Denver and Beyond
A cultural institution since 1970
CPRD is a Denver institution, based in Five Points, that has served the community for 49 years, teaching generations of families the beauty, fun and healing power of dance.
About CPRD
From children as young as three and students pursuing dance on a collegiate level to adult fitness classes designed with fun in mind, CPRD offers a wide range of classes for every skill level.
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We perform thousands of hours of outreach every year, allowing children from all over the metro area to experience the healing and invigorating effects of movement through dance.
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Our Ensemble is comprised of legendary and emerging artists—working to transcend the boundaries of culture, class and age while tapping into the complexity of the human condition.
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The CPRD Theatre is a 240-seat venue and is an ideal location for a variety of activities, including concerts, weddings, recitals, meetings, performances, lectures, and more.
More Details“In 1970, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance was born out of a deep love for Black people and our African heritage. The very roots of our community strive for common ground and compassion while never losing sight of a rich heritage. We protest the status quo which suppressed our voices, our citizenship, our creativity, our liberties. Every racial equity gain we now proudly celebrate as a nation has been paid with real lives we must remember—even if painful. Too often our country regresses into fear and hate, so our work doesn’t stop: our art revolves around social justice. Often our protests are not heard until our voices are amplified. We are fully in support of the protests, the demands for justice, and the work to build equitable systems.”
— Malik Robinson, Executive Director, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
“As a nation, we find ourselves in a Sankofa* moment, realizing we must confront our past of 400 years of racism, injustice, and inequity, recognizing that while strides have been made through peaceful protest, we have many more miles to go. We need an open vital conversation and honest dialogue—an exchange without fear of reprisal. We must be able to have our voices heard, especially when systems in place no longer serve everyone. In this struggle, the tool of the artist is creativity. I believe we are stronger than this polarization and that we are capable of moving forward and evolving our moral consciousness together.“
— Cleo Parker Robinson, Founder and Artistic Director, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
*Sankofa, a term from the Akan Tribe in Ghana, is a concept in the culture of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and “One Spirit/Many Voices”: The Akans believe that there must be movement and new learning as time passes. As this forward march proceeds, the knowledge of the past must never be forgotten. Together we must move forward keeping in mind the history which has brought us here.
Source: The symbol is based on a mythical bird with its feet firmly planted forward with its head turned backwards. Thus, the Akan believe the past serves as a guide for planning the future. To the Akan, it is this wisdom in learning from the past which ensures a strong future. Carter G. Woodson Center, Berea College, Kentucky.
Friends and Family,
As part of our commitment to safety, health and wellbeing of our community, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) has been closely monitoring and taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus since news of the first case in Colorado. After consultations with health officials and in accordance with the guidance and policies of the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and Denver Public Health (DPH), we have decided to close our Academy and Theatre until further notice.
To add to the need to contain the virus and “flatten the curve”, Academy classes will be closed as of today, Friday, March 13th. All Theatre rentals and performances are also canceled beginning March 13th. Programming with our school partners throughout the metropolitan area is expected to resume once schools are back in session. During this time, the CPRD staff will be working remotely, and the best way to reach us is via email.
This decision, while absolutely necessary, is truly counterintuitive to our fundamental belief and philosophy for strengthening human connection and our commitment for creating a sense of belonging through dance. We have long understood the power of dance to help strengthen our immune system, improve our mental health and unlock our creativity. All benefits that are useful especially when dealing with a health crisis like this one.
While we have implemented strident measures of social distancing, our staff and creative team are exploring alternative ways to keep us moving our bodies and stimulating our minds with intention and fun. Please visit us on Facebook for updates and fun ways to stay connected and healthy.
This is a highly dynamic and unusual situation that requires tremendous amount of grace and a deeper appeal to our humanity and capacity to help each other. We commit to keep you informed of our plans and approaches, as we remain in contact with health officials and information supplied directly from the CDC, CDPHE, DPH, and City and County of Denver.
Peace,
Malik Robinson
Executive Director
CPRD is a Denver institution, based in Five Points, that has served the community for 49 years, teaching generations of families the beauty, fun and healing power of dance.
About CPRD