Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

WHAT A JOKE! Cleo used to be such a fantastic place not long ago, but I think some how the people working there have become bigger in their own heads. I mistakenly signed my daughter up for a creative dance and she was 1 year too young so cancelled her I understand that part, but the instructor was completely rude and clearly annoyed, and the way she told the parents who were in the correct class to «okay parens get outta here» ‘Leave” so she choreagraph the children. A real eye opener overall, I don’t want to be shuffled like cattle, talked to like I“m an idiot on my only day off early as hell in the morning by some hateful girl child (who by the way did not look lik she’s been dancing for very long) and also my daughter is 2 now and still can’t talk real well I think I’llwait until she can communicate real well before I“m leaving her with some strange hateful «dance» instructor but thats just me ;)

Took the LEVEL ONE BEGINNER hip hop class… WOW. What a joke. Its Monday night, had a hard day at work just wanted a fun night of great music and a routine to break a sweat to. Well there’s 15 dollars and 1.5 hours of my life I will not get back again. The instructor Ray was scattered and not together. No 8 counts were given consistently and it was as if she was putting it together as she went along. Never once was the routine shown to the ‘newbies’ as a whole so they could visualize the routine and catch the vibe of it. No break downs put to music and I literally don’t think we ever got through more than 20 seconds of the song. Literally I was bored, disappointed and annoyed that I wasted my time. If you are a professional you have the choreography prepared prior to attempting to instruct others on it. I have danced and been to several classes in my life, all over the country and none were as unprofessional or unorganized as this one. I learn through visualization and repetition in which can be put to the beat of the music. Learn basics, get it down — clean — then add the attitude & individuality. Well apparently my quiet analytical nature was unacceptable to Ray and as I hit the stairs just outside the studio she made a comment & judgment regarding my confidence level to the remaining students in the room whom do not know me, nor do I know them. Wow. Classy. I think if I had a lack of confidence I would’ve been hurt or upset, instead I am left disappointed and concerned. It is instructors such as this that leave impressionable young dancers scarred and removed from a sincere passion for the art. Please think twice before you waste your time on this class or any others with this instructor… that is unless you would like to be belittled and unfairly judged not to mention bored out of your mind. DANCE IN A COMMUNITY CENTER-​ESK ENVIRONMENT SHOULD BE A PLACE DANCERS GO TO SHARE A LOVE FOR THE ART. IT SHOULD BUILD PEOPLE UP, GIVE THEM A PLACE TO LET LOSE AND HAVE SOME FUN WITHOUT JUDGEMENT OR BELITTLEMENT. PARENT’S BEWARE!

My daughter takes 5 classes a week here and I truly wouldn’t send her anywhere else. They teach a variety of classes (African, Horton, Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop) at a variety of levels. Their instructors are top notch. I’ve seen so much improvement in my daughter’s technique since she started. I love how encouraging and welcoming everyone is. My son takes drumming classes with Kofi. Kofi is an amazing teacher and drummer who also teaches adult classes and drums for some of the African dance classes.
I got to see the professional company dance in Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum this year again (I’ve gone almost every year since 2000). Keeps getting better! Love Cleo, the studio, and the company.

My review is about classes – I can’t speak for the company itself.
I arrived for ballet class one afternoon, which was canceled since not enough people showed up. Whatever, I get it, it’s common practice, teachers have to get paid, it happens. They wouldn’t refund my money, but they gave me a class credit. I subsequently went for a Horton class the next day, but the teacher never showed. After fifteen minutes one of the students wound up teaching the class; she did the best she could, but she was understandably unprepared and the class jerked and halted a lot.

As a dancer for 7 years I would have to say Cleo Parker Robinson Dance encourages, performs, promotes, and provides to the true meaning of Dance. The studio is in an old church. The place has additions made to it so the entrance might seem confusing but you go through the a stairwell that looks completely new opposed to the old architecture of the church.
Cleo Parker herself is a very inspiring person which is a huge reason why I love to support this studio. You’ll even see her in a Zumba class Saturday morning dancing with everyone!
Now for the classes, I have the upmost respect for the company and the teachers who actually focus on GOOD technique and dancing from the heart. When I got to other studios (i.e. the competitive ones) they will sacrifice technique for moves that look better (i.e. kicking higher without caring about leg control and hip placement).
The jazz class on saturday is my favorite I highly recommend it!
It is not expensive and you will have fun!

This review is for the facility, not the dance ensemble. This place has some old building charms (light fixtures falling out, duct taped into place) but not the kind you’d enjoy. The seats, dear God, were the most uncomfortable seats I’ve sat in my life. I actually had to stand up halfway through the performance I was watching because my backside hurt. Some seats are pews, some are vintage wooden theater style… either way if you’re coming here you may want to bring a cushion or something. You can park at the Safeway across the street. They were playing drum music rather loud while we were waiting for the doors to open for the performance we were going to see. It was kind of bothersome, as when we finally sat down in front of the stage the area we were in was playing music as well and with the door open we could hear both. I’m not sure that this place is very handicap friendly, based on the amphitheater set up.

I saw them 7 years ago for their opening night (i did not know them i just happened to be there walking by and decided to go in…). It was a great great modern dance ballet. And unfortunately i have seen a lot of mediocre choregraphy in my life from all over the world (yep while in Paris, all those choregraphers showing new stuff). Anyway, i was really impressed. Last year, i tried to go to another show and they were totally sold out. This year i have my ticket already !!
the website is not very detailed but you will have dates of performances.