Team – Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Cleo Parker Robinson

Founder & Artistic Director

Cleo Parker Robinson is founder and artistic director of the 54-year-old Denver-based artistic institution, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD), leading a professional Ensemble (CPRDE), Cleo II (her 2nd company), a Youth Ensemble, an Academy of Dance, an International Summer Dance Institute, a 240-seat theatre, and numerous community outreach programs nationally and internationally. She has received honors and awards from corporate, civic, community, and artistic entities world-wide, bringing CPRDE to myriad organizations and venues for performances, teaching residencies and community engagement programming. A master teacher/choreographer and cultural ambassador, she and CPRDE have performed nationwide and throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and the African continent, with their most recent international tours taking them to Bogota, Colombia in Spring of 2019 and Mexico in Fall 2019 and again in Fall of 2024.

Ms. Parker Robinson’s awards and honors include the Colorado Governor’s Award for Excellence (1974), Denver Mayor’s Award (1979), induction into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame (1989) and the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame (1994). Recognized in Who’s Who in America Colleges and Universities she holds an Honorary Doctorates from Denver University (1991), an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Colorado College (2003), an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Regis University in Denver (2008), an Alumni Award from University of Denver (2021), the 2020 Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, Honous Causa from CU Boulder, and was named an Honorary Member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (2021).

In 1991, Ms. Parker served on the task force creating a permanent location for the Denver School of the Arts (DSA), Denver’s first performing arts magnet school, and was subsequently honored In September 2017 at their 7th Annual Fall Gala, in recognition of her long-term commitment to excellence in arts education. She is also co-founder of the National Bahamian Dance Company, based in Nassau. In 2011, Ms. Parker Robinson was voted an Honorary Lifetime Trustee of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, in recognition of her longtime commitment and lasting impact. In June 2017, she received the highly prestigious DanceUSA Honor Award and in September 2017, the Randy Weeks Arts Leadership Award from the Denver School of the Arts. In March 2023, Ms. Parker Robinson, along with the other four founders of the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD), was honored at the White House as the IABD received the 2021 National Medal of the Arts. In 2024, she was named as the Professor for the Rachel B. Noel Distinguished Visiting Professorship.

Ms. Robinson has served on NEA panels on Dance, Expansion Arts, Arts America, and Inter-Arts panels for the USIS, and for the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts as well as other national task forces, boards, and committees on the arts. In April 1999, she was appointed by then-President William Jefferson Clinton, with Senate confirmation, to serve for four years on the National Council on the Arts, a 14-member panel advising the Chairman of the NEA on agency policy and programs, evaluating and making recommendations on grant applications.

Since 2011, Ms. Parker Robinson has significantly returned to her greatest passion as a choreographer, creating and presenting Dreamcatchers: The Untold Stories of the Americas and the world premiere of her Romeo and Juliet, in collaboration with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Her work On the Edge… Reaching to Higher Ground premiered in October of 2014 in answer to resurging racial and human rights infractions world-wide. In Spring 2017, she re-staged two works, melding classical and jazz composition with the power, passion and beauty of modern dance – Romeo and Juliet and Porgy and Bess. Fall 2017 saw the premiere of Copacetic: A Tribute to Jonathon “JP” Parker, honoring her late father. In Spring of 2018, she premiered Lark Ascending in collaboration with the Boulder Philharmonic. Her Rhapsody in Black, created in collaboration with CPRD Associate Artistic Director, Winifred R. Harris, premiered at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, University of Denver. In January 2019, in collaboration with the Denver Brass, she choreographed an innovative interpretation of Bernstein’s On the Town and Spring 2019 saw a collaboration with the Colorado Ballet entitled The MOVE/ment as part of the Tour de Force series at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Center for the Performing Arts. In 2019, she traveled to UMKC, Kansas City, to set a work on the students of CPRDE alum Gary Abbot, entitled Check Cashing Day in tribute to the jazz genius of Bobby Watson and Milt Abel. In August 2021, she premiered Standing On the Shoulders, a work commissioned by the Vail Dance Festival. September 2021 saw the debut of her work Freedom Dance, created in collaboration with jazz icon Dianne Reeves and CPRD co-founder and poet, Schyleen Qualls and in October 2021, she premiered R.I.Power, an original work commissioned by the Colorado College Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs. Her newest work, Sacred Spaces?, set to an original score by Adonis Rose, Director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, premiered in September 2022 at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. September 2023 saw the reprise of her innovative interpretation of The Firebird, set amidst the pantheon and legacy of Hawaiian culture. In October 2023, she choreographed and co-produced the production of Mozart Requiem Evermore in collaboration with Dr. Dennis Law.

