Make a date to dance Fridays this spring from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon!
From February 14 through and including March 21, 2025 new instructors every week, drawn from Chicago’s wealth of dance talent, visiting artists, and exceptional students lead this sampler series of a kaleidoscope of techniques, styles and approaches.
All classes take place in the Dance Center theater and movers at all levels are welcome.
Come dance with us!
Afro Contemporary Workshop by Vershawn Sanders-Ward
This Afro-Contemporary workshop will explore the movement aesthetics found in Dunham Technique and Chicago House.
Vershawn Sanders-Ward is not just a director, choreographer and educator; she is an ARTIVIST, a visionary force reshaping the landscape of contemporary dance while driving social change. As the Founding Artistic Director & CEO of Red Clay Dance Company, Vershawn blends elements of African diasporic dance forms with modern techniques, crafting performances that are both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.
From a young age, Vershawn's passion for movement and community empowerment propelled her into the world of dance. Under the guidance of renowned mentors and educators, she honed her skills, developing a unique artistic voice that fuses tradition with innovation. Through Red Clay Dance Company, she provides a platform for artists of diverse backgrounds to explore issues of identity, race, and social justice through dance.
A life long learner, Vershawn is a candidate for Dunham Certification and currently serves on faculty at Loyola University of Chicago. Over the span of her educator journey she has facilitated masterclasses and residencies at Uganda National Cultural Center, L’Ecole Des Sables, New York University, Columbia College Chicago, The University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin, University of Chicago, University of Texas-Austin, The Ohio State University, and Knox College, among others
