Parker Robinson has organized performances in Iceland, Singapore, Hawaii, Egypt, and places throughout Europe and Africa. Her unique style of bringing different cultures together in a blend of beauty and unity made her a household name in the early 70s. In 1998, President Clinton named Parker Robinson as one of two artists to be appointed to the National Council on the Arts in 1998.

Other accomplishments include  the Colorado’s Governor’s Award for Excellence (1974), Denver’s Mayor’s Award (1979), induction into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame (1989) and the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame (1994). 

Today, Parker Robinson’s workshops and master classes continue to be the cornerstone of civic, community, and artistic organizations around the world. 

Most recently, Parker Robinson was honored by President Joe Biden at the White House, along with other founders of the International Association of Blacks in Dance, with the National Medal of Arts. It is the highest honor an artist can receive from the U.S. government.

Recognized as one of the pillars of the Denver community, Parker Robinson has planted her roots here, so that those who choose to follow in her footsteps, might have a solid foundation to stand on. Her philosophy of “One Spirit, Many Voices” is reflected in all she does, and is the vision she brings to everyone she meets, everywhere she goes.

The Colorado Symphony's celebration of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance takes place March 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver. More information is available here.

William Peterson is a senior photojournalist at Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach him at williampeterson@rmpbs.org.