Cleo Parker Robinson (Finding Aid)

Cleo Parker Robinson

1948 -

Favorite Color: Purple and Orange

Favorite Food: Cheesecake

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii

Interview Length: 82 minutes

Interview Date(s): June 21, 2002

Interview Location(s): Doubletree Hotel, Denver, Colorado

Abstract

Cleo Parker Robinson first describes photographs of herself and publicity photos from performances by the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble. After slating her interview, Robinson talks about her family's interracial origins and her siblings, one of whom died in his sleep from a genetic ailment that she shares. Robinson then talks about her parents' musical aspirations and how her father changed his career path to acting. Lastly, Robinson talks about the racial experience while growing up in both Dallas and Denver. Cleo Parker Robinson reflects on the Denver neighborhood of her youth. She then shares a story that details the difficulties her parents encountered while trying to marry. Robinson remembers traveling with her parents and tells some of the problems they faced when attempting to find lodging in new towns. She also recalls her father's personality and how he inspired her and acted as a role model. Robinson talks about her father's acting roles and his theater company in Denver. She mentions plays in which he acted and roles he played. She then recalls her feelings about suddenly being separated from her father and discusses the possible reasons for his departure. Robinson talks about her racial awareness and tells how both the black and white communities in Texas discriminated against her. Cleo Parker Robinson recalls almost dying as a child and her family's dealings with a segregated hospital. Cleo Parker Robinson explains how her brush with death at age ten left her temporarily mute, yet allowed her to connect with her spirituality. She then details her observations of the world around her as a child and how she used dance to connect with others. Robinson then describes her experiences in an all-white high school in Denver when she decided to make dance her career. She then shares stories of when she regained her voice and her discovery in high school that she had half siblings. Robinson then talks about the healing power of the arts and her love for teaching dance. Lastly, Robinson details her experiences at Colorado Women's College in Denver, and the pride she felt in getting her father hired as director of the new theater there.

37 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)