey of their own, discovering the beauty and diversity of global traditions—and the incredible legacy of their grandmother 💜
11/21/2024
Join us in wishing an amazing Happy Birthday to Cleo II member, Nasira Watson! 🥳
Nasira is a dance artist born and bred in Cleveland, Ohio. She began her educational dance training at Cleveland School of the Arts where she trained in ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary styles for 9 years. Following that, she went on to continue her dance training at The University of North Carolina School of the Arts, with a focus in contemporary dance. She then went on to study at The Ailey School in New York City. Nasira has trained, studied and worked with many world renowned dance artists and choreographers such as Robert Battle, Christopher Huggins, Troy Powell, Darrell Moultrie, Ronald Alexander and Caridad Martinez, amongst many others. This is Nasira’s first season with Cleo II!
Photos by Martha Writh
11/21/2024
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance will be with Grammy Award Winner, in New York City on Saturday, January 11th, 2025 at Florence Gould
Theater 55 East 59th Street, NYC!
Join us by clicking this link for tickets!
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/03006156EBF51A5A
11/20/2024
Meet Yemanja and Agwe, two luminous stars in Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum💜💜
Yemanja and Agwe are the powerful and graceful god and goddesses of the seas and waters. Their presence flows throughout the production, guiding Granny on her journey as she reconnects with her memories and the vibrant cultures she once danced in.
With their ethereal movements and deep symbolism, Yemanja and Agwe embody strength, renewal, and the interconnectedness of all things—key themes woven into the heart of the show.
Our holiday production opens in 2 weeks! Have you gotten your tickets yet? Click the link in our bio to purchase ✨
11/15/2024
Meet Little Granny, one of the stars of our holiday production, Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum!
Little Granny represents Granny in her younger years as a passionate dancer, traveling the world and immersing herself in the diverse ways different cultures celebrate the holidays. In the show, Granny has forgotten her adventurous past as a young dancer, and her grandchildren, Nakia and Tisean, lovingly work to help her rediscover those cherished memories.
Through Little Granny, we bring the audience on a journey across countries and cultures, sharing the beauty and joy of holiday traditions worldwide.
We are 3 Weeks Away from the opening of our holiday production! Have you gotten your tickets yet? Click the link in our bio to purchase!
Photos of Jasmine Fransisco by Benjamin Burney