Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) is a cultural ambassador, infusing vitality, innovation and education into every community we touch—around the corner and around the globe.
“Every action we perform is done with the intent to transform ourselves and others; to give a voice to the voiceless; to leave a lasting legacy of excellence and understanding.”
CPRD became a 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit organization in 1974, continuing to build upon its dance school and ensemble origins. In four decades, we have developed into an internationally esteemed organization that operates beyond the traditional performing arts model.
There are four pillars of the organization, namely, the CPRD Ensemble, Academy, Theatre, and Education programs. Working in concert, CPRD programs have created an oasis where a varied population—by gender, race, age and ethnicity—gather to study and appreciate a modern, cross-cultural approach to creative community development. Housed in the historic A.M.E. Shorter Church in Five Points, CPRD serves as a convener of community, art and dance.
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company is internationally esteemed as one of America’s foremost modern dance companies. Under the direction of Cleo Parker Robinson, the Ensemble performs a dynamic body of works inspired by the African American experience and rooted in ethnic and modern dance traditions worldwide. Legendary and emerging artists alike are drawn by the spirit of the company to create works that transcend the boundaries of culture, class and age while unequivocally communicating the complexity of the human condition. Seen by an estimated 2,000,000 fans throughout the United States and more than 20 countries on five continents, CPRDE continues to be a leader in dance innovation and the promotion of American dance heritage.
CATCH AH FIRE Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble World Premiere September 2023
Catch Ah Fire was commissioned by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and choreographed by Thomas Talawa Prestø, artistic director of Tabanka Dance Ensemble (based in Norway) and founder of the Talawa Technique, a unique training system for dancers who have an African and African Diaspora dance praxis. At its heart, Catch Ah Fire finds its inspiration in the iconic song by Bob Marley, bearing a profound message of freedom and resistance against injustice. The lyrics poignantly convey the struggle against poverty and illiteracy even after the abolition of slavery. The phrase "catch ah fire" symbolizes the urgency to stand up against oppression and reclaim agency, mirroring the call for positive change and societal transformation.
Choreographer:
Music :
Thomas Talawa Prestø
“War” Bob Marley & the Wailers
“Help is Coming” Ayo
“Mocking Bird” Etana
Conversation “The Groove You Liked” (Mala Dub) Savanj Rooms
THE FIREBIRD Cleo Parker Robinson Dance World Premiere 1997
This interpretation of the classic ballet was originally presented as a collaboration between Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and the Colorado Symphony, under the direction of renowned conductor, Marin Alsop. There are many similarities between the gods and goddesses of many cultures from around the world. This unique retelling of the story of the Firebird is reflective of a deep pride in the royal heritage of all peoples. In this production, the Firebird is represented by Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of the volcano.
Composer:
Choreographer:
Igor Stravinski
Cleo Parker Robinson
ACT I The Rainforest (Earth)
As the Goddess of Sorcery awakens the forest, the King and the Prince discover the mythical Firebird who embodies the forces of both Good and Evil which are inherent in fire. She is protected by the various gods and goddesses of the Island who also dwell in the forest. With the blessing of the King, the Prince captures the Firebird. The King and Prince share a vision with her about the way their world was long ago, when the ancient deities were strong and beautiful. The Firebird is intrigued but still wishes to escape. She trades a magical feather with the Prince in order to gain her freedom. If he ever has need of her, this feather will summon her to him.
ACT II The Volcano (Inferno)
The Queen and the Princess are being held captive in the volcano by an Ogre who has invaded the Firebird’s realm. As they dance, the prince approaches and enters the volcano. He expresses his passion for the Princess, and they discover their new-found love. They share their joy and sorrow with the King and Queen, gods and goddesses who have also fallen under the spell of the Ogre. The prince realizes that his holy deities have been transformed into evil forces and that he must fight for the freedom of his beloved princess and the restoration of his ancestral heritage. As the prince is overwhelmed in battle by the Ogre, the magical feather summons the Firebird. Furious that her sacred volcano has been desecrated, she causes an eruption that destroys everything in its path. In remorse, she bestows the gift of life’s renewal on all humanity. Confronting the Ogre, she banishes him to the depths of the volcano for all eternity.
ACT III The Shoreline (Paradise)
The Prince and Princess are united in a Paradise of the gods and goddesses. Their ceremony is a testimony to the living royal heritage of all people. They dance for the preservation of beauty and dignity while The Firebird celebrates the triumph of Good over Evil.
CATCH AH FIRE Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble World Premiere September 2023
Catch Ah Fire was commissioned by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and choreographed by Thomas Talawa Prestø, artistic director of Tabanka Dance Ensemble (based in Norway) and founder of the Talawa Technique, a unique training system for dancers who have an African and African Diaspora dance praxis. At its heart, Catch Ah Fire finds its inspiration in the iconic song by Bob Marley, bearing a profound message of freedom and resistance against injustice. The lyrics poignantly convey the struggle against poverty and illiteracy even after the abolition of slavery. The phrase "catch ah fire" symbolizes the urgency to stand up against oppression and reclaim agency, mirroring the call for positive change and societal transformation.
Choreographer:
Music :
Thomas Talawa Prestø
“War” Bob Marley & the Wailers
“Help is Coming” Ayo
“Mocking Bird” Etana
Conversation “The Groove You Liked” (Mala Dub) Savanj Rooms
This Work is Made Possible Through the Support of The Ford Foundation and Denver Arts & Venues.
