Business Details
18 Years
experience
Empowering Through Afro-Contemporary Dance
Red Clay Dance awakens Glocal Artivism through creating, performing, and teaching dances of the African Diaspora. Founded in 2008, our mission merges art with activism, offering transformative dance education rooted in cultural traditions while fostering community engagement. Our ensemble of dynamic Artivists tours nationally and internationally, presenting performances that explore identity, race, and social justice. With a focus on accessibility and excellence, we provide classes for all skill levels, emphasizing core work, footwork, and ancestral memory. Recognized with awards like the Walder Foundation Platform Award and Chicago Defender Women of Excellence, we amplify marginalized voices through innovative choreography and mentorship programs.As a Black, female-led 501(c)(3) organization, we prioritize equity in the arts, collaborating with institutions like the Museum of Contemporary Art and TEDxChicago. Our community initiatives, including the La Femme Dance Festival and Making The Artivist apprenticeship, empower artists to drive cultural change. Backed by partnerships with universities and cultural centers, we continue to reshape contemporary dance while honoring its diasporic roots.
Services
Adult dance classes
Community programs
Performance tours
Summer intensive workshops
La Femme Dance Festival
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer Afro-contemporary dance education rooted in African Diaspora traditions.
- Our Black, female-led team prioritizes equity and inclusion in the arts.
- We provide paid apprenticeships and mentorship programs for emerging artists.
- Our ensemble has performed at prestigious venues like Jacobs Pillow and TEDxChicago.
- We combine technical excellence with community-driven artivism principles.
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
What people say
Entrancing performances
Cultivating community
Full of flavor
Collective truth
Spark change
Services
Adult dance classes
Rooted in African Diaspora traditions, our adult classes combine contemporary techniques with cultural storytelling. Three core principles guide our instruction: Core Work for strength development, Footwork emphasizing rhythmic precision, and Polyrhythms & Pelvic Liberation connecting movement to ancestral memory. Classes cater to all skill levels from beginners to professionals, fostering personal transformation through dance.
Community programs
Our Making The Artivist apprenticeship provides paid training for emerging artists using dance as social activism. Community engagement initiatives include free workshops, mentorship programs, and partnerships with local organizations. These programs prioritize accessibility while maintaining artistic excellence, creating pathways for underrepresented voices in the dance world.
Performance tours
The company tours nationally and internationally, presenting award-winning performances that explore identity and social justice. Venues include Jacobs Pillow, The Yard, and TEDxChicago. Our repertoire blends traditional African dance forms with modern choreography, creating visually striking narratives that challenge audiences to consider cultural and societal issues.
Summer intensive workshops
This two-week program refines technical skills and artistic expression for advanced/professional dancers. Participants receive specialized training in Afro-contemporary techniques, performance preparation, and choreographic development. The intensive includes masterclasses with industry professionals and culminates in a showcase of new works at our Woodlawn venue.
La Femme Dance Festival
A biennial celebration of women choreographers featuring performances, workshops, and panel discussions. The festival showcases diverse voices from Chicago and beyond, highlighting innovative approaches to African Diaspora dance. Held at Harris Theater, it includes artist talks and community engagement activities during Women's History Month.
People
Vershawn Sanders-Ward
Founding Artistic Director & CEO
Award-winning choreographer and educator with an MFA from NYU. First recipient of Columbia College Chicago's BFA in Dance. Recipient of Walder Foundation Platform Award and Chicago Defender Women of Excellence. Leads dance education initiatives and community programs.
Chaniece Holmes
Rehearsal Director
Manages company rehearsals and artistic development. Works closely with choreographers to maintain performance standards. Provides mentorship to company dancers and apprentices. Coordinates with educational programs to ensure technical consistency across all initiatives.
Amaya Arroyo
Dancer
Performs in national and international tours. Participates in community workshops and masterclasses. Contributes to choreographic development through collaborative projects. Represents the company at industry conferences and cultural events.
Chantal Hunt
Dancer
Specializes in Afro-contemporary techniques. Engages in educational outreach programs. Performs in signature productions like Freedom Square: The Black Girlhood Altar. Assists in summer intensive instruction and artist mentorship.
Taylor Jackson
Dancer
Active in performance tours and community engagement. Contributes to the Making The Artivist apprenticeship program. Participates in TEDxChicago and Museum of Contemporary Art performances. Supports youth dance education initiatives.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We specialize in Afro-contemporary dance combining African Diaspora traditions with modern techniques. Classes include Core Work, Footwork, and Polyrhythms & Pelvic Liberation.
Do you offer classes for beginners?
Yes! Our Level 1 classes require no prior experience, focusing on foundational techniques, rhythm, and coordination with just curiosity and energy needed.
How can I support your organization?
Support through one-time donations, recurring Artivist Circle gifts, planned estate gifts, or corporate matching programs. We also accept stock donations and United Way contributions.
Are your performances accessible to the public?
Yes! Our performances tour nationally and internationally, with major events like La Femme Dance Festival at Harris Theater and Chicago Performances at MCA.
Do you have youth programs?
We offer Making The Artivist, a paid 16-week apprenticeship for young creators using movement to drive cultural change through dance education.
How do I register for classes?
Preregistration is mandatory through our website. Call (773) 624-8411 to confirm class availability on the day of scheduled instruction.
