Red Clay Dance Company is a Black, female-led Afro-contemporary dance company and arts organization based in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. Founded by Artistic Director and CEO Vershawn Sanders-Ward, the organization creates, performs, and teaches dances of the African Diaspora while using movement and storytelling to connect art, activism, culture, and community.

The professional dance company performs locally, nationally, and internationally, presenting work rooted in African Diasporic traditions and contemporary dance. Red Clay Dance describes its approach as “Artivism,” bringing artistry and activism together through performances that amplify Black voices and experiences while exploring cultural and social themes.

At the Red Clay Dance Center, community members can participate in adult dance classes across a range of experience levels. Classes are rooted in African and African Diasporic movement traditions, with offerings that may include Afro-Contemporary, Afro-Cuban, House, Jazz Funk, Kizomba, Samba, Ballet, and other styles. Classes range from open-level instruction for beginners and returning dancers to intermediate and advanced training for experienced dancers.

Red Clay Dance also supports emerging artists through professional development and apprenticeship programs, including Making The Artivist®, a paid program for young dancers, choreographers, and movement artists. Its In The Making program provides Chicago dancers and choreographers with affordable access to professional rehearsal space.

The Red Clay Dance Center also offers studio rentals for rehearsals, workshops, auditions, creative projects, and events. Through performances, dance education, artist development, and community programming, Red Clay Dance Company serves as a hub for African Diasporic dance and creative expression on Chicago’s South Side.