Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

For individuals across Colorado, and especially those deeply engaged with Denver’s vibrant cultural scene, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance stands as an extraordinary and vital performing arts theater and institution. Founded in 1970 by the visionary Cleo Parker Robinson, this organization has grown from humble beginnings into an internationally esteemed cultural ambassador, celebrated for its unique blend of cross-cultural contemporary dance rooted in African American traditions. It's more than just a place to see a show; it's a living hub of artistic excellence, community engagement, and educational outreach. Housed in the historic AME Shorter church in the heart of Denver's Five Points neighborhood, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance offers a powerful space where "One Spirit, Many Voices" truly comes alive through movement, music, and storytelling. It embodies a commitment to educating, celebrating, and honoring the African Diaspora and African American experience, while also fostering appreciation for dance as a universal language that transcends boundaries of culture, class, and age.

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance operates on five core pillars: its renowned professional Ensemble, a comprehensive Academy of Dance, a 240-seat Theatre, impactful Education Programs, and pioneering Arts-in-Wellbeing initiatives. This multifaceted approach ensures that the organization serves a diverse population through performances, dance instruction, and community enrichment. For over five decades, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance has not only produced and commissioned over 100 original ballets and toured to more than 40 countries, but also served over a million students through cultural education and movement outreach programs. The dedication to social justice and the belief in the healing power of art are deeply embedded in its mission, making it a powerful force for positive change in Denver and beyond. As a prominent cultural anchor and one of the largest arts organizations of color in the Rocky Mountain Region, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance offers Coloradans an unparalleled opportunity to engage with world-class artistry that is both profoundly entertaining and profoundly meaningful, cementing its legacy as an oasis for art, dance, and the celebration of love and community.

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is strategically located at 119 Park Ave W, Denver, CO 80205, USA. This address places the institution firmly within Denver's historic Five Points neighborhood, an area rich in African American history and culture, known for its vibrant jazz scene and artistic heritage. The location offers excellent accessibility for locals across the Denver metropolitan area. Public transportation is a convenient option, with numerous RTD bus lines serving the Five Points area and stops typically within a short walk of the theater. The A Line commuter rail, connecting Union Station to Denver International Airport, also has a station (38th & Blake) that is a short distance away, providing broader regional access. For those utilizing the light rail, connections can be made to the Five Points area from various parts of Denver. While street parking might be available, it can vary. However, the organization's website indicates partnerships with nearby businesses, such as Safeway, for permission to use their parking lots, though patrons are asked to avoid spaces directly in front of businesses. The facility itself, housed in the historic Shorter AME church, has undergone significant renovations to enhance accessibility. It features wheelchair access via an outside ramp entrance and a chair lift directly inside, along with a second chair lift for stage access, demonstrating their commitment to accommodating all patrons. An ongoing capital campaign, "Cleo's Campaign for the Future," includes plans for a new wing, the "Cleo Parker Robinson Center for the Healing Arts," which will offer full and modern ADA access, further improving the accessibility of this vital cultural landmark.

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, as a multifaceted institution, offers a wide array of services designed to engage, educate, and inspire the community through dance and performing arts.

• Professional Dance Ensemble Performances: The internationally acclaimed Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble presents a dynamic repertoire of cross-cultural contemporary dance, rooted in African American traditions. They offer a season of performances at their home theater and frequently tour nationally and internationally, showcasing original ballets and signature pieces.
• Dance Academy: The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Academy provides comprehensive dance instruction for students of all ages and skill levels, from PreK through professional training. Classes include African, Hip Hop, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, West African Drumming, Zumba, and more, fostering technical excellence and a love for movement.
• Youth Ensemble and Cleo II (Second Company): Beyond the main professional ensemble, CPRD nurtures emerging talent through its Youth Ensemble and Cleo II, offering performance opportunities and advanced training for younger and developing dancers.
• International Summer Dance Institute (ISDI): An intensive program that draws students and visiting artists from around the globe, offering a rich curriculum in diverse dance genres and cultural immersion.
• Theater Rental: The historic 240-seat theater is fully equipped with theatrical lights and sound and is available for rent, serving as a vital home for many local dance, theater, and emerging artists in Denver. It includes use of the lobby and backstage dressing rooms.
• Education Programs (Arts-in-Education): CPRD serves numerous area schools each year, providing cultural arts and movement outreach programming. These programs infuse arts into the curriculum, offering unique learning experiences and serving hundreds of thousands of students over the years.
• Arts-in-Wellbeing Programs: These initiatives work with underserved communities to provide cultural outreach and health education, advocating for health equity through arts and dance. This includes programs focused on mental health, civic engagement, and community events, collaborating with health foundations and policy centers.
• Community Engagement and Advocacy: CPRD actively engages in advocacy for social justice, mental health, and cultural equity through its performances, educational programs, and community partnerships, touching thousands of lives statewide.

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance boasts numerous features and highlights that firmly establish its significance as a premier performing arts institution and a cultural treasure for Colorado.

• Rich Historical and Cultural Roots: Founded in 1970 during the Black Arts and Civil Rights movements, the organization is deeply rooted in African American traditions and housed in the historic AME Shorter church in Five Points. This rich history informs its mission and unique artistic voice.
• Visionary Leadership of Cleo Parker Robinson: Cleo Parker Robinson, the founder and artistic director, is a master teacher, choreographer, and cultural ambassador with numerous accolades, including the Colorado Governor's Award for Excellence and induction into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame. Her philosophy of "One Spirit, Many Voices" guides all aspects of the organization.
• Internationally Recognized Ensemble: The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble is a world-class professional company renowned for its dynamic performances, original works, and extensive national and international tours, bringing Denver's artistic excellence to global stages.
• Comprehensive Dance Education: The Academy offers high-standard, accessible, and affordable training across dozens of dance genres for all ages, making quality dance instruction available to the entire community, from toddlers to adults.
• Commitment to Social Justice and Community Impact: CPRD uses dance as a powerful tool for social change, exploring the human condition, championing social justice, and uniting people. Their Arts-in-Wellbeing programs address critical community needs, including mental health, and they serve thousands of students through arts education outreach.
• Historic and Accessible Theatre: The 240-seat theater provides an intimate setting for performances and serves as a vital venue for other local artists. Ongoing efforts have significantly improved ADA accessibility, including ramps and chair lifts, demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusion.
• Diverse and Cross-Cultural Repertoire: The company's body of work celebrates the African Diaspora while embracing cross-cultural influences, leading to performances that are both visually captivating and culturally enriching, appealing to a wide range of audiences.
• "Oasis" for Varied Populations: As described in their mission, CPRD creates an "oasis where a varied population—by gender, race, age and ethnicity—gather to study and appreciate a modern, cross-cultural approach to creative community development." This inclusive environment is highly valued by its patrons.

For those interested in experiencing the artistry, educational programs, or community initiatives of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, here is their contact information:

Address: 119 Park Ave W, Denver, CO 80205, USA

Phone: (303) 295-1759

Mobile Phone: +1 303-295-1759

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is an exceptionally suitable and indispensable point of interest for locals throughout Colorado, particularly residents of the Denver metropolitan area. What makes this institution so vital to local users is its unique blend of world-class performing arts, comprehensive dance education, and profound commitment to community engagement and social justice. For Coloradans, it offers the opportunity to witness professional dance that is not only aesthetically beautiful but also culturally significant, celebrating the African American experience and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Parents can enroll their children in a wide range of dance classes, fostering discipline, creativity, and a lifelong love for movement in an inclusive environment. The presence of a dedicated 240-seat theater within their historic Five Points headquarters means residents have consistent access to high-quality performances right in their city. Furthermore, the organization’s extensive outreach and Arts-in-Wellbeing programs demonstrate a deep commitment to serving the broader community, addressing critical social needs through the transformative power of dance. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is more than just a performing arts theater; it is a cultural anchor, an educational beacon, and a community hub that enriches the lives of countless individuals and strengthens the vibrant cultural fabric of Denver and the entire state of Colorado.

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

119 Park Ave W, Denver, CO 80205, USA