Black Orpheus at The Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Join us in our 54th season at The Ellie Caulkins Opera House! The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble presents “Black Orpheus” encompassing the richly diverse aspects of Brazilian culture through two distinctive works.

“My Bahia” by Cleo Parker Robinson and is a prayer and celebration to Bahia, Brazil honoring the Orixas, and the dream-come-true for ancestor Marcelline Freeman who was able to travel there. A CPRD Ensemble dancer, Rehearsal Director, and Spirit Sister to Cleo Parker Robinson, My Bahia is a moving prayer accompanied by traditional Brazilian music along with music by the world renown Babatunde Olantunje.

“Divinities’ reveals the power of the Orixas, the African Yoruba deities whose spiritual influence is felt throughout Brazil. Wise and protective – or jealous and mischievous?  These gods and goddesses are as complex as the humans they watch over! Original score by Marcelo Zarvos from the 2003 World Premiere in Denver. 

“Orfeo Negro” follows the journey of love and passion that leads Orfeo into the depths of the Spirit World in search of his beloved Eurydice. Will he be permitted to lead her back into the light, or will he remain with her forever, united in Death?  The timeless myth told with a uniquely Brazilian perspective! Original score by Jarbas Bittencourt from the 2003 World Premiere in Denver.

September 14 & 15 at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

Tickets range from $25 to $130.

Granny Dances to Holiday Drum 2024

Celebrate the magic of the season through dance, music, and spoken word as Cleo Parker Robinson Dance explores holiday traditions from around the world!  Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum – the 33rd Anniversary presentation of this Denver family favorite will have you dancing in your seat! 

Guided by the Three Angels of the Rainbow, Granny visits Africa, the Americas, Mexico, Asia, and the Caribbean to celebrate the joy of Holiday Times!  From the African Harvest to Kwanzaa, from the Chinese New Year to Junkanoo…. a celebration of both diversity and oneness!    

A Denver family tradition for over three decades, this incredible blend of dance, music, and spoken word lifts the spirit and fills the heart with joy, love, and peace!  In 2024, Granny returns with 10 live performances!

The 130-minute performance at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre features Cleo Parker Robinson as Shakti, Chloé-Grant Abel as Cantadora and Cedric Hall as the Griot. Margarita Taylor returns as Granny in this Annual holiday season performance.

Tickets range from $35 to $45.

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre

119 Park Ave W Denver, CO 80205

54th SEASON TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE!

This $159 package includes tickets to:

  • Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in BLACK ORPHEUS at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House September 14 + 15, 2024
  • GRANNY DANCES TO A HOLIDAY DRUM December 7 to 22, 2024
  • LEGACY Spring Concert, Spring 2025
  • Plus early access to 3+ more CPRD events and the option to purchase companion tickets to the included performances.

Construction activities are well underway for the Cleo Parker Robinson Center for the Healing Arts. This map indicates, in BLUE, how to walk around and into our facility during construction. Our main entrance (South side of the building) has a new wheelchair staircase lift which is available for use as of June 17, 2024.

Please contact Rhetta Shead if you have any questions or access issues at 303.295.1759 x14. . If you have questions for the Academy, contact Victoria Shead Johnston or Kylie Straub at 303.295.1759 x17. Thank you for supporting Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and our exciting expansion, and look for more updates! #inspiringmovement

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