Malik Robinson

President / CEO

Malik Robinson grew up and into his role at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in African Studies from Regis University, he officially began his tenure as Development Director winning national awards for the acclaimed Ensemble. Malik then moved on to Booking Manager increasing the Ensemble’s annual tours to 15 cities nationwide. Leading with the arts as a force for transformation and peace, he secured and lead tours to Israel and Egypt during times of heightened civil unrest. Before being named Executive Director in 2014, Malik developed and directed evidenced-based after-school programming recognized for positive findings. Malik is active on several arts organization boards and initiatives as well as a member of the Denver Metro Chamber’s Leadership Denver Class of 2015 and a Bonfils Stanton Foundation 2015 Livingston Fellow.

“Malik has demonstrated a keen ability to provide strong management while developing strategic partnerships to ensure the legacy of one of Colorado’s longest operating cultural arts institutions.”

–Gwen Brewer, CPRD Board Chair

Gwendolyn Brewer

Board President

Gwen is a former special educator with experience supporting students with learning disabilities and mental health needs from preschool through grade 12. She spent her career with Boulder Valley Public Schools, where she served as Chair of the Speech/Language Department, supervising 14 specialists and leading department-wide program and policy development.
Following her retirement from education, Gwen assumed leadership roles across civic, service, and arts organizations. She served as Vice President of the Denver Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., chaired its Annual Beautillion for several years, and held board roles with College Summit and Denver Symphony Debs, Inc.
Gwen later joined the Board of Directors of Mental Health Colorado and served as Board Chair for two years, helping advance Check Your Head, a youth prevention initiative addressing self-destructive behaviors through discussion and artistic expression. She and her husband, Moses, were honored at the organization’s 2011 Tribute Gala for their service.
Gwen currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. In 2010, she founded Dancing with the Denver Stars, the organization’s signature fundraiser supporting its Arts-in-Education and Arts-in-Wellbeing programs. She also serves as Arts Facet Co-Chair for the Denver Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
Gwen lives in Centennial, Colorado, with her husband, Moses. They have two adult children, Marques and Maya, and four grandchildren.

Alfred Walker

Alfred Aristotle Walker was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas and moved to Colorado to attend college on a track scholarship. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Al’s professional background is in the grocery business where he has worked in management for over 20 years with Safeway Inc. and now Kroger Inc. Al has been responsible for many multi-million dollar budgets in his career. He has extensive training in billing controls, salary management, employee training, controlling expenses, coaching/mentoring and providing strategic direction. Al is a member of the King Soopers/City Market African American Associate Resource group. This group offers support and progress to minority managers through engagement, mentoring and education. Al Walker is a husband, father, businessman, real estate investor and lover of sports, arts and culture in Colorado. Al resides in Aurora with his wife Melanie Walker and their two sons, Wyatt and Austin.

Darryl Collier

Darryl is an assistant vice president for Empower Retirement, one of the largest financial services firms in the United States. He is also a member of the Speakers Bureau International as a professional speaker as well as a stand-up comedian with 30 years of experience. His entertainment resume includes being named Denver’s Funniest Comedian in 1994; an appearance on BET’s ComicView; along with performances with greats like Jamie Foxx, Steve Harvey, Damon Wayans, Dave Chappelle, Smokey Robinson, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight and the late Ray Charles.

Demesha McKinney Hill

Head of Diversity & Community Relations | President, Janus Henderson Foundation

As President of the Janus Henderson Foundation and Head of Diversity & Community Relations for Janus Henderson Investors, Demesha serves as a champion for community engagement programs and provides leadership and strategic support for the corporate diversity and community outreach initiatives.

In her role, she actively develops global corporate wide community employee engagement opportunities and fosters the 10 diversity, equity & inclusion employee resource groups. Demesha invests time collaborating outside of Janus Henderson with non-profit organizations such as INROADS, Innovations for Learning and Junior Achievement. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Studio, Colorado Succeeds and serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business.

Prior to joining in 2001, Demesha held multiple leadership roles in various industries. She earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal and holds a Certificate in Corporate Citizenship Practice.

Lisa Hogan, Esq.

When Lisa Hogan helps a company avoid a legal problem, she considers it to be one of her best achievements. But, when litigation is necessary, she’s the strategic, creative attorney you want on your side. Few employment litigators in the country can match Lisa’s extensive trial experience and knowledge of how business issues play out in court. Lisa knows employment law both as outside counsel and from inside business. As the former Vice President of Litigation for Level 3 Communications, she managed all outside litigation and related analyses in connection with six strategic acquisitions. This work included managing commercial, employment, class action and environmental litigation throughout the United States. She also brings the perspective of having spent five years as a Denver Deputy District Attorney.

Lisa knows employment law both as outside counsel and from inside business. As the former Vice President of Litigation for Level 3 Communications, she managed all outside litigation and related analyses in connection with six strategic acquisitions. This work included managing commercial, employment, class action and environmental litigation throughout the United States. She also brings the perspective of having spent five years as a Denver Deputy District Attorney.

Her clients include various large regional companies in industries ranging from health care to aviation, energy and engineering/construction to food service, public utilities to telecommunications.

