Red Clay Dance Company, Freedom Square: The Black Girlhood Altar

Direction: Vershawn Sanders-Ward

Choreography: Vershawn Sanders-Ward in collaboration with the dancers

Dancers: Amaya Arroyo, Chantal’ Hunt, Taylor Jackson, Alexandria “Alex” Kinard, Ngozi Mokwunye, Janiya Pearson, Aniyah Wilkinson, Kylea Willis

Rehearsal Director: Chaniece Holmes

Music written and composed by Jamila Woods

Additional composition/arrangement by Ayanna Woods, Jasminfire, Dee Lilly, Peter CottonTale, Julian Reid, Nicole Miglis, Chris Paquette, and Ralph Gene

Costume Design: Alyna Michelle and Shaqui Reed

Light Design: Jacob Snodgrass

Black Girlhood Altar Installation: Scheherazade Tillet and Robert Narciso

Locket Design and fabrication: Looking Glass Theater Shop

Video Projection Design: Christoper James Hooker

Additional Source Material:

• Sound installation from Scheherazade Tillet, Playscape (2023), used in Jamila Woods’s score, as well as the poems by the Girl/Friends Leaders .
• Black Girlhood Altar exhibition: Images of wallpaper from the room image of Courtyard, Rest, and Recess room featuring the Rekia Tree created by Robert Narciso.

Altar Call

Locket Interlude 1

Invocation for Black Girls on the Other Side

Locket Interlude 2

Wreckage Room

Grief + Release

Play / Rain 

Freedom Square Poem: Written by Red Clay Dance Company Members and arranged by Jamila Woods

Bubbles

Freedom Dreaming

Blk Girl Soldier 

Vershawn Sanders-Ward (Artistic Director & CEO) 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.

Chaniece Holmes’s (Rehearsal Director) journey with dance began at the age of 2 years old – twirling to the music on Jeopardy. Hailing from Maryland, Chaniece started dancing at church but then began her training with Spirit Wings, a professional liturgical dance company. She then continued to further her training with the Ballet Theatre of Maryland, until she attended Goucher College in Baltimore, MD in the Fall of 2008. Chaniece holds a B.A. in Dance with a distinction in Arts Administration from Goucher College, is Progressing Ballet Technique certified and Cicchetti Grade 1 certified. Chaniece, is very excited to begin her 9th season with the company and her third season as Rehearsal Director.

Amaya Arroyo (Company Dancer) is a dance artist and choreographer originally from Columbus, Ohio. She began her dance training at the age of 13 years old. She was a founding member and student of Dance Elite Performance Academy under the direction of Samara Tillman where she trained in modern, ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary techniques. Amaya continued her studies in Chicago at Columbia College Chicago, recently earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance in December of 2023. In addition to her studies, Amaya performed as an emerging artist for three seasons at South Chicago Dance Theatre under the direction of Kia S. Smith. There she performed works by Ron De Jesus, Crystal Michelle Perkins, Monique Haley, and Joshua Blake Carter. Upon graduating, Amaya has had the opportunity to work with Hot Crowd and New Dances Chicago under DanceWorks/Thodos Dance Chicago. Amaya is very excited to return to Red Clay Dance for its’ 17th season!

Chantal Ashantè Hunt (Company Dancer), author of “The Spiritual Ballerina: From Passion to Purpose,” embarked on her dance journey at the “late” age of 18 with a divine calling to study ballet & other styles of dance style aiming to spread the gospel through dance. Her illustrious career includes performances with prominent dance companies such as the Zion Dance Project, Joel Hall Dancers, Judah International Dance Theatre, Dance Ministry Institute, Elements Contemporary Ballet, Hiplet Ballerinas, Centre du Danse Marais in Paris, France, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She currently serves as the appointed Dance Education and Rehearsal Manager for the Yielded Vessel Dance Ministry at New Life Covenant SouthEast. She has been featured on TV shows “Praise The Lord” (Trinity Broadcasting Network), “Bobby Jones Presents,” “Empire” as featured Ballerina- & lead ballerina feature in “Fuse” music video of Violinist Damien Escobar & ballerina in ‘I’m Not Lucky, I’m Loved” video by Gospel Artist Jonathan McReynolds. Chantal’ is blessed to be returning to Red Clay Dance for its’ 17th season.

Taylor Jackson (Company Dancer) began her dance training at Wissahickon Dance Academy in Philadelphia under Nancy Malmed. She continued her studies at summer intensives with Debbie Allen Dance Academy and LINES Ballet, working with artists including Debbie Allen, Lauren Anderson, Maurya Kerr, and others. Taylor earned her BFA in Dance from California State University, Long Beach in 2024, performing in works by Donna Uchizono, Dr. Oluko C. Kemal Nance, Keith Johnson, and Tsiambwom Akuchu. She holds an M’Singha Wuti Certification in Umfundalai and integrates this African contemporary technique into her teaching and choreography. After graduation, she taught at a private high school in Silicon Valley, directing its Winter Dance Performance. Most recently, she trained with Winifred Haun & Dancers through the 3rd Coast Contemporary Program, performing works by Sarira Smith Childs, Prince Adrean, and others, and premiered a solo titled *Identity in ME*. Taylor is excited to join Red Clay Dance Company’s 17th season.

