Red Clay Dance is proud to introduce our FY 2014 Board of Directors! As we continue our mission of awakening glocal Artivism through dance, our dedicated board members play a vital role in guiding our vision and impact.

Mark your calendars! On May 11, 2013, Red Clay Dance, in partnership with the Gary Comer Youth Center, presents Dance 4 Peace—a powerful celebration of dance and youth empowerment. Featuring some of the best youth dance groups from across Chicagoland, this event is all about unity, expression, and community. No competition, no awards—just movement, joy, and purpose. Proceeds support Red Clay Dance’s education and community engagement programs. Get your tickets now and help bring dance education to Chicago’s youth!

At the 2013 Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival (RAD Fest), Red Clay Dance captivated audiences with Gone 2 Soon. Festival coordinator Rachel Miller praised Artistic Director Vershawn Sanders’ fusion of African, modern, and hip-hop dance, calling it “very original, very grounded… and surprising.” Featured on the cover of the Kalamazoo Gazette Sunday Arts section, this performance was a standout moment in the festival’s lineup.

Red Clay Dance Youth Ensemble presents the 2013 Spring Teen Masterclass Series, offering free dance workshops for teens! This exciting series features top instructors in Modern, Hip Hop, and Ballet, including Rachell Russell, DJ, Jennifer Colvin, and Amansu Eason. Whether you're a beginner or experienced dancer, this is a chance to train with the best. All levels welcome—register now!

A dedicated advocate for child welfare, Belinda Farr serves as Red Clay Dance’s Board Vice-Chair with a heart for community impact. As a Prevention Specialist with Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, she works alongside DCFS and community organizations to promote child abuse prevention. With over 12 years of experience in child welfare, her leadership and passion for social change align perfectly with Red Clay Dance’s mission of Artivism and empowerment.

Writer, educator, and storyteller, Jewel Sophia Younge serves as Red Clay Dance’s Board Secretary with a passion for language and culture. A published freelance writer with work featured in English Journal, Rolling Out Magazine, and more, she also teaches Humanities and Composition at Olive-Harvey College. With her first feature film, Addiction by Subtraction, set for release in 2013, Jewel brings a dynamic creative voice to Red Clay Dance’s leadership.

With a strong background in political science, justice studies, and strategic leadership, Rob Ellis brings invaluable expertise to Red Clay Dance as Board Treasurer. As Chairman and CEO of the Phoenix Association NFP, he is committed to uplifting disenfranchised youth in Chicago, while also managing large-scale initiatives at Healthcare Service Corporation. His dedication to community impact and financial stewardship helps drive Red Clay Dance’s mission forward.

Meet Erika Simmons, Red Clay Dance’s dedicated Board Chair and the creative force behind Double Stitch LLC. As a co-founder and designer, Erika—alongside her twin sister Monika—has revolutionized crochet fashion, earning national recognition and prestigious awards. With a passion for innovation and community impact, she brings invaluable leadership and vision to Red Clay Dance, helping to shape our future in the arts.

Red Clay Dance made its Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival debut in Kalamazoo, MI, presenting Gone 2 Soon, a powerful new work. Artistic Director Vershawn Sanders also led a masterclass and joined a panel discussion, deepening the festival’s exploration of dance and storytelling. From open rehearsals to thought-provoking performances, this weekend was a celebration of movement, dialogue, and community.

On December 17, 2012, we invited the community to Get to Know Red Clay at The Bar 10 Doors! This salon-style gathering brought together dancers, board members, and supporters for an evening of conversation, connection, and a deeper look into our mission. With a shared passion for dance and community impact, the event was a perfect way to celebrate our growing movement.

Red Clay Dance is honored to receive two new grants in support of our work! The Chicago Community Trust-Young Leaders Fund awarded $6,775 to help bring the TransAtlantic Project to life, recognizing our commitment to cross-cultural collaboration. Additionally, the Cliff Dwellers Club granted $750, celebrating our impact in the arts. We are deeply grateful for this support as we continue to elevate Artivism through dance!

The 2012-2013 season was packed with movement, mentorship, and meaningful collaborations. From the Summer Intensive and company auditions to the TransAtlantic Project—a groundbreaking festival uniting Red Clay Dance and Uganda’s Keiga Dance Company—this season embodied the company’s commitment to training, performance, and international exchange. Whether nurturing emerging dancers or showcasing bold new works, Red Clay Dance continued to push the boundaries of Afro-contemporary dance.