Red Clay Dance Company

- 808 E 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60637

In the vibrant heart of Chicago's arts community, Red Clay Dance Company stands as a powerful and inspiring force. This isn't just a dance company; it's a movement, a "true gem in Chicago's arts scene" as one reviewer puts it. As a Black- and women-owned organization, Red Clay is dedicated to using the powerful medium of dance to not only create stunning performances but also to drive social change. Their focus on Afro-Contemporary dance and the cultural richness of the African Diaspora provides a unique and deeply meaningful artistic experience for everyone who walks through their doors, whether as a student, a performer, or a member of the audience.

From the moment you enter their space, you can feel the energy, passion, and purpose that defines everything they do. Red Clay Dance Company's mission is to awaken a "glocal" (global and local) artivism—the practice of using art for social and political change. This commitment is evident in every class, performance, and community initiative. This overview will take you on a journey through their services, location, and the unique features that make Red Clay Dance Company a truly special and inspiring institution in Chicago.

Red Clay Dance Company is located at 808 E 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. This location places the company in the heart of Chicago's cultural landscape, making it a significant community hub. The studio is conveniently situated and easily accessible for residents of the surrounding neighborhoods and the wider Chicago area.

The company is deeply committed to ensuring its space is accessible and welcoming to all. The facilities boast a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy for individuals with mobility challenges to attend classes and performances. Additionally, the studio provides a gender-neutral restroom, reinforcing its inclusive environment. For those arriving by car, the company offers both a free parking lot and free street parking, a major convenience in a bustling city. This attention to accessibility and convenience reflects Red Clay's dedication to creating a truly open and welcoming space for everyone in the community.

Red Clay Dance Company offers a range of services that extend beyond traditional performances, serving as both a professional dance company and a community resource.

• Dance classes: The company provides a variety of dance classes rooted in the African Diaspora, including Afro-Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Jazz, West African, Modern (Dunham and Horton), and Ballet. These are available for students of all ages, from youth to adults.
• Event space rentals: The company offers its versatile space for a range of events, from rehearsals and workshops to private functions, providing a creative hub for the community.
• Community Engagement and Education Partnerships (CEEP) Program: This program provides accessible, high-quality dance education and artivism training to schools and community groups throughout Chicago.
• Making the Artivist program: An innovative curriculum that creates courageous spaces for youth to share their stories and learn to lead social change through movement.
• Professional Touring Company: An all-female ensemble that performs thought-provoking and socially-conscious Afro-Contemporary dance locally, nationally, and internationally.

Several key features make Red Clay Dance Company a standout institution in Chicago's cultural and social landscape.

• Black-Owned and Women-Owned: As a business that identifies as both Black-owned and women-owned, Red Clay Dance Company is a beacon of empowerment and a testament to the talent and vision of its founders and leaders.
• Commitment to Social Justice and Artivism: The company is "more than a dance company, it's a movement." Its work is deeply rooted in amplifying the voices of the African Diaspora and using art to inspire social change.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Space: The studio is an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace, with amenities like a gender-neutral restroom that reinforce its commitment to an open and supportive community for all.
• Thought-Provoking Choreography: As highlighted by a reviewer, the choreography is "consistently thought-provoking and powerful," leaving audiences feeling inspired and engaged.
• Engaging for All Ages: The company is noted as being "Good for kids," with performances that are well-paced and keep students "involved and engaged," making it a perfect cultural outing for families and school groups.
• Accessible Facilities: The wheelchair accessible entrance and free parking options demonstrate a practical commitment to making the arts accessible to a wide audience.
• Variety of Offerings: In addition to classes and performances, the company offers event space rentals, providing a versatile resource for the Chicago community.

For more information about classes, performances, or event space rentals, you can contact Red Clay Dance Company directly.

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

Phone: (773) 624-8411

Mobile Phone: +1 773-624-8411

Choosing a dance company to support or to join as a student is an act of alignment with its values and mission. Red Clay Dance Company is worth choosing because it offers an experience that is both artistically excellent and socially meaningful. The reviews from local users capture this perfectly. One reviewer noted that the company's commitment to Afro-Contemporary dance is "not only beautiful to witness but also deeply meaningful," and that their emphasis on community and social justice "truly sets them apart." This shows that their work resonates on a deeper level than just entertainment; it educates and inspires.

The testimonial from a third-grade teacher further highlights the company's power to engage and inspire young minds. The fact that the students "came back to the class excited to learn more" and "continued on the bus and into the classroom" shows the lasting impact of Red Clay's performances. This is a rare and powerful quality. By supporting Red Clay Dance Company, you are not just attending a show or taking a class; you are contributing to a vital community that amplifies voices, supports Black women, and uses art to create a more equitable and just world. This is a "movement" that every resident of Chicago and Illinois should experience and support.

Red Clay Dance Company

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