In celebration of Black History Month, the Cleo Parker
Robinson Dance (CPRD) ensemble of Denver, Colorado will kick off the 24th
annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival (SBHF) tonight with a free performance
at the Savannah Civic Center.
Parker's nationally-respected dance ensemble will present
a mixed repertory program featuring works by internationally renowned
contemporary choreographers and American dance masters.
Ahead the performance, local school students got a sneak
peek of what's to come during the 12th Annual School Day Extravaganza. An
estimated 2,500 elementary and middle schools children gathered at the Savannah
Civic Center for Thursday morning's special performance.
That afternoon, members also conducted a free master
class where youngsters got to meet the company's famed founder- choreographer,
Cleo Parker Robinson.
Presented by the city of Savannah and Savannah State
University, the 2013 theme is "Living the Legacy: Celebrating the Life of
Westley W. Law," paying homage to the festival's founder, Savannah State
alumnus, civil rights icon, historian and preservationist, W.W. Law.
This year's honorees are three local legends who have
carved extraordinary legacies in the visual arts, music and theater: Gullah
artist Allen Fireall (visual arts); Savannah songstress Huxsie Scott
(music); and long-time SSU professor
Robert L. Stevenson (theater).
While the performance is free and open to the public, a
general admission ticket is required. Unclaimed seats will be released to
waiting patrons 10 minutes prior to curtain call.
WSAV is the media sponsor for the SBHF. News 3's Kim
Gusby will serve as tonight's emcee.
For more information and a list of other SBHF events, visit: http://www.savannahblackheritagefestival.com.
For more on the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, visit: cleoparkerdance.org
Under the watchful eye of legendary choreographer Cleo Parker Robinson
Community dance students take advantage of free master dance class.
Cleo Parker Robinson gives 5-year-old, Azaria Moore, a little guidance.
Ensemble members, Edgar and Amelia, hold Q & A session after class
