Red Clay Dance Company Announces Relocation to Woodlawn

In October 2020, Red Clay Dance Company announced plans to relocate to Chicago’s Woodlawn community, marking a significant step toward establishing a permanent home on the South Side. The decision reflected the company’s desire to deepen its relationship with place while expanding access to dance and community-centered artistic practice.

The proposed relocation included plans for a new studio space designed to support rehearsals, classes, and creative development. Early plans for the Woodlawn location outlined two studios equipped with Marley flooring and mirrors, along with dressing rooms and support spaces to accommodate both company activity and community use.

Announced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the move was shaped by a moment of uncertainty across the arts sector. Despite widespread disruptions, Red Clay Dance Company affirmed its commitment to long-term investment in community and infrastructure, viewing the relocation as an opportunity to align physical space with its mission and values.

Founder and Artistic Director Vershawn Sanders-Ward emphasized the importance of grounding the company’s work within a neighborhood context. The decision to relocate to Woodlawn reflected an intentional choice to build presence on the South Side, prioritizing accessibility, cultural continuity, and sustained engagement over short-term solutions.

The announcement positioned the Woodlawn Center as a future site for dance education, artistic process, and gathering — a space envisioned to support both professional artists and community members. At the time of the announcement, the relocation represented a commitment in progress, rooted in belief, planning, and a willingness to move forward during a challenging period for the arts.