Lisa has taught courses in criminal law and ethics at Metropolitan State College and presents regularly on trial advocacy issues. She also serves as a faculty member of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) helping to develop and teach courses on trial techniques, strategy and practice management.

Lisa Levin Appel

Lisa Levin Appel is a retired attorney and entrepreneur with two young adult children and a beloved little dog. She served on the Board of Trustees of Colorado Ballet, including a few years as Secretary of the Board, from 2007 through 2019, when she elected to move to their Emeritus Board. In 2008 she joined the Board of Trustees of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, where she is currently nearing the end of her term (at the beginning of 2023). At the Museum she was on the Executive Committee and chaired the Compensation Committee since 2012. In 2014 Lisa joined the Board of Directors of WINGS Foundation serving as the Secretary of the Board for most of her time. WINGS supports adult survivors of child sexual abuse, primarily by providing therapist facilitated support groups for survivors and for their loved ones. In 2016 she received the inaugural Marilyn Van Derber Atler Heart of Courage Award.

Matt Thornton

J. Matt Thornton is an associate in the Litigation Group. Matt’s practice focuses on commercial litigation in both federal and state courts, including individual actions and class action defense, privacy and cybersecurity matters, product liability and mass tort, and disputes implicating the First Amendment.

Matt is involved in all aspects of his cases and prides himself in providing creative, business-oriented solutions for his clients. Among other things, Matt has extensive experience briefing dispositive motions, defending discovery disagreements, handling third-party discovery disputes, arguing substantive motions in court, preparing witnesses to give testimony, taking and defending depositions, negotiating individual and class action settlements, spearheading mediation, and maintaining clear, concise, and timely communications with clients.

Robert Thompson

Robert Thompson is an experienced telecommunications professional who brings more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Robert joined Comcast in 2014 as the VP of Field Sales and then quickly moved into the role of VP of Sales and Sales Operations where he provided the coordination of the overall strategy as it pertains to sales forecasting, budgeting, business process improvement as well as sales support and leadership effectiveness, compensation management and program optimization. Prior to joining Comcast, Robert held various executive sales roles at Time Warner Telecom, Integra Telecom, NTT, and XO Communications. In his current role, Robert leads the overall as business strategy for the Mountain West Region serving as the Regional Vice President of Comcast Business with oversight of four markets: Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. Robert holds a BBA from Howard University.

Tyrone Gant, CTP

Board Treasurer

Tyrone Gant, CTP, is a results oriented financial professional with 30+ years’ experience in the banking industry. Tyrone is a Denver native that is committed to the community. He is the Director of Treasury Management for Vectra Bank Colorado. He is a Commissioner and Board President for Denver Water; serves on the Executive Committee for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance as Treasurer and is Vice Chairman for TGTHR, helping to end youth homelessness in both Denver and Boulder counties.

Shale Wong, M.D., M.S.P.H.

Board Vice President

Shale Wong, MD, MSPH, is a pediatrician and professor of pediatrics and family medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, teaching child health, advocacy, policy and health care reform with focused interests in integrated care and achieving health equity. She is director of the Eugene S. Farley, Jr. Health Policy Center and Vice Chair for Policy and Advocacy in the Department of Pediatrics. Wong served as health policy advisor to First Lady Michelle Obama for development and implementation of her signature child obesity initiative, Let’s Move, and assisted in launching Joining Forces to improve wellness and resilience of military families. Additionally, she was a senior program consultant to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Wong continues to serve on several national and community boards. As a lifelong dancer, she is inspired to advance health through the arts.

Michael Battle

A native of Detroit, MI, Mr. Battle began his dance training at Detroit School of the Arts at the age of 14. In 2009, he joined the Lula Washington Dance Theatre as a company member, and in 2019, joined Ronald K. Brown/ Evidence, A Dance Company as a company member. Mr. Battle has traveled to China, Russia, Haiti, Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy-performing works by nationally and internationally acclaimed choreographers worldwide. He has performed with Grammy Award Winning and Nominated artists Kamasi Washington, Meshell Ndegeocello, Terence Blanchard, Aurturo O’Farrill, and Jody Watley. After guesting with the Ensemble in 2022, he is now in his fourth season as an Ensemble member with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.

Caeli Blake

From Washington, DC, Ms. Blake began her formal training at BalletNova Center for Dance in Arlington, VA. She attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts under the tutelage of Charles Augins, Sandra Fortune-Greene, & Katherine Smith. Ms. Blake has also studied with various company institutions such as Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Dance Theater of Harlem at the Strathmore, and Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive. Blake graduated from Southern Methodist University, with a BFA in Dance Performance and BS in Education & Human Development. While being a full-time student at SMU, she joined B.Moore Dance. She has performed in choreographic works by Katherine Dunham, Alvin Ailey, Donald McKayle, Robert Battle, Christopher Huggins, Kevin Iega Jeff, Silas Farley, Nicole Clarke-Springer, and many more. Ms. Blake joined the Ensemble in 2022. Now in her fourth season, Ms. Blake has performed at Jacob’s Pillow & Vail Dance Festival with the CPRD Ensemble.

