RED CLAY DANCE COMPANY CELEBRATED ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON WITH AN OUTDOOR COMMUNITY EVENT IN WOODLAWN
Celebrating a Legacy of Artivism through creating, performing and teaching
dances of the African Diaspora
Named in 2021 as one of “Chicago’s Cultural Treasures,” Red Clay Dance Company launched its 15th Anniversary Season themed “15FORWARD.” Located in the Woodlawn community, Red Clay Dance Company is Chicago’s premier professional Afro-contemporary dance company which tours nationally and internationally sharing their stories and “Artivism” (art + activism). In its 15 year history, Red Clay Dance has created and produced award-winning original works that have appeared around the World and has become the home for professional and pre-professional dancers, dance-lovers and other artists to convene, create, and collaborate together.
On July 23, 2023, to Celebrate this anniversary milestone, the company hosted a free outdoor community event called Mardi Gras in July! This family friendly event celebrated Red Clay Dance Company’s 15-year investment and commitment to the Southside of Chicago in bringing high quality arts experience to the Woodlawn community with a day full of family fun!
The community event featured a mobile style Mardi Gras parade down 63rd Street, drummers, stilt walkers, live DJ, 2nd line, food trucks, face painting, and free dance classes in the studios of Red Clay Dance Company. The program included remarks by Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor and Founding Artistic Director & CEO of Red Clay Dance Company Vershawn Sanders-Ward.
"The number 15 is a marker for growth and expansion. As we kick off this 15FORWARD anniversary season, I am even more energized and dedicated to the work of growing and expanding the impact and creative work of this cultural institution.” says Vershawn Sanders-Ward. “This is my baby, but the baby is 15 now, and learning to lead from within, and it is now the home for so many talented artists and arts lovers, and that makes my heart sing!”
The organization houses The Red Clay School of Dance and The Red Clay Dance Youth Ensemble which serves as pipeline for youth in Chicago communities to become thriving professional artists by providing creative and safe spaces of liberation and inspiration. Red Clay Dance Company also provides resources by way of their Community Engagement,
Education, and Partnerships (CEEP) program which offers culturally rich dance education, programming and training to schools and community spaces on Chicago’s South Side.
For more information visit www.RedClayDance.com
