08/27/2026
What a beautiful video to share the story of our new CPRD Center for the Healing Arts!
As many folks see and feel when walking into our new space, the concept of "Sankofa" is designed into the way we connect the legacy of our beloved state and federal landmark, the Historic Shorter AME Facility, and the new space. The West African bird icon has feet moving forward with head turned back to know where you are going and from where you come.
There is a throughline of legacy in two dancers in this video: Professor Emeritus Gary Abbott who danced in the CPRD Ensemble for 10 years, taught at the University of Missouri Kansas City's dance program, co-founded Deeply Rooted Dance Theater in Chicago...AND is a Guggenheim Fellow! Many of you remember seeing Max Nelson-Steinhoff grow up on our stage...he spent most o his life in the CPRD Academy (his mother took classes here too, and younger sister is currently a student). Max is now a professional member of the CPRD Ensemble after graduating from Gary Abbott's program, and is in his second season.
The legacy of dance excellence continues...take movement classes with us for health and wellbeing, become a student, or join our training track to be a professional. Our CPRD Village has many options for you. https://cleoparkerdance.org/academy/
See Max, the CPRD Ensemble, Cleo II...and Gary Abbott's World Premiere work onstage in "Caribe" September 19 and 20 at The Ellie! You won't want to miss any of it! https://cleoparkerdance.org/tickets