Tori Carter

A Dallas, TX native, Ms. Carter began training at Dallas Black Dance Academy and Ozsoy’s School of Ballet. She graduated Valedictorian from Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy and earned her BFA in Dance Arts with a minor in Afro-American Studies from Howard University. In 2022, she showcased her choreography set on Company | E at the Richmond Dance Festival. Upon graduation, she performed for two seasons with Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s DBDT: Encore! under the direction of Nycole Ray. She’s had the privilege of performing works by Kevin Iega Jeff, Ronald K. Brown, Dwight Rhoden, Tommie-Waheed Evans, and more. Ms. Carter now joins the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble for her first season.

Adrian Dominguez

A native of Denver, CO, Mr. Dominguez graduated from Anderson University with a B.A. in Dance Performance and has since made significant strides in his dance career. Most recently, he performed with Dance Kaleidoscope under the direction of Joshua Blake Carter, and previously under the guidance of David Hochoy. He has also had the privilege of dancing with Gregory Hancock Dance Theater, where he further developed his artistry. He has had the pleasure of performing works by renowned choreographers including David Hochoy, Joshua Blake Carter, Earl Mosley, Nicole Springer, Eddy Ocampo, Sidra Bell, Christal Brown, Alexander Diaz, Vincent Hardy, and Matthew Rushing. Additionally, he spent his summers training at Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts, enhancing his skills and artistic expression. Having been a guest artist with Cleo II, and an Apprentice to the Ensemble for one year, he is now in his first season as an Ensemble member.

Jasmine Francisco

Originally from Houston, TX, Ms. Francisco began her training at the Fine Arts Magnet School and graduated from The High School of Performing and Visual Arts as a dance major under the directions of Luanne Carter and Janie Carothers in 2012. She continued her education and received her Bachelors of Fine Arts 2016 from Point Park University while having an esteemed repertoire from Jessica Lang, Terrance Marling, Troy Powell, Bennyroyce Royon, Garfield Lemonius and MADBOOTS. In her sophomore year of 2010, her student choreography project Tales of Courage was chosen to be featured at ACDA for the University. Six months after graduating from Point Park, she joined the Lula Washington Dance Theater in Los Angeles, CA for two seasons performing works by Kyle Abraham, Donald Bryd, Rennie Harris, Christopher Huggins and David Roussève. Ms. Francisco moved to Denver, CO to begin her journey with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. She is now in her seventh season as an Ensemble member and also serves as the Ensemble Rehearsal Coordinator.

Corey Jamel

Born in Chicago, IL and growing up in Hammond IN, Mr. Jamel trained in multiple dance techniques at the Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts. An alum of Indiana University, he performed there in notable works including Kyle Abrahams Radio Show,Jose Limon’s Psalm, Andrea Millers Spill, Jerome Robbins Fanfare, and the original restaging of Twyla Tharp’s Deuce Coupe and Rennie Harris’ Home. He has also toured professionally with Elizabeth Shea Dance in Philadelphia and New York, performed overseas with Norwegian Creative Studios and toured with Anita Baker during her Songstress tour. After one season as an apprentice, Mr. Jamel is now in his sixth season as a Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble member, and his first season as Youth Ensemble Assistant Director.

Devrae "DJ" Jefferson

A native of Atlanta, GA., Devrae “DJ” Jefferson began his training in the Magnet Program for Visual and Performing arts at Tri-Cities HS where he focused on all genres of dance. With a special affinity for ballet, he attended summer programs including Metropolitan Ballet Theater and Lines Contemporary Ballet. Having furthered his training, he subsequently received a BFA from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem NC. Mr. Jefferson has performed with BallethnicDance Company and Dallas Black Dance Theater Encore. With extensive experience in coaching gymnastics and teaching a variety of dance techniques, he first joined Cleo Parker Robinson Dance as a guest artist for the holiday production Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum before becoming an Apprentice to the Ensemble. He is now in his second season as an Ensemble member.

Gabriel Maduro

Originally from Fremont CA, Ms. Maduro began her dance training at Yoko’s Dance and Performing Arts Academy and Nor Cal Dance Arts. She has attended Summer Intensives with the Ailey School, the Martha Graham School, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance. She is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance. While at UCI, she was honored to perform as part of the distinguished Donald McKayle’s Etude Ensemble. She has performed works by Donald McKayle, Martha Graham, Darshan Singh Bhuller among others. Upon graduation, Ms. Maduro joined Cleo II. After one season with the second company, she joined the Ensemble, where she is now in her sixth season.