Alexandria “Alex” Kinard (Company Dancer) (she/her) is a dance artist, choreographer, and teacher. Alex holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in Dance from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UofI), where she also obtained her 200hr Yoga teacher certification. During her time at UofI she has performed in works by Donald Byrd, Endalyn Taylor, Dr. Curtis Kemal Nance, Linda Lehovec, Danzel Thompson Stout, and Bevara Anderson. While finishing up her undergraduate experience, Alex had the opportunity to perform at the American Dance Festival for Dr. Nance honoring the legacy of Dr. Kariamu Welsh by performing her work, Women Gather. Alex has been an apprentice with Parsons Dance Company and a second company member at Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. In her hometown of Louisville, KY she graduated from the Youth Performing Arts School, where she trained in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, and contemporary. Alex is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. Alex is very excited to begin her third season with Red Clay Dance Company.

Ngozi Mokwunye (Company Dancer) began her dance training at Dancers Edge in Kernersville, NC. For 10 years, she trained as a competitive dancer and participated in summer intensives at prestigious institutions such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, LINES Ballet, and Joffrey Jazz & Contemporary. Ngozi earned her BFA in Dance from NYU Tisch School of the Arts in May 2025. She has worked with renowned artists including Bebe Miller, Kyle Marshall, Ronald K. Brown, and David Dorfman. In addition to performing, Ngozi is passionate about teaching, choreographing, and pursuing a career in arts administration. She is thrilled to join Red Clay Dance for its 17th season!

Janiya Pearson (Company Dancer) is a Queens, NY, native. She was introduced to dance through her family and began dancing in 2005 at The Devore Dance Center. Janiya attended The Ailey School in 2016 training for four years under the direction of Guillermo Asca. During that time, Janiya was introduced to Move(NYC) Young Professionals Programs under the direction of Nigel Campbell and Chanel DaSilva. There, she worked with choreographers like Roderick George, Laja Martin, Tamisha Guy and among others.  Janiya also trained with Ballet Hispanico on a full scholarship alongside Restoration Arts directed by Ronald K.Brown in 2018. In 2020 Janiya was awarded a YoungArts Honorable Mention winner. Janiya recently graduated from University of the Arts under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield. Where she pursued her BFA in Dance, training under Tommie-Waheed Evans, Kim Bears-Bailey, Courtney Henry, Shayla-Vie Jenkins, Juel D. Lane, and others. Janiya was a company member with the JustSole Street Dance Theatre, founded by Kyle and Dinita Clark. Janiya’s research is rooted in working with the fusion of African and Contemporary dance forms. She is continuing to make space for African Dance in spaces so that this is more accessible for students to explore. Janiya is very excited to begin her second season with Red Clay Dance Company.

Aniyah Wilkinson (Company Dancer) is a movement artist originally hailing from Tortola, British Virgin Islands. She holds a BFA in Contemporary Dance and a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. During her time at UNCSA, Aniyah has trained in the techniques of Cunningham, Límon, Countertechnique, Trisha Brown movement, West African, Horton, Acrobatics, and floor-work. Through her training at UNCSA she worked with and trained with many notable choreographers and artists such as Darrell Grand Moultrie, Kevin Lee-Y Green, Jaka Porter, Ashley Lindsey, Trey McIntyre, Juel D. Lane, and Lorenzo Pagano.

Aniyah has also studied at the BODYTRAFFIC Summer Dance Program, the Ailey School Professional Division Summer Intensive, and Springboard Danse. During her time at these programs, she was able to work with Tamisha Guy, Martha Nicole, Laja Field, Bryan Arias, and Brice Mousset.

Aniyah is excited to begin her professional dance career with Red Clay Dance Company for their 17th season!

Kylea Willis (Company Dancer) originally from Chicago, holds a BA in Dance and Psychology from Hope College. During her time at Hope, Kylea was a member of the H2 Dance Company and performed works by Matthew Farmer, Sharon Wong, Julie Powell, Jasmine Mejia, William Crowley, and Nicki Flinn-Culver. Kylea has been a second company member with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater and has participated in training intensives with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Visceral Dance Chicago, Giordano Dance Chicago, and Eisenhower Dance Detroit. In 2023, she studied dance at the University of Ghana, training with the Department of Dance Studies and performing with Performing Arts Intercessors and Shemotion dance project. She has also performed internationally in Paris, France. Kylea has experience in dance for film, site-specific dance, and immersive dance, as well as a background in musical theater. Kylea is grateful to return to Red Clay Dance for its 17th season!

