Red Clay Dance Company – Full of Flavor

Red Clay Dance Company has kicked off its 16th season with a unique program, ‘Turning Points,’ showcasing the distinctive work of three talented choreographers. The performances, which were held at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 East 60th Street, in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, were a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and diversity in dance, ensuring that everyone feels included and valued. 

The program included Vershawn Sanders-Ward’s Unconditional Conditions, a work for seven dancers that premiered as part of Red Clay Dance’s La Femme Dance Festival in March. Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s poem inspired it, “We Wear Masks.” Music is by Missy Elliott, Ran Bango, and Moses Sumney.

At the heart of Red Clay Dance Company’s mission is a vision of a future where everyone has equal access to world-class dance performance and education regardless of race, income, or social background. Their School & Community Partnerships program is a testament to this vision, as they collaborate with schools and community organizations to make it a reality. Their mission is to nurture the next generation of Movement artists and Arts Aficionados and empower them to make a positive impact in dance.

Red Clay Dance Company is eager to collaborate with diverse groups and organizations across Chicagoland. Whether it’s a public or private school, after-school program, home school group, or community group, the artists can tailor an exciting and interactive partnership experience.

Red Clay Dance, Chicago’s premier Afro-contemporary dance company, is the brainchild of Vershawn Sanders-Ward, the institution’s Founding Artistic Director & CEO. The touring company is an award-winning ensemble of versatile and dynamic dance Artists that tour and perform locally, nationally, and internationally.  In its 16-year history, the company has achieved numerous milestones, performing in venues such as the Harris Theater for Music & Dance, the Dance Center of Columbia College, the DuSable Museum Roundhouse, the Museum of Contemporary Art, ODC Theater, Dance Mission Theater, The Painted Bride, Joyce Soho, and the National Theater of Uganda. Red Clay Dance Company’s past achievements are a source of pride and inspiration for the audience.

This weekend’s performance was a beautiful reflection of what happens when you incorporate passion and hard work. I hope that Red Clay Dance Company continues to breathe life into a community that so richly deserves it. To support their endeavor, visit their website: redclaydance.com.

Photos by Michelle Reid & Maisonet Photography