Max Nelson-Steinhoff

Originally from Denver, Max Nelson-Steinhoff began his dance training at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Academy in 2009. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory, where he earned his BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography, with an emphasis in Ballet and Modern. Mr. Steinhoff has trained on full scholarship at the Ailey School and the Kansas City Ballet, furthering his training at The School at Jacob’s Pillow under the direction of Milton Myers. During his time at UMKC, Mr. Steinhoff performed with companies such as Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company, the Kansas City Lyric Opera, and Owen/Cox Dance Group. He is honored to have performed works by José Limón, Gary Abbott, Jennifer Archibald, Omar Román De Jesús, and Jae Man Joo. This is his first season as an Apprentice with the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.

Lamar D. Rogers

Mr. Rogers is a performer and choreographer hailing from Philadelphia, PA. Having graduated from The Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, he later earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from The University of the Arts under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield. During his college career, he toured and performed with Eleone Dance Theatre under the direction and mentorship of Shawn-Lamere Williams. He has trained at various institutions throughout the Philadelphia area as a scholarship student attending Koresh School of Dance, DCNS Summer Dance Intensive and the Rock School for Dance Education. Following graduation, he joined the Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO!) as a full-time company artist. He has performed works by Sidra Bell, Kyle & Dinita Clark, Merce Cunningham, Ulysses Dove, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Helen Simoneau, Rennie Harris and other acclaimed choreographers. He is now in his third season with the Ensemble.

Lauren Slaughter

Lauren Slaughter, a Colorado native, began her dance training at Miller’s Dance Studio where her love for dance grew through ballets, showcases, and competitions. Lauren is a 2020 graduate of Washington University in St. Louis where she earned a B.A. in Biology and a Minor in Dance. At the University, she danced with the Washington University Dance Collective and performed works by choreographers such as Ting-Ting Chang, Diadie Bathily, Kirven Douthit-Boyd, and Dana Tai Soon Burgess. Following graduation, Lauren returned to Colorado where she began her professional dance career with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. With the company, she has performed works by Donald McKayle, Christopher Huggins, Milton Myers, and Gary Abbott among several others, as well as toured at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Lauren first joined the company as a Cleo II member, and after a season as an Apprentice, is now in her second season as an Ensemble member.

Nasira Watson

Ms. Watson is a dance artist born and raised in Cleveland Ohio. She began her formal dance training at Cleveland School of the Arts where she studied ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary styles for nine years. She subsequently continued her 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. Ms. Watson has trained, studied and worked with numerous world- renowned dance artists and choreographers including Robert Battle, Christopher Huggins, Troy Powell, Darrell Moultrie, Ronald Alexander and Caridad Martinez, among others. After a season with Cleo II, she now joins the Ensemble for her first season as an Apprentice.

Santos Garcia

Santos García, originally from Woodbridge, Virginia, received his early training at Dance Etc. School of the Arts, where he studied tap, jazz, contemporary, ballet and hip hop. He graduated from Charles J. Colgan High School with a concentration in the Fine Arts before pursuing higher education at George Mason University. There, under the direction of Karen Reedy, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a minor in Graphic Design. During his time at Mason, García was an understudy for repertory by Alejandro Cerrudo and Rafael Bonachela, while also performing works by Christina Robson, Lawrence Jackson, and Susan Shields. He furthered his training through summer intensives with Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance as a scholarship student. Now in his first season with Cleo II, García is honored to begin his professional career with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.

Faith Johnson

Faith E. Johnson is from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where she began her formal training at the Divine Dance Institute under the direction of Amanda Standard, studying ballet, modern, tap, and jazz. She later attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, where she focused on classical ballet. Faith earned her BFA in Dance from the California Institute of the Arts, where she had the opportunity to perform works by Donald Byrd, Mike Tyus, Luca Renzi, and Yvonne Rainer. She has attended summer programs with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet. Most recently, Faith graduated from the Alonzo King LINES Ballet Training Program in May 2025. During her time there, she learned repertory by Alonzo King and had the opportunity to work with choreographers Gregory Dawson, David Harvey, Sidra Bell, and Chuck Wilt. Faith now begins her first season with Cleo II.

India Johnson

India A. Johnson, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, has trained at Jacksonville Centre of the Arts, LaVilla School of the Arts, Barbara Thompson School of Dance, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and Howard University, where she earned her BFA in Dance as a member of the Class of 2025. She has studied a wide range of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and more, and has had the privilege of performing works by renowned choreographers such as Andile Ndlovu, Annique Roberts, Christopher L. Huggins, Desmond Richardson, and Dwight Rhoden. India has also performed alongside Complexions Contemporary Ballet at the Joyce Theater in New York City for their Opening Gala Night and at The Kennedy Center during their 2024-25 tour. To further her training, she has studied at Collage Dance Collective, Complexions Dance Academy, Dallas Black Dance Theatre Academy, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Academy, the International Association of Blacks in Dance, and Assemblée Internationale at Canada’s National Ballet School. This marks her first season with Cleo II.

