Red Clay Dance Company, Inc.

Join us in celebrating Vershawn Sanders-Ward, MFA, recipient of the ILDEO Distinguished Dance Educator Award! This honor recognizes her transformative impact on dance education, community engagement, and artistic expression in Illinois and beyond. Through her leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to Artivism, Vershawn continues to inspire and elevate the next generation of dancers and educators. Congratulations on this well-earned recognition! ?? #Artivism #DanceEducation #Leadership #RedClayDance

At Red Clay Dance, we believe in ‘Glocal’—building strong community connections locally while amplifying our impact globally. Founder & CEO Vershawn Sanders-Ward sat down with Spotlight Chicago to share how movement can be a force for change, both here in Chicago and beyond.

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A sold-out show. A room full of stories. A stage that spoke volumes. At Red Clay Dance Company, we don’t just perform—we amplify voices, preserve history, and spark change through movement. Our Black History Month Matinee was a reflection of the past, a celebration of the present, and a challenge for the future. More than 500 students, community members, and art lovers witnessed Afro-contemporary dance as a force for dialogue and transformation. Why does this work matter? ? We serve more than 500 students annually across Chicago through community programs. ? We are a cultural anchor on the South Side, creating space for storytelling through movement. ? Our global collaborations ensure these narratives reach beyond the stage. As we step into Spring, we ask: Who will carry these stories forward? Your support makes performances like this possible, ensuring that the next generation of Artivists continues to move, speak, and inspire. Join us. Give Like an Artivist. https://lnkd.in/gk3HXcwR

On June 17-20, 2025, Dance/USA’s National Conference will return to Chicago for the first time since 2011. Over 500 cultural workers will gather to hear from leaders from across the dance ecosystem. The Chicago Host Committee is excited to announce an open call for performance opportunities during the conference. Applications are open through March 28 (11:59 PM CST). Link to apply: https://lnkd.in/eT6gHSMu

Stay positive Vershawn Sanders-Ward, MFA. Red Clay Dance Company, Inc.'s supporters are with you.

On this International Women's Day, I want to share something that’s been on my heart. Typically, I focus on staying positive and laser-focused on my purpose—both in life and on these digital platforms. But recently, my team discovered a hateful, ignorant post about my company, Red Clay Dance Company, Inc. and at first, I thought, "Don't give it any energy." But then I realized—this is a part of my story, my journey as a leader, and I'm STANDING ON BUSINESS! I wish I could say I was surprised by the cowardice behind the keyboard, but I'm not. The truth is, Black women are still unprotected, undervalued and often sacrificed in our society. But this morning, God reminded me of his promises in Psalm 110:1: “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.” So to my sisters, keep sitting in the place of honor—at the right hand of our Father. He will protect us. He will crown us. He will care for us, always. We are unstoppable, unshakable, and worthy of everything we are. Never let anyone make you feel otherwise. Keep shining, keep thriving, and keep standing strong. Our story is one of power, resilience, and grace. We are more than enough. and yes, at Red Clay Dance Company we PROUDLY center and support Black women! #ARTIVIST

In just 16 years, Red Clay Dance Company has grown from a bold vision into one of Chicago’s most celebrated dance institutions. As Chicago’s premier Afro-contemporary dance company, we are proud to be ranked among the top 50 largest contemporary dance companies in the U.S. (Dance Data Project, 2023). Our journey continues as we awaken 'glocal' change through Artivism—using dance to transform cultural and socio-economic inequities locally and globally. Join us in celebrating this milestone by attending our upcoming performances or supporting our mission through partnerships. https://lnkd.in/gr-p8iqC #AfroContemporaryDance #Artivism #RedClayDance #ChicagoArts

? Save the Date! ? Join us for our annual Paint The Town Red Fundraiser, an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of Artivism and community. This signature event fuels our mission and the work we create, perform, and teach throughout the year. Stay tuned for more details—we look forward to sharing this special night with you! #PaintTheTownRed #Fundraiser #RedClayDance

History in the making! ? Red Clay Dance Company is honored to make our Jacob’s Pillow debut this summer! As the nation’s longest-running dance festival, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival has been a cornerstone for dance innovation, and we are thrilled to bring our unique blend of Afro-Contemporary dance and Artivism to this historic stage. This moment is more than a performance—it’s a testament to the power of Black artistry, the impact of our mission, and the collective work that has brought us to this milestone. We’re excited to share this journey and invite you to experience Red Clay Dance at Jacob’s Pillow this summer! Join us in celebrating this moment and making space for the future of dance!