Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble (CPRDE) is an international, cross-cultural, dance-arts and educational institution rooted in African American traditions. Guided by a vision of dance as the universal language of movement, the company transforms the world into a sanctuary that transcends boundaries of culture, class and age. Celebrating its 45th Anniversary Season at Dance Place, CPRDE brings their vibrant new work, Bamboula, to DC on Saturday, March 12 at 8pm and Sunday, March 13 at 7pm.
Bamboula is a collaborative project that emerged out of research on the connections between Zulu Krewe – a blackface minstrel parade in New Orleans – and the Minstrel Carnival in Cape Town, South Africa. New Orleans Afro-cultural traditions surrounding Mardi Gras have strong connections with Africa dating back hundreds of years. This interdisciplinary piece is choreographed by Millicent Johnnie, co-commissioned by Dance Place and set to two compositions by Charles Vincent Burwell and Donald Harrison.
About Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble (CPRDE) is a multifaceted arts institution springing from its grassroots Model Cities initiative origins in 1970. In 1974, CPRDE became a 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit organization continuing to build upon its dance school and ensemble. In four decades, CPRDE has developed into an internationally-esteemed organization that operates beyond the traditional performing arts model.
There are four pillars of the organization, namely, the CPRDE Ensemble, Academy, Theatre and Education programs. Working in concert, CPRDE programs have created an oasis where a varied population of all genders, races, ages and ethnicities, gather to study a modern, cross-cultural approach to creative community development. Today, CPRDE represents one of the largest cultural arts institutions in the Rocky Mountain region, serving more 60,000 people each year.
CPRDE serves as a local anchor and international destination for the celebration of culture with an emphasis on dance and its relation to community empowerment and democratic renewal. Through demonstrated success in creative programming, fiscal responsibility, management and artistic development, CPRDE aims to foster an environment of collaboration and leadership that advances the highest quality yet accessible cultural arts programming with particular focus upon under-served communities.
WHAT: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
WHEN: Saturday, March 12 at 8pm; Sunday, March 13 at 7pm
WHERE: Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, Washington, DC 20017; two blocks from Redline Brookland/CUA Metro station; free and convenient parking
TICKETS: $30 Admission At the Door; $25 Admission (Advance Sales only)*; $20 Dance Place Members, Seniors (55+), Artists (Advance Sales only)*; $15 College Students and Children (17 & under)
*Advance Sales end 4 hours prior to performance start time.
To purchase tickets, visit danceplace.org or call 202.269.1600