Kayla Massey

From Upper Marlboro, MD, Ms. Massey is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where she received a dual degree in Dance (B.A.) and Information Systems (B.S.) with a minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. She began her formal training under the tutelage of Vicki Wooten Tchanque. Simultaneously, she trained at The Washington School of Ballet. During her college career, she has performed with the Baltimore Dance Project, and at venues such as the REACH/Kennedy Center and the Baltimore Lights Festival. Additionally, her choreographic work, Between You & Me (2021), was selected to be in the American College Dance Association’s gala concert. Upon graduation, Ms. Massey received two Departmental Honors from the UMBC Dance Department. She has performed works by Shaness Kemp, Brandon Perry Russel, Ann Sofie Clemmenson, Doug Hamby, Nicole Clarke-Springer, and Tracey Franklin. She has also had the opportunity to attend intensives with Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre, Dallas Black Dance Theater, and Cleo Parker-Robinson Dance. This is Ms. Massey’s first season with Cleo II.

Jésus Muñoz

Jesús David Muñoz is a Latin dance artist and percussionist within Mexican, Cuban, Ballet, Modern, and Contemporary dance techniques. Muñoz is a recent MFA in Dance Graduate at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Theatre & Dance and he holds a BFA in Dance Performance from the University of Central Oklahoma, Department of Dance. Alongside his contemporary dance work, Muñoz continues his involvement in the Latin dance community as a freelance dance artist, educator, performer, and choreographer.

Koura Wright

Koura Wright was born in Ithaca, NY, to a mother from Mali, and a father from upstate New York. At 10 years old, Koura moved to Knoxville, TN where she began her dance training with Amy Morton Vaughan, and later attended Austin-East Magnet High School where she studied Graham, Horton, and Humphrey techniques, as well as West African dance. Koura attended the University of Vermont and performed on the dance team, then became a company member with the Ithaca Ballet. She attended the Ailey School, then became a guest artist, the soloist, with the Appalachian Ballet Company. In 2020, she graduated with a B.S. in Dance Performance and Choreography from Middle Tennessee State University. She moved to Las Vegas to dance with Contemporary West Dance Theater, under the direction of Bernard Gaddis, and became the director of the Youth Training Division for the school. Some of her favorite roles were in Night Creature by Alvin Ailey, Vespers by Ulysses Dove, and Uninvited by Jeneane Huggins. She went on to be the director of the youth program for Live Arts, with Avree Walker, and performed in a Tina Turner Tribute show. This is her first season as a member of Cleo II, and she is excited to be a part of this amazing group of artists. Koura also hula hoops and has a cat named Carebear.

Cedric D. Hall

Cleo II Co-Director

Cedric Dawayne Hall is a dynamic force in the world of dance—a performer, choreographer, and educator whose movement speaks volumes. With roots in Cleveland, Ohio, Cedric began his dance journey with the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre’s Concert Youth Dance Training and Development Program. It was there that his passion for dance ignited, laying the foundation for a lifelong dedication to the art form. Rising through the ranks, he eventually became a full company member, developing his voice through a variety of styles and performances.

Cedric’s early artistic expression extended beyond the concert stage. He appeared in several high school musicals, including The Wiz, West Side Story, and Footloose, honing his theatrical presence and connecting storytelling with movement. His training spans a broad spectrum, including ballet, jazz, modern (with a foundation in Horton and Dunham techniques), hip hop, musical lyrical contemporary, and varied African traditions. While well-versed in many styles, Cedric’s specialty lies in jazz, modern, and hip hop—forms through which he channels raw emotion, precision, and rhythm.

In 2007, Cedric relocated to Denver, Colorado, where he joined the internationally acclaimed Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. Over 12 powerful seasons with the ensemble, he performed, toured, and grew under the direction of Cleo Parker Robinson, collaborating with renowned choreographers and teachers such as Christina Noel, Michael Medcalf Terrence Greene, Gary Abbott, Christopher Huggins, Diane McIntyre, Donald McKayle, Millicent Johnnie, and Milton Myers Winifred R. Harris, Rodger Jeffries,

Today, Cedric serves as the Rehearsal Director for Cleo II, CPRD’s second company, where he continues to shape the next generation of dancers through his choreography and mentorship. He is also a vital educator within the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Academy, sharing his expertise, discipline, and joy of movement with students of all levels.

Each holiday season, audiences delight in seeing Cedric bring to life the beloved character of “Grill, the Preacher” in Cleo Parker Robinson’s cherished production of Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum. With an infectious energy and deep commitment to storytelling through dance, Cedric Dawayne Hall continues to inspire, educate, and elevate through every step he takes.

