Summer Tour Reflections, Part 2: Roots and Return at The Yard

The second stop on our 2025 Summer Tour was more than a performance—it was a return to where Red Clay Dance Company’s story first began. For Founder and Artistic Director Vershawn Sanders-Ward, The Yard holds a special place in our history.

In the summer of 2007, just out of graduate school, Vershawn spent a transformative season here—dancing, rehearsing, and presenting her very first solo work. It was on these grounds that the seeds of Red Clay Dance Company were planted, nurtured by the creativity, collaboration, and artistic risk-taking that The Yard inspires.

Nearly two decades later, we returned as a full company, bringing with us a mission and a movement that have grown far beyond those early days.

Company Reflections

Our two-week artist residency at The Yard gave us the rare opportunity to slow down, immerse ourselves in the community, and create in an environment that fosters deep connection.

Kylea Canada reflected on how the space shaped our creative process:

"The Yard creates a unique and precious space to create. Being on the island and in the studios at The Yard set an intimate environment for us to start working on Freedom Square, a piece which requires sensitivity and openness to take in all the information we were given and also respond through movement. The showing especially was a unique experience because we as dancers don’t usually get to hear feedback on dances until after it has already reached its final form so it was helpful to hear how the piece was speaking to people at even an early stage in its creation."

For Alex Kinard, the extended stay made all the difference:

"Being an artist in residence at The Yard for two weeks was an amazing experience. A lot of times on tour you are in and out of spaces with little time to connect and explore, but because our residency with The Yard was two weeks I had so much time to learn the history, the missions, and dive deeper into the purpose behind The Yard. My favorite performance out of the three shows we did was the showing for our new work. This performance was unique because there was a Q/A at the end so we were able to talk to the audience, get their perspective, and have moving conversations about the arts and what is needed for artists at this time. Being able to use our time to not only perform but to educate others on the realities of being an artist at this current time in history made me really feel like an artivist."

And Chantal’ Hill described the experience as both grounding and activating:

"Performing at The Yard was a powerfully activating experience. I really enjoyed dancing almost ministering both works. Truly connected. The Yard is a nice space that uplifts creativity and collaboration. The people were welcoming as well. I felt I gave an offering. It reminded me of my purpose behind the work and beyond. I left The Yard ready for what’s next and what Season 17 will hold."

The Performance Experience

The Yard’s open-air setting offered a backdrop of sea air and summer light, blending the artistry on stage with the natural beauty of Martha’s Vineyard. The audience’s willingness to engage—whether through post-performance conversations, thoughtful feedback, or simply their attentive presence—deepened the sense of exchange.

In moments like the Q&A following Freedom Square, it became clear that this stop on the tour wasn’t only about presenting work. It was about dialogue, listening, and mutual inspiration.

Legacy and Community

Returning to The Yard was a homecoming not only for Vershawn, but for the company as a whole. We were reminded of the legacies that have shaped us and the importance of holding space for creative risk and experimentation. The people of Martha’s Vineyard welcomed us with open arms, adding another layer of meaning to our performances.

Looking Ahead

As we prepared to leave the island, we carried with us more than just the echoes of applause—we carried renewed purpose, fresh ideas, and a strengthened connection to our roots.

The Yard gave us the space to create, reflect, and connect. As we head into the next chapter of our season, these moments will continue to shape the way we move, teach, and share our Artivism.