LOOK: Denver celebrates the first night of Kwanzaa
A true community event, the barrier between performers on stage and audience in seats was a porous one, with people streaming across the border to become part of the action. Here’s what we saw.
Esteemed elder Ms. Isetta Crawford Rawls watches from behind the curtain. The first night of Kwanzaa at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, Dec. 26, 2016. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
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Esteemed elder Ms. Isetta Crawford Rawls watches from behind the curtain. The first night of Kwanzaa at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, Dec. 26, 2016. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
This year Kwanzaa, the festival of African-American culture, celebrates its 50th year. To honor this non-religious winter holiday, a team of community stalwarts including Brother Jeff Fard, Ms. Cleo Parker Robinson and Pastor Terrence Hughes, among many others, put on a celebration at Robinson's dance studio at the former Shorter A.M.E. Church at Park Avenue West and Washington Street.
A true community event, the barrier between performers on stage and audience in seats was a porous one, with people streaming across the border to become part of the action. Here's what we saw.
Ms. Isetta Crawford Rawls sits at the front of the theater as all of the children in the room are called to the stage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre is packed on the first night of Kwanzaa. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Heritage African Drum and Dance performer Hadiya Brown moves under the spotlight. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Jamari Robinson Hampton performs a convincing MJ to "Billie Jean." (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
A spinning dancer under spotlights. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
The crowd stands to applaud as community elders are honored on stage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
People in the crowd raise their fists. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Drummers make rhythms that move the show all night long. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
NyImah Bryant watches from backstage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Chet Sisk watches from stage right. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Living in Christ Faith Ministries' Pastor Terrence Hughes watches from behind the curtain. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Ms. Cleo Parker Robinson, the namesake of this theatre, addresses the crowd. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Ms. Cleo Parker Robinson speaks to the crowd on the first night of Kwanzaa. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
The audience reaches above symbolizing sunlight, one ingredient in making a seed grow. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Your Soul's Movement's Kalere Hines takes a bow onstage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Brother Jeff Fard directs the show from stage right. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
All of the college students in the audience are called down to the stage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Ms. Isetta Crawford Rawls reads the names of people lost this year, as provided by audience members. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Lesley Pace, Ms. Black Colorado 2017. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Mayor Michael B. Hancock watches clandestinely from the side of the theater. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Ms. Isetta Crawford Rawls watches dancers under the spotlight. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Jamari Robinson Hampton performs a convincing MJ to "Billie Jean." (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
A silhouette backstage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Brother Jeff Fard peps up dancers before the show. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Brother Jeff Fard directs the show from stage right. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre is packed on the first night of Kwanzaa. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Dancers watch from backstage. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Your Soul's Movement's Kalere Hines dances onstage. The first night of Kwanzaa at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Kevin is a multimedia artist who flung himself into the world of journalism. He likes using a camera and microphone to tell stories about workers, the environment, social justice and fascinating humans.
