Afro Contemporary Workshop by Vershawn Sanders-Ward

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.

Vershawn's accolades speak volumes about her impact and influence. She holds an MFA in Dance from New York University and is the first recipient of a BFA in Dance from Columbia College Chicago. Her numerous awards include the inaugural Walder Foundation Platform Award, 2025 Chicagoan of the Year in Dance, 2025 Chicago Defender Women of Excellence, Dance/USA Artist Fellowship, Dance /USA Leadership Fellowship, Chicago Dancemakers Forum Award, and being named a 3Arts awardee. She has received commissions from prestigious institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee,  Northwestern University, Columbia College Chicago, Northern Illinois University, and Loyola University, showcasing her innovative choreography on both national and international stages.

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, to name a few.

But Vershawn's contributions extend beyond her artistic endeavors. She serves on the Board of Trustees for Dance/USA and is President of the Board of Directors for the Black Arts & Cultural Alliance of Chicago. Her commitment to equity and inclusion in the arts has led her to spearhead numerous community engagement initiatives, providing dance education and mentorship to marginalized populations. Vershawn was selected as a Community Impact Fellow for the Harvard Business School Club of Chicago and a member of the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit for Emerging Global Leaders. She has graced the cover of the Chicago Reader and DEMO Magazine, and has been selected four times for the Players 50: People Who Really Perform for Chicago, being inducted into the Players 50 Hall of Fame in 2023. 

Vershawn's impact resonates globally, inspiring others to use their art for positive change. Through her unwavering commitment to excellence and social responsibility, she is not only reshaping contemporary dance but also leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. Keep an eye out for her recent feature in the PBS series "the Expressway with Dule Hill," where she discusses all things ARTIVISM.
Learn more about Vershawn’s Walder Foundation Platform Award!

Photo by Raymond Jerome

Make a date to dance every Friday this fall from 10:30 AM to 12 PM!

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!

Host or Publisher The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago