OUR ARTIVISM
An Artivist is more than just an artist. At Red Clay Dance Company, an Artivist is someone who uses their art as a catalyst for community transformation and social justice.
This TEDx performance captures Red Clay Dance Company’s Artivism In Motion — Afro-contemporary dance of the African Diaspora as a catalyst for social change and collective healing.
An Artivist:
Believes art facilitates social change
Actively connects, engages and builds community
Practices self-assessment and re-assessment of their work
Dedicates their practice to intentionally addressing social inequities
Decenters themselves in Artivism work
Has evidence or fruit of their impact
THE HERSTORY
Founded in Brooklyn, NY on July 23, 2008 and now based in Chicago, IL, Red Clay Dance Company is the brainchild of Vershawn Sanders-Ward, the institutions’ Founding Artistic Director & CEO. Red Clay Dance is Chicago’s premier Afro-contemporary dance company, voted Best Dance Organization by the Chicago Reader in 2019. The touring company is a versatile and dynamic ensemble of dance artivist that tours and performs locally, nationally and internationally the choreographic work of its founder. The organization also houses its signature Making the Artivist apprenticeship program and provides dance education programming to schools and community partners.
Envisioned during her first trip to Africa in the summer of 2007, Sanders-Ward had just finished grad school at New York University and was spending her summer traveling, performing, and preparing for the next step in her artistic journey. It was at L’Ecole De Sables, a dance school in Toubab Dialaw, Senegal founded by legendary choreographer Germaine Acogny that Sanders-Ward first witnessed the spiritual interconnectedness of dance and daily life. At that moment, she decided this “embodied knowing” had to be the foundation for her dance company. She recognized the impact of Acogny’s gift to that small fishing village- a dance school that brought economic development and entrepreneurial opportunities to it’s neighbors. Sanders-Ward desired to build an organization that would have this same impact in marginalized communities on the South Side of Chicago. Red Clay Dance Company is rooted in African Diaspora movement practices and serves as a platform for Artivism (art + activism). It creates dance work that aspires to have a “glocal” impact and help to erase the cultural and socio-economic inequities in our city, nation, and world. Upon founding the company, she quickly began to gather like-minded dance artists who might help her actualize her dream. The name Red Clay Dance comes from her childhood memories. Although raised in the Chicago area, she was born in Mobile, Alabama, where she spent every summer, until the age of 12, with her grandparents learning about the land and the history of her birthplace of Plateau, also known as “Africatown”. This small community was formed by a group of 32 West Africans from the Kindgom of Dahomey, who in 1860, were included in the last known illegal shipment of slaves to the United States on a slave ship called Clotilda.
“Thinking back, the red earth was a playground for me as a kid, and I would use it to make all sorts of crazy things,” recalls Sanders-Ward. “Mix it with a little water, and it was like clay, something I could take with my hands and mold into something spectacular! It was unique because I made it, I dreamt it and designed it with my own hands.”
This is how Sanders-Ward views her choreographic work, a shaping and molding of our shared humanity expressed through dance, creating a visceral experience that lays bare our embodied memories. She choreographed her first work, Red Clay Child to honor this family history. Red Clay Dance Company is a thriving 501c3 charitable organization that houses a professional touring company, and a robust Community Engagement & Education (CEE) program that offers culturally rich dance education and artivism training to schools and community spaces.
Unconventional Pathways of Expansion: The Celebration
As Red Clay Dance marks its 10th Anniversary Season, we reflect on the power of legacy, resilience, and the radical act of claiming space. This is a time to celebrate—ourselves, our journeys, and our collective impact. Join us as we expand, reclaim, and continue shaping the future through dance and Artivism.
Remember Red Clay Dance this Holiday Season
As we gather in gratitude this holiday season, we invite you to reflect on the impact of Red Clay Dance in your life and community. Your support helps us expand our programming, increase performances, and grow our creative spaces. Join us in transforming lives through dance—consider making a generous donation today.
Meet Our New Executive Director
Red Clay Dance Company is thrilled to welcome Brandon Waters as our new Executive Director! With a deep passion for dance, community impact, and arts management, Brandon brings a unique blend of financial expertise and creative vision. Get to know him—his love for modern dance, favorite books, and, of course, his top food choice (spoiler: it’s tacos)!
Reflections from Cali!
Company member Destine Young shares a powerful takeaway from performing at PUSHfest in San Francisco. Embracing the energy of her surroundings, rather than blocking them out, transformed her pre-performance mindset. Plus, the festival? Absolutely amazing!
Body of Evidence
Company member Chaniece Holmes reflects on an inspiring two weeks with choreographer Bridget Moore. From refining movement details to deepening spatial awareness, this experience has reshaped her approach to dance. Read more about her journey and takeaways!
Red Clay Dance Takes West Coast!
We’re heading to San Francisco for PUSHfest! Red Clay Dance joins 18 incredible choreographers at PUSH Dance Company’s mixed-genre festival, bringing bold, innovative movement to the West Coast. Catch us in Program B on September 24th & 25th at ODC Theater. Don’t miss this powerhouse lineup!
Happy New Year!!
New year, new energy! 2015 is all about bringing you closer to Red Clay Dance—behind-the-scenes moments, exclusive content, and insights into our latest work, ri’flekSHEns in 6. Plus, we’re kicking things off with a special documentary look at our 2012-2013 season. Dive in and stay connected!
Red Clay Dance: 2013 Summer/Fall Events
The season is packed with powerful performances and collaborations! Catch us at the Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival on September 21, experience our In the Works Residency with Keiga Dance Company at the Chicago Cultural Center, and don’t miss the premiere of On Hallowed Ground on October 6. We’re closing out the season with a bang—join us for our 5th Anniversary Fall Concert & Paint the Town Red Party on October 18-19 at Logan Arts Center. Stay tuned for ticket details and be part of the movement!
Dance4Peace - An Evening of Bliss
The Dance4Peace Youth Explosion was a night filled with energy, joy, and powerful performances at the Gary Comer Youth Center. With a buzzing backstage, heartfelt tributes, and an audience eager to witness the magic, the evening truly captured the spirit of community and celebration. From honoring mothers to bidding farewell to documentary filmmaker Timothy Lydon, every moment was unforgettable. Relive the excitement and join us at our next performances—because the movement never stops!
Tell your Friends in Fuller Park: The Corner Office belongs to Red Clay Dance!
Exciting news—Red Clay Dance has a new home at Fuller Park Fieldhouse! Thanks to a partnership with the Chicago Park District, we now have dedicated rehearsal space and an office to continue our mission. Our Teen Club dance program, running Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4-6 p.m., is completely free and open to all teens—boys, we need you too! With professional company rehearsals and dance classes kicking off, Fuller Park is about to feel like a scene straight out of Fame. Spread the word and come dance with us!
Announcing the FY 2014 Board of Directors
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.
Dance4Peace 2013 Youth Dance Explosion, May 11, 2013
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!