[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 114 (Tuesday, September 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNITION OF 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE STUDIO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2005

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
the 35th anniversary of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and its founder, 
Cleo Parker Robinson. Cleo Parker Robinson uses dance as a bridge to 
unite diverse communities and overcome cultural, age, class, and 
language barriers. A night watching a Cleo Parker Robinson Dance 
performance is simply unforgettable, making it a well-known gem in the 
Colorado arts community.
  Cleo Parker Robinson Dance has been an essential part of the Colorado 
arts community since its inception in 1970. The organization includes a 
professional company, a year-round dance school, an International 
Summer Dance Institute, and a Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theater. In 
addition, CPRD created two programs, Season of Schools and Project Self 
Discovery, which focus on introducing dance to low-income and at-risk 
students. Season of Schools serves Denver Public Schools students and 
students from surrounding school districts with performances and 
workshops, introducing students to dance as an outlet of expression. 
Project Self Discovery, funded through a government grant, provides 
intensive dance study to at-risk youth as an alternative to gangs, 
drugs and delinquency.
  Cleo Parker Robinson Dance has spent the last 35 years working to 
strengthen communities in some of Denver's poorest neighborhoods. Cleo 
Parker Robinson utilizes the power of dance to find the commonalities 
that unify communities. Her leadership and dedication shows that with 
hard work we can continue to move towards a society that flourishes 
from our cultural diversity.
  I want to commend Cleo Parker Robinson Dance for its accomplishments 
over the past 35 years and for continuing to bring beautiful, unique 
and innovative forms of dance to eager audiences around the world.

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