Jacob Snodgrass (Production Manager & Resident Light Designer) has been designing lights and working within the performing arts community since 2000.  Jacob has created with Aerial Dance Chicago, BONEdanse/Breakbone Dance Company, Kia Smith, Jumaane Taylor, Khecari Dance Theater,  Peter Chu, Giordano Dance Chicago, Ray Leeper, Ray Mercer, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Peter Carpenter Performance Project, Red Clay Dance Company, Nejla Yatkin, Same Planet Performance Project, james morrow/the movement, Roni Koresh, J’Sun Howard, REIDance, Soham Dance, Joel Hall Dancers, Hedwig Dances, Ruth Page Foundation, Space Movement Project, Canada’s lbs/sq”, and Free Street Theater. He has been Technical Director at Ruth Page Theater, Links Hall, Hamlin Park Dance Theater, and Giordano Dance Chicago as well as the Lighting Director at Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago.

Alyna Michelle (Head of Wardrobe) is a beginner costume designer from the South Side of Chicago. At 21 years old, she is currently pursuing her studies while honing her craft in costume design. She is passionate about fashion, storytelling, and creativity, with a fresh perspective and a love for experimenting with different styles.

Shaqui Reed (Costume Designer) is a Chicago-based artist and designer. Reed studied fine art at the Chicago High School for the Arts and received her BFA in Fashion Design in 2018 from Columbia College Chicago. Reed is currently studying at the School of the Art Institute Chicago, where she will receive her Master’s in Design (2022). Reed has exhibited in numerous galleries throughout Chicago, including shows at The Hyde Park Art Center, SpringHill Suites, The Harris Theater, The Chicago Cultural Center, Columbia College Chicago, and the School of the Art Institute Chicago. Her work has won awards through both the Scholastic Art and Writing awards and All-City Art exhibitions. In 2016, Reed took part in a group exhibition with Sculptures Objects Functional Art and Design, also known as SOFA art exhibition in a show titled, “Four years later.” Recent exhibitions include the School for the Art Institute Chicago (2021) and Homewood Arts Council (2021).

Scheherazade Tillet (Altar Designer) is a photographer, curator, and feminist activist whose work explores Black girlhood, memory, beauty, grief, play, and public ritual. She earned her BA from Tufts University and an MA in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Along with her sister, Salamishah Tillet, she is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of A Long Walk Home, a national art organization in Chicago that empowers young people to end violence against women and girls. Tillet is best known for her vibrant portraits of Black girls and her collaborative projects that reimagine public monuments. She is the co-creator and curator of the Black Girlhood Altar project, featured at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center, and as part of the 2023 Chicago Architecture Biennial, among other sites. These sacred, youth-led installations honor the lives of missing and murdered Black girls while celebrating community resilience, creativity, and intergenerational healing. Tillet’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, Frieze, Forbes, and Hyperallergic. She is the coeditor of Picturing Black Girlhood (Aperture, 2026) and co-author of the forthcoming children’s book Will You Be My Monument? (Penguin). A 2025 Gordon Parks Foundation Art Fellow, she will present a solo exhibition at the Foundation’s gallery in 2026.

Robert Narcisco (Altar Designer) is a multidisciplinary, socially engaged artist and art therapist based in Chicago. He earned his BFA from Rutgers University and his MA in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He first joined A Long Walk Home (ALWH) in 2015 while studying at SAIC and, over the past decade, has become an integral member of the ALWH team. With a background rooted in both clinical training and artistic practice, Narciso brings a wide range of skills to his work, particularly in sculpture, fabrication, and painting. He is the co-creator of the Black Girlhood Altar project, presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center, and across the United States. In addition to his collaborative work with ALWH, Narciso maintains a private practice through Weatherstone Counseling Institute LLC, where he integrates creativity, healing, and community care as an art therapist and counselor.

Jamila Woods (Composer) is a poet, songwriter, and performing artist from the south side of Chicago.  Her three-solo albums HEAVN, LEGACY! LEGACY!, and Water Made Us were released by Jaguwar Records to critical acclaim. An internationally touring artist, Jamila has been featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk, CBS This Morning, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.  An award-winning poet, Jamila’s work often blurs boundaries between poem and song. As cultural critic Doreen St. Felix writes, “It makes you wish all singers were poets.”

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. 

Special thanks from the artists:

We want to send special thank you to the families of Rekia Boyd, Marcie Gerald, Breonna Taylor, Lyniah Bell, Ma’Kiah Bryant, and Latasha Harlins for allowing us to honor their lives, hopes, and dreams thru this work. To all the Black women and girls everywhere, you are LOVED!