OUR HERSTORY

Words to Live By:                          Community                                    Engagement
Jailen Ellis Jailen Ellis

Words to Live By: Community Engagement

At Red Clay Dance, community engagement is more than outreach—it’s a deep commitment to serving, listening, and building alongside the South Side of Chicago. From our Making the Artivist program to partnerships with CPS and After School Matters, we create spaces where voices are heard, movement sparks dialogue, and collective action fuels change. What does community engagement mean to you?

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Words to Live By: "Glocal"
Jailen Ellis Jailen Ellis

Words to Live By: "Glocal"

At Red Clay Dance, Glocal is more than a word—it’s a guiding principle. We create work that reflects both local realities and global conversations, bridging communities through dance. From South Side schools to international collaborations, our impact stretches across borders while staying deeply rooted in home. What does glocal mean to you?

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Words to Live By: Artivism
Jailen Ellis Jailen Ellis

Words to Live By: Artivism

At Red Clay Dance, Artivism is more than a philosophy—it’s a call to action. Through dance, we raise awareness, build community, and spark change. Company leaders, artists, and students share their perspectives on how Artivism fuels our work, from performances to education. What does Artivism mean to you?

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10 Years in the Making..
Jailen Ellis Jailen Ellis

10 Years in the Making..

Red Clay Dance’s 10th Anniversary Season was a powerful celebration of community, resilience, and artistic evolution. Company member Marceia L. Scruggs reflects on the immersive experience of performing Art of Resilience (AOR) 2.0, witnessing the transformative power of dance, and feeling the deep connections between artists, audiences, and generations. A historic moment at the DuSable Museum’s Roundhouse—one you had to feel to believe.

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My Journey
Jailen Ellis Jailen Ellis

My Journey

From Kampala to Chicago, company member Robert Ssempijja reflects on his transformative experience with the Transatlantic Project. Navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and new ways of creating, his journey challenged him to embrace collaboration, question identity, and expand his perspective on dance. Read more about his powerful story of growth, adaptation, and artistic discovery.

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Humanity is a quality that we owe to each other...
Jailen Ellis Jailen Ellis

Humanity is a quality that we owe to each other...

What happens when humanity is the foundation of dance education? At Red Clay Dance, we embrace the philosophy of Ubuntu—"I am because we are." Through mirroring, reflection, and partnership, we cultivate a learning environment where identity, empathy, and community take center stage. Join the conversation as we explore what it means to teach, learn, and grow together.

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Unconventional  Pathways of Expansion: The Celebration
Jailen Ellis Jailen Ellis

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.

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Remember Red Clay Dance this Holiday Season
Jailen Ellis Jailen Ellis

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.

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Meet Our New Executive Director
Jailen Ellis Jailen Ellis

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)!

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Reflections from Cali!
Jailen Ellis Jailen Ellis

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!

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