Red Clay Dance Company

For residents across Chicago, Illinois, particularly those in the vibrant South Side communities, Red Clay Dance Company stands as a profound and dynamic institution. Far more than just a performance troupe or a dance studio, Red Clay is recognized as a "true gem in Chicago's arts scene," embodying energy, passion, and a powerful sense of purpose. This esteemed company is deeply committed to awakening "glocal" change through the creation, performance, and teaching of dances of the African Diaspora, transforming cultural and socio-economic inequities within our local and global communities.

Red Clay Dance Company's work is not only "beautiful to witness but also deeply meaningful," as highlighted by appreciative audience members. Their dedication to Afro-Contemporary dance amplifies the voices of the African Diaspora, shares authentic stories, and actively seeks remuneration equity for artists, while also providing crucial support for Black women in the arts. This holistic approach makes every interaction with Red Clay, whether attending a show or taking a class, a truly enriching experience.

The company’s professional touring ensemble, composed of versatile and dynamic "Artivists," crafts and presents thought-provoking, uplifting, and socially-conscious dance that resonates deeply with audiences. Beyond the stage, Red Clay Dance Company extends its impact through comprehensive educational programs for youth, teens, and adults, fostering the next generation of dancers and "Artivists." Their commitment to community and social justice truly sets them apart, establishing them not just as a dance company, but as "a movement."

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Red Clay Dance Company is centrally located at its Center for Excellence at 808 E 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Situated in Chicago's vibrant Woodlawn neighborhood on the South Side, this location ensures excellent accessibility for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas. 63rd Street is a significant thoroughfare, making the studio straightforward to reach via public transportation and by car from various parts of Chicago.

The studio's commitment to being "deeply rooted in the communities we serve" is exemplified by its deliberate choice to be located on the South Side, making it a convenient and integral part of the local artistic landscape. Its presence provides easy access for community members, young students, and adult learners who wish to engage with Afro-Contemporary dance and its rich cultural heritage. This accessibility allows for seamless integration of Red Clay's classes and performances into the daily lives of Chicagoans, fostering a stronger connection between the arts and the community.

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• Professional Touring Company Performances: Red Clay Dance Company features an award-winning ensemble of "Artivists" who create and perform thought-provoking, uplifting, and socially-conscious Afro-Contemporary dance works. These performances are presented locally, nationally, and internationally.

• Red Clay Dance Academy: Offers world-class dance training for youth, teens, and adults. This academy serves as a pipeline toward professional careers in the arts, providing foundational and advanced instruction in various dance forms rooted in the African Diaspora.

• Red Clay Dance Youth Ensemble: Provides specialized training and performance opportunities for aspiring young dancers, nurturing their talent and preparing them for professional pursuits.

• Community, Engagement, Education, Partnerships (CEEP) Program: This robust program provides accessible excellence in dance education to schools and community groups throughout Chicago. It serves hundreds of students annually, fostering creative expression and community empowerment.

• Making the Artivist Program: An innovative program that creates courageous spaces, empowering local youth to share their stories and lift their voices while learning to lead impactful social change through dance and creative expression.

• Workshops and Masterclasses: Red Clay Dance Company regularly hosts workshops and masterclasses, often led by their artistic director, company members, or guest artists. These sessions provide opportunities for dancers to deepen their technique and explore new concepts.

• Dance Pamoja Challenge: A program (developed during the COVID-19 pandemic) offering high-energy, spiritually enriching virtual dance classes and mindfulness sessions designed to combat health risk factors and promote well-being.

• Studio Rentals: With the opening of their Center for Excellence, Red Clay Dance Company provides affordable creative space and a supportive infrastructure for dancers and choreographers in Chicago.

• Educational Residencies: Offers short-term (12-36 hours) and long-term (36+ hours) residencies for schools and community organizations, where Teaching Artivists introduce participants to dance artivism, creative practice, and technique through the lineage and legacy of African Diaspora dance.

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• Pioneering Afro-Contemporary Dance: Red Clay Dance Company is Chicago's premier Afro-Contemporary dance company, recognized for its unique artistic vision that blends African Diaspora dance forms with contemporary techniques to create powerful and culturally rich performances.

• "Artivism" – Art as Activism: A central tenet of Red Clay is "Artivism," where dance is utilized as a tool for social justice and transformation. The company's work actively addresses cultural and socio-economic inequities, amplifies marginalized voices, and promotes social change, setting it apart in the arts landscape.

• Deep Community Roots and Engagement: The company is deeply committed to serving the South Side of Chicago, with its offices and program space located within the community. Its extensive Community, Engagement, Education, and Partnerships (CEEP) program impacts over 1,500 youth annually, making dance education accessible to schools and community groups.

• Inspiring Educational Programs: The Red Clay Dance Academy provides world-class training to youth, teens, and adults, fostering both artistic excellence and personal development. The positive impact on students, as seen in reviews ("kept our students involved and engaged throughout. They came back to the class excited to learn more!"), is a significant highlight.

• Talented and Thought-Provoking Choreography: Reviewers consistently praise the "incredibly talented" dancers and the "consistently thought-provoking and powerful" choreography, which leaves audiences "inspired."

• Black Female-Led Organization: Founded and led by Artistic Director and CEO Vershawn Sanders-Ward, the company is a significant Black female-led institution that champions equity and support for Black women in the arts.

• Global and Local Impact ("Glocal"): Red Clay's mission extends beyond Chicago, aiming for "glocal" change by touring internationally while remaining deeply rooted in its local community, sharing stories that resonate globally.

• New Center for Excellence: The opening of their Center for Excellence in Woodlawn provides expanded facilities for training, performances, and community programming, further cementing their presence and capacity for impact.

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To learn more about Red Clay Dance Company's performances, educational programs, or community initiatives, please use the following contact details:

Address: 808 E 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA

Phone: (773) 624-8411

Mobile Phone: +1 773-624-8411

You can also visit their official website or contact them via email (info@redclaydance.com) for inquiries regarding classes, workshops, performances, or partnerships. Their dedicated team is available to assist you.

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For residents of Chicago, Illinois, particularly those on the South Side, Red Clay Dance Company offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching experience that extends far beyond typical dance studios or fitness centers. Its strategic location at 808 E 63rd St in the Woodlawn neighborhood makes it highly accessible via public transport and car, integrating it seamlessly into the daily lives of local families and individuals interested in the arts. This local presence underscores its commitment to serving its immediate community directly.

What makes Red Clay truly stand out for locals is its unique blend of artistic excellence and profound social purpose. As a premier Afro-Contemporary dance company, it provides unparalleled opportunities to engage with powerful, culturally rich performances and a diverse array of dance forms rooted in the African Diaspora. For parents, the Red Clay Dance Academy offers world-class training for youth and teens, fostering not just dance skills but also confidence, discipline, and a sense of purpose. The impactful "Artivism" initiatives, which use dance to address social inequities, provide a meaningful way for both adults and children to connect with art that reflects and inspires positive change in their own community. As one teacher noted, the performances leave students "excited to learn more" and truly "inspired."

Whether you're a seasoned dancer, a parent seeking enriching activities for your child, or simply an individual looking to connect with a powerful artistic and social movement, Red Clay Dance Company offers a welcoming, inspiring, and deeply relevant experience. Supporting and experiencing their work means investing in a local institution that enriches the cultural fabric of Chicago and empowers its community through the transformative power of dance.

Red Clay Dance Company

808 E 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA