Cleo Parker Robinson Dance 1970-2025

We use the universal language of dance to honor the African Diaspora, explore the human condition, champion social justice, unite people of all ages and races, and ultimately celebrate the complexity of life through movement.

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A Message From Cleo On The Passing Of Dance Icon, Judith Jamison

November 2024

A true legend of dance in America, and the world, has joined the Ancestors. For me, this is a sad but powerful time. The iconic Judith Jamison has always been such an inspiration to me…. throughout my own life as a dancer and choreographer, from the earliest days when I first met her in New York at Alvin Ailey’s studios. Her extraordinary artistry in the Ailey masterpiece, “Cry”, from his work “Revelations”, made such an impact on me and spoke to me deeply when I was creating the women’s trio “Mary Don’t You Weep” as part of my own “Spiritual Suite”.

It was such an honor for me as my own company grew, to have her friendship and guidance. We both loved Hawaii as one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and it was there in the 1980s, as we danced together on the volcano, that I spoke of her to the Hawaiians, who have a deep understanding of the spiritual traditions of royalty, that for dancers, she was our Queen!

When she shared that she’d been chosen to carry the legacy of Alvin’s company, it was the beginning of a new phase of artistic brilliance. Throughout her career, she celebrated the struggle, the strength and beauty of Black women, and became a universal symbol and voice for the freedom of women everywhere.

Let us look to the Heavens in the days to come, and see her dancing there, blessing us all, now and always.

Cleo Parker Robinson Campaign for the Future

New Wing rendering by Fentress Architects and unveiled to the public on May 23, 2023: The Cleo Parker Robinson Center for the Healing Arts. Please see our ‘Support Our Expansion’ page for more details on our new building.

Denver and Beyond

A cultural institution since 1970

CPRD is a Denver institution, based in Five Points, that has served the community for 50 years, teaching generations of families the beauty, fun and healing power of dance.

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