Cleo Robinson Dance Ensemble
Festival Dance and Performing Arts is bringing Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble in a virtual performance beginning Friday, April 23 at 7 PM, kicking off with a live audience participation opportunity with the founder and Artistic Director, Cleo Parker Robinson, herself. The public performance will continue to be available for viewing through the weekend, April 23-25 until midnight, Sunday. Tickets are $15 per view and available at www.festivaldance.org
This performance is part of a larger virtual residency with the professional ensemble currently celebrating their 50th anniversary of professional dance. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble exists to 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. Festival Dance is also partnering with the company for a virtual “Youthreach” program available to all area educators and presenting the work UpRooted, choreographed by the late Donald McKayle and to include Border Patrol and Pastures of Plenty.
Festival Dance had planned to bring the culturally diverse company with its new work, The Four Journeys during this past performance season. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, the company’s tour was postponed. Festival Dance still plans to bring the company in person once the tour is rescheduled.
The current virtual performance includes award-winning performances including:
RESIST, Choreographed by Micaela Taylor, and presented by Cleo Parker Robinson, commissioned by the American Dance Festival World, received the SHS Foundations Award for New Works and communicates that with every new chapter and discovery of life, you must overcome, focusing on resisting the fear that will try to prevent you from moving forward.
CATHARSIS, Choreographed by Garfield Lemonius demonstrates his great passion for music in this classically displayed piece. “When Garfield first came to Denver to set to work with the ensemble, In his first meeting with the dancers, he advised them of his great passion for string music and told them ‘I use every note of the music!’ They soon found out that this was completely true,” said Cleo Parker Robinson.
The MOVE/ment, brings together a diversity of dancers, in both culture and genre, creating a work reflective of these powerful times in our community and the world. Choreography by Cleo Parker Robinson was inspired by Dr. King’s words “We have no other choice but to keep moving with determination. We’ve gone too far now to turn back. We can change the world with non-violence.” Musical accompaniment includes Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round, A Change Is Gonna Come, and I Dream a Dream by Aretha Franklin.
Please visit www.festivaldance.org to purchase a ticket and for more information about our entire residency or local class offerings.
