Business Details
18 Years
experience
Empowering Through Afro-Contemporary Dance
Red Clay Dance stands as a beacon of artistic innovation and social change, dedicated to awakening 'Glocal Artivism' through the transformative power of dance. Founded on the principles of cultural preservation and community empowerment, we create, perform, and teach dances of the African Diaspora, blending traditional forms with contemporary techniques to craft performances that resonate with both historical depth and modern relevance. Our organization, led by a team of award-winning choreographers and educators, has spent over 17 years cultivating a global network of artists while maintaining deep roots in Chicago's cultural landscape. Through rigorous training programs, community engagement initiatives, and internationally recognized performances, we provide platforms for diverse voices to explore identity, race, and social justice.Our commitment to excellence is evidenced by partnerships with prestigious institutions like Jacobs Pillow and the Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as recognition from the Chicago Tribune and Dance/USA. As a Black, female-led 501(c)(3) organization, we champion equity in the arts through initiatives that support emerging artists, particularly Black women, while offering accessible dance education to all. Our unique approach combines technical mastery with cultural storytelling, creating experiences that transcend mere performance to become catalysts for dialogue and transformation. From our Chicago headquarters to international stages in Uganda and Senegal, we continue to push boundaries while honoring our mission to use dance as a tool for liberation and connection.
Services
Adult Dance Classes
Afro-Contemporary Performances
Community Engagement Programs
Summer Intensive Training
Artivism Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We are a Black, female-led organization with 17 years of cultural impact
- Our artists have performed at Jacobs Pillow and The Yard internationally
- We offer community programs that combine dance with social justice education
- Our teaching artists hold advanced degrees and industry certifications
- We maintain partnerships with major Chicago cultural institutions
What people say
Entrancing performances
Celebrates cultural heritage
Powerful social commentary
Technical excellence
Emotionally resonant
Services
Adult Dance Classes
Our adult dance classes combine African Diaspora traditions with contemporary techniques, offering three progressive levels for all experience levels. Foundational classes focus on rhythm and coordination, while advanced sessions emphasize technical precision and performance quality. Participants join a transformative community where movement becomes a tool for cultural connection and personal growth.
Afro-Contemporary Performances
We present innovative performances that blend traditional African dance forms with modern choreography, creating powerful narratives about identity and social justice. Our award-winning ensemble has graced stages from Chicago's Harris Theater to international venues in Uganda and Senegal. Each production combines technical mastery with cultural storytelling to create emotionally resonant experiences.
Community Engagement Programs
Our community initiatives use dance as a vehicle for social change through paid apprenticeships and youth programs. The 16-week Making The Artivist program develops emerging artists while our youth classes cultivate creativity and cultural awareness. These programs emphasize accessibility and provide professional development opportunities for underrepresented artists.
Summer Intensive Training
This two-week professional development program offers advanced dancers immersive training in technique refinement and artistic expression. Participants work directly with our company artists to develop performance skills and choreographic vision. The intensive focuses on preparing dancers for professional careers through rigorous technical instruction and creative exploration.
Artivism Workshops
Our workshops explore the intersection of dance and social justice, teaching participants to use movement as a form of activism. Through embodied practices rooted in African traditions, attendees learn to express cultural narratives and address contemporary issues. These sessions emphasize the power of dance to inspire dialogue and drive community transformation.
People
Vershawn Sanders-Ward
Founding Artistic Director & CEO
Award-winning choreographer and educator with an MFA from NYU, creating socially conscious dance works for 17 years. Recipient of the Walder Foundation Platform Award and Chicagoan of the Year in Dance, she develops programs that combine cultural preservation with contemporary expression.
Chaniece Holmes
Rehearsal Director
Experienced dance professional guiding company rehearsals and maintaining artistic standards through technical precision and creative mentorship.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We specialize in African Diaspora dance forms combined with contemporary techniques, offering classes at all experience levels.
Do you offer youth programs?
Yes, we have youth classes and the Making The Artivist apprenticeship program for young creators using movement to spark change.
How can I attend performances?
Check our schedule for upcoming events at Chicago venues and national/international touring locations throughout the year.
Are classes open to all skill levels?
Yes, our adult classes include beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels with no prior experience required for entry-level courses.
How do I support your mission?
You can donate online, join the Artivist Circle with recurring gifts, or participate in our volunteer and corporate matching gift programs.
