If you’re craving dance that doesn’t just move you but *shakes* you, Red Clay Dance Company’s *“16”* at the Dance Center of Columbia College is where you need to be. This isn’t just performance—it’s a visceral experience, a collision of movement and meaning that refuses to be ignored.
Red Clay has always been fearless, blending Afro-contemporary styles with urgent social commentary. *“16”* dives deeper, exploring themes of resilience, identity, and the weight of history through explosive choreography and raw emotion. The title alone hints at significance—whether it’s age, a countdown, or a marker of transformation, expect layers to unpack.
What sets Red Clay apart is their unapologetic physicality. Dancers don’t just execute steps; they *embody* struggle, joy, and defiance. Every leap, every grounded contraction feels like a statement. Paired with bold soundscapes and striking visuals, *“16”* is more than a show—it’s a call to witness and reflect.
For Chicago’s dance scene, this is essential viewing. Red Clay doesn’t entertain; they provoke. If you want polished pirouettes and pretty lines, look elsewhere. But if you’re ready for art that grabs you by the collar and demands your attention, *“16”* won’t disappoint.
**Final Verdict:** Bring an open mind, strong nerves, and expect to leave changed. Red Clay is here to disrupt, and we’re all better for it.
*Catch it before it’s gone—this kind of fire doesn’t fade quietly.*
