Cleo’s Campaign for the Future

Reflecting the visceral Colorado spirit of light and height in the hub of our creative sacred space, Fentress Architects has designed the new home for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance to develop award-winning excellence. Literally elevating our existing Studio A from a basement level to a Second Floor bathed in sunlight, there is nearly 20 percent more floor space, and approximately 40 percent more ceiling height (2,361 square feet and 28 feet tall). The New Studio A is a world-class space to meet the needs of the art inside.

The East and North interior walls hold mirrors approximately 7 feet tall. Above them are observation windows from Cleo’s office and one of the meeting spaces. The space will include the beautiful acoustic piano gift from Toi Massey and space for other musicians to accompany dancers as works are developed and rehearsed for presentation.

This is not just an artistic development space. The New Studio A will be a part of the Academy, teaching students of all ages, as well as a rental space. Both activities will support CPRD’s growth and financial stability. Diverse talent across Denver will have access to the New Studio A space to collaborate and rehearse. This multi-use space will allow CPRD to create, teach, and convene talent for many years to come.

CPRD Expansion Timeline

December 2021 – Cleo Parker Robinson Dance purchases and becomes holder of the title to the existing land and building at 119 Park Avenue West — the Historic Shorter Facility that was once the region’s oldest African American church.

May 2023 – CPRD reaches a 75% milestone of hard cost project funding. A public announcement of project is made along with a ground blessing.

Winter 2023 – Anticipated start of groundbreaking and construction.

Spring 2025 – CPRD Expansion Grand Opening. All expanded programming will begin.

How You Can Help

The Cleo Campaign for the Future would not be possible without the many people who have helped us meet our milestones. CPRD is STILL FUNDRAISING! Our campaign goal continues to fund this project so we can continue as a cultural anchor in our community and Rocky Mountain Region. Donations of all sizes are welcome, just as all are welcome at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance!

Gifts can be paid over multiple years. More information about our Aya and Sankofa Societies for giving are below.

CPRD can receive gifts of stock and donations over $250. Please contact hillary@cleoparkerdance.org to inquire about what may qualify for tax credits.

Aya Society

In the West African Akan language, Twi, the word Aya represents an Adinkra symbol that means “fern” and is representative of endurance, resourcefulness, and defiance against oppression. Our Aya Society is a group of vibrant, diverse, resourceful, and forward-looking individuals who contribute $100,000 or more to the CPRD Campaign for the Future, our Capital Campaign. Our esteemed Aya Society receives unique benefits for its support of the CPRD Campaign for the Future.

Sankofa Society

The Sankofa Society is our second giving society for gifts of $50,000 and up to $100,000. From the West African Akan tribe in Ghana, the Sankofa symbol is based on a mythical bird flying forward with its head turned back. The Akan believe the past serves as a guide for planning the future — knowing from where one comes as one proceeds. The Sankofa Society was founded in 2019 and launched the CPRD Campaign for the Future with donor commitments ensuring the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance legacy survives — and thrives.