John Lambert-Roberts

Cleo II Co-Director

John, born on July 31, 1995, has been dancing since the age of six years old. He is the only child of Johnna Roberts, his mother. He loves and enjoys the dancing styles of Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Tap, and many others. He has been trained at COCA, the Center of Creative Arts which is located in St. Louis, Missouri. He has trained at this facility for more than eleven years. St. Louis is also where John was born and raised. Within his training, John has worked with profound professionals of the dance world. Some of these professionals include but are not limited to: Antonio Douthit -Boyd, Alicia Graf-Mack, and Kirven Douthit-Boyd, all from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Christopher Page-Sanders from the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and Co- Artistic Director of Nu-World Contemporary Danse Theatre, Rolando Yaines, Artistic Director of the Milwaukee Ballet, Jessica Taylor, Founder and Director of DAMAGED Dance Company, River North Dance Chicago, Alonzo King, Artistic Director of the LINES Ballet Company, Gary Abbott Co- Artistic Director and Founder of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, DanceWORKS Chicago and many more. John has also been a part of 2 pre-professional Companies within his training. These companies were Ballet Eclectica, a contemporary and classical ballet company and COCADance, a contemporary, jazz, and modern company. John has also participated in Musical Theater shows at COCA through the FOX Charitable Foundation. Some of these shows include Legally Blonde the Musical, AIDA, In the Heights, Seussical the Musical, Ragtime, and many others. John has also done some commercial work as well. Some of those jobs include but are not limited to: Quixotic and an AD campaign for LG TV, The Kansas City PLAZA Lighting Ceremony, broadcasted to over 1 million people, and the list goes on. John has graduated from North County Technical High School with a High School Diploma, Missouri State Cosmetology CA License and is now currently a graduate of the Class of 2017 Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance Program at the University of Missouri Kansas-City (UMKC) Conservatory with an emphasis in Dance Performance and Choreography. While at this prestigious institution, John has participated in countless faculty Fall and Spring Concerts at the Conservatory and has been granted countless outside experience. Some of which, but are not limited to Performing Memoria, a ballet performed by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. John performed side by side with the Company at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in the fall of 2014. Proceeding his graduation in May of 2017, John was a first company ensemble member and spent 6 seasons of being in the National/International, world renowned, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble located and based in Denver, CO. In the year 2022, Mr. Lambert-Roberts took a step away from dancing in the main ensemble. For 3 and a half years, John was a freelance artist ; choreographing, teaching and dancing all over the world. After getting married, and resettling, He is back at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in his 7th Season, but now as a Co-Director of the Second Company.

Robert Kenney

Robert S. Kenney is president of Xcel Energy’s Colorado Operating Company. Xcel Energy is a Fortune 500 energy company and one of the largest energy providers in the country. Xcel Energy, Colorado is its largest operating company, providing electricity to 1.6 million customers and natural gas service to 1.5 million customers.

Robert is responsible for the utility’s overall strategic direction and operations, including safety, profit and loss, operational excellence, customer delight, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory and legislative outcomes. Xcel Energy was the first major United States energy provider to set a bold vision of producing carbon-free electricity by 2050. Robert is privileged to lead the 4000 Colorado co-workers committed to making this vision a reality and powering Colorado’s communities with safe, reliable, affordable, and clean energy. Robert leverages more than 30 years of regulatory, legal, governmental, and public affairs experience to deliver outstanding energy service to the people of Colorado, while maintaining Xcel Energy’s unwavering commitment to keeping customer bills low. At the same time, he leads his Colorado team in working with public policy makers, regulators, and community stakeholders to deliver strategic plans and customer programs, which will drive the state’s and Xcel Energy’s continued leadership in the clean energy transition, including transportation electrification. Prior to joining Xcel Energy, Robert served as senior vice president of regulatory and external affairs for Pacific Gas & Electric where he led state and federal regulatory affairs, local government affairs, and community relations and charitable giving.

He has had an extensive career in the legal and regulatory sectors, including serving as Chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC). He is a nationally recognized leader in public utility law and regulation and public policy development and implementation. Among other significant past experiences, he served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and as President of the Organization of MISO States (OMS). Prior to his appointment to the Missouri PSC, Robert served as Chief of Staff to the Missouri Attorney General.

Previously, Robert was a shareholder at the Polsinelli law firm, where he practiced in the commercial and business litigation practice group.Robert serves on the Board of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Robert holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Hampton University and a law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law.

Nicole Dorsey

Nicole Dorsey is director of Client & Community Relations of PNC Bank in Colorado.

In this role, she leads PNC’s philanthropic activities, community engagement, volunteerism and oversees strategic sponsorships in Colorado. Prior to joining PNC, Dorsey served as senior manager of Corporate Engagement for the Downtown Denver Partnership where she was directed corporate and programmatic sponsorships sales and fulfillment for the association. Additionally, she served as director of sponsor and corporate relations for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, where she developed and managed fundraising strategies for annual, special and event campaigns for several years.

Active in the community, Dorsey serves on the board of directors of Clayton Early Learning and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. She also is a member of the B:Civic (CSR, where she serves on the Summit committee and is a mentor at the Denver Public Schools Foundation. Dorsey received a Masters in Arts Administration from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, University of Colorado.

