By Walter Rutledge
Keeping in the spirit of his credo, “create to communicate”, Kevin Iega Jeff has choreographed Homage for the Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet. Homage will be presented during Remembering, the company’s 30th anniversary season celebration February 13, 14, 15 at BAM Fisher Fishman Space in downtown Brooklyn. The intergenerational ensemble work highlights the artistry of three accomplished female performers Shirley Black Brown Coward, Bahiyah Sayyed and Thera Ward.
This 30th Creative Outlet season is an artistic and spiritual journey for the company, alumni, and guest artists. And Jeff who has been a teacher, artistic director/choreographer of JUBILATION! Dance Company, mentor, and eventual colleague and friend/family to Gaines is an honored and integral part of the energy. In 2022 Jeff became Artistic Director Emeritus at the Chicago based Deeply Rooted Dance Company and returned to full time artistic exploration with his solo enterprise Iega Moves. Homage is the first original work created especially for Creative Outlet.
Jeff’s unwavering commitment to honor the diasporic experience as a universal and guiding truth has been the hallmark of his creative journey. Homage continues this tradition and promises to be a welcome addition to the company’s repertoire. O&A NYC had an opportunity to discuss with Jeff his relationship with Gaines and his artistic journey prior to the company’s New York/BAM season.
Homage Kevin Iega Jeff – Creative Outlet
For more information about Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet school and company visit https://www.creativeoutlet.org To purchase tickets for Remembering at BAM Fisher performances of February 13, 14, 15 visit https://www.bam.org/rentals/2025/remembering
