Dancing With The DENVER Stars Shines A Mile High

From city leaders to the president of Xcel and CBS Colorado’s chief meteorologist, their careers are varied. You initially hear the well-known names of those performing in this year’s Dancing with the Denver Stars and might think, “Don’t quit your day job.” But let these 11 intrepid (and well-rehearsed!) folks put on a costume and some dancin’ shoes, and they shine brightly like the Denver stars they are.

Robert Kenney, Xcel Energy president (left), and Dave Aguilera, CBS Colorado chief meteorologist

On Saturday, Aug. 10, more than 750 guests gathered at the Hilton Denver City Center in their black-tie best to enjoy the sold-out event…called by some “the very best and most fun fundraiser in Denver.” The DWTDS Gala is the premier fundraiser for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, led since 1970 by its namesake founder, a luminary in her own right. In fact, she could be her own galaxy. Put Cleo Parker Robinson’s name on any dance event and you know you’re in for quality entertainment, as well as good works to help others. Cody Teets and Morris Price, Jr., served as event co-chairs.

Event co-chairs Cody Teets and Morris Price, Jr.

The evening began with a couple of animated receptions before the crowd made its way to the ballroom for a plated dinner, some dance moves from emcee Shed G and a warm welcome from Robinson. Then it was time to settle back and enjoy the delightful dance routines and theatrics of: Dave Aguilera, Chief Meteorologist, CBS Colorado (KCNC Channel 4); Michelle Barnes, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Human Resources; Makesha Boothe, President, Sistah Biz; Brian Fitzpatrick, VP General Manager, Denver, Mortenson; Jocelyn Hittle, Associate Vice Chancellor, CSU; Robert Kenney, President, Xcel; LaTonya Lacy, Deputy Chief of Staff, City of Denver Mayor’s Office; Andrea Miller, Director of Environmental, Social and Governance, Delta Dental; Mahes Prasad, SVP US Bank; Dr. Dedrick Sims, CEO, Sims Fayola Foundation; Samantha Unell, Senior Manager of State & Higher Education, Southwest Airlines. Members of CPRD Ensemble and Cleo II paired with the dancing Stars, and the audience enjoyed performances by CPRD’s Youth Ensemble and Junior Youth Ensemble.

Six DWTDS alums returned for a special group performance as The Constellations. Albus Brooks, Terrance Carroll, Elias Diggins, Bruce Johnson, Charles “CJ” Johnson and Huy Pham performed a group dance celebrating The Bad Boys of Rock ‘n Roll. Well-known Denverites we spotted in the crowd, not on the event dance card, include: Colorado Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera, State Sen. Janet Buckner, former Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, CSU President Amy Parsons (previous DWTDS event chair), former Denver First Lady Wilma Webb and Northglenn Mayor Meredith Leighty.

Cleo Parker Robinson

This year, funds will support CPRD’s newest pillar, Arts-In-WellBeing, emphasizing the value of expanding access to the arts to address needs for community and personal health. The organization integrates proven holistic approaches to address mental and physical health challenges across all of its offerings. A full 100 percent of gala funds go to CPRD for overall work in the community that includes paid internships plus funding health, movement and well-being events in Denver and numerous rural areas around Colorado. In addition to her own revered dance institution, Robinson is a co-founder of The International Association of Blacks in Dance. The group was a recipient of a National Medal of Arts, with Robinson and all founders present at that White House ceremony in 2023. Look for Black Orpheus, presented by CPRD and Denver Arts & Venues, Sept. 14-15 at Ellie Caulkins Opera House.