Eric Itambo

Mr. Itambo, 55, was appointed president and chief banking officer effective January 24, 2025. He is responsible for the Bank's commercial banking franchise and strategies, banking products and services, capital markets, Farm Credit Banking, and corporate sustainability. Effective January 2026, Mr. Itambo is also responsible for the Technology, Data and Innovation group, the product experience and capability function, and the bank’s Operations platform. Prior to his current position, Mr. Itambo was CoBank's chief banking officer since July 1, 2018. Before joining CoBank, Mr. Itambo was Managing Director and U.S. Head – Commercial Lending Management for Citigroup’s Global Commercial Banking Group. Mr. Itambo spent over 20 years with Citigroup globally, during which he built extensive experience in corporate and investment banking, capital markets, commercial banking, and commercial real estate finance businesses, including risk and portfolio management. Mr. Itambo serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Farm Credit Leasing.

Kelli Kelly

Kelli Kelly serves as Vice President of Business Development & Strategy – Economic Inclusion for Kiewit, where she is responsible for developing and executing client, community, and industry engagement strategies that support the pursuit and delivery of complex infrastructure programs. In this role, she partners closely with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders to align business development objectives with meaningful economic inclusion, workforce participation, and community impact. Her core areas of expertise include consensus building across diverse stakeholder groups, strategic procurement, organizational leadership, and creating scalable opportunities and capacity growth for small and diverse firms.

Over the course of her 20-year career, she has supported and influenced the pursuit and delivery of billions of dollars in infrastructure projects and programs, contributing to major transportation and public infrastructure initiatives nationwide. She is widely recognized for cultivating trusted relationships, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and advancing initiatives that strengthen organizational performance while delivering lasting social value.

Kelli is deeply committed to civic leadership and workforce development. She actively volunteers with organizations focused on education and economic mobility and currently serves on several boards, including the Denver Workforce Development Board, where she is Chair. Her additional board service includes the Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Colorado Chapter, and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.

Kelli holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Colorado and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University Global. Her professional excellence and community leadership have been recognized through honors including Denver Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” and Engineering News‑Record’s “Top 20 Under 40.”

Gary P. Steuer

Gary served as President and CEO of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation for over 12 years, from 2013 to early 2026, where he dramatically enhanced its impact on arts, culture and nonprofit leadership in Denver. He led a re-prioritization of grantmaking to emphasize support of groups serving BIPIOC and other historically marginalized communities. During his tenure, over $50 million in funding was invested in the community, including the creation of Arts in Society, Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth, the COVID Arts and Culture Relief Fund, and other collaborative grantmaking programs. He also led an effort to focus on mission-aligned investing. He was on the Boards of Grantmakers in the Arts, the Clyfford Still Museum and Philanthropy Colorado, where he served as Chair. Gary has also been a prominent speaker and writer on issues around the arts, policy and philanthropy.

Earlier in his career, Gary was Chief Cultural Officer for the City of Philadelphia, founding and directing the Office of Arts Culture and the Creative Economy, Vice President for Private Sector Affairs at Americans for the Arts, CEO of the Arts & Business Council Inc., Director of the Capital Funding Program for the New York State Council on the Arts, and Managing Director of the Vineyard Theatre in New York City.

Throughout his philanthropy career he has had a passion for dance, providing support for other companies in both Philadelphia and New York, such as Alvin Ailey, Philadanco, and Garth Fagan. He has also been deeply involved in many arts facilities projects. While leading the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, he oversaw significant support for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and is very excited to now be serving as a Board member.

Gary is now working as an independent consultant focusing on philanthropic advisement and strategy for nonprofits, with a particular emphasis on arts and culture.

He lives in Denver with his wife Sophie and has three incredible daughters, as well as three little granddaughters.

Meet the Team

CPRD Staff & Board of Directors

Leadership

Cleo Parker Robinson

Founder & Artistic Director

Malik Robinson

President/CEO

Board of Directors

Gwendolyn Brewer

Alfred Walker

Darryl Collier

Demesha McKinney Hill

Eric Itambo

Gary Steuer

Jacob Welch

Kelli Kelly

Lisa Hogan, Esq

Lisa Levin Appel

Matt Thornton

Nicole Dorsey

Robert Kenney

Robert Thompson

Shale Wong

Tim Davis

Toni Baruti

Tyrone Gant

Zelda DeBoyes

Staff

Artistic

Winifred R. Harris

Cedric D. Hall

John Lambert-Roberts

Development & Communications

Hillary Harding

Mary Hart

Colleen Curran

Hanna Ghadessi

Amelia Dietz

John Lambert-Roberts

Finance & Operations

Nizhoni Smocks

Kaarin Pigford

Conor Morford

Anastazia Coney

Trey Grimes

Education & Programming

Shelby Jarosz

Victoria Shead

Mimi Patel Tameron

Derrick Hinton

Join Our Team

Opportunities to join the CPRD team, when available, are below

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance New Teacher Submission Form