By Walter Rutledge
Life is an ever changing, ever evolving adventure. On the adventure life requires us to react, adapt and hopefully reinvent. Sadly, when we stop making history we become a part of history.
Kevin Iega Jeff continues to make history. His latest adventure is the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project (CBDLP) in Unbound: Shattered Frames, Endless Visions, which will premiere Aug 23, 2025, 6:00pm at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance (205 E. Randolph Street). Jeff is both the Co-Director (Mashaune Hardy Co – Director) and Co- Curator (Gary Abbott Co – Curator) of this production, which promises to be evening of Black Dance excellence. CBDLP unites ten Chicago dance companies for an evening of diverse and artistically/socially relevant performances.
Beginning his formal dance training at age thirteen Jeff attended the renowned “High School of Fame”, New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts and later the prestigious Juilliard School. But the Queens native gained his sense of community and grassroots pedagogy at the Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center- his neighborhood dance school. This early local nurturing provided the base for his credo of pedagogy, community and legacy.
By the time he formed his first dance company JUBILATION! Dance Company at age 21 he was already a Broadway veteran; having garnered the role of the Winged Monkey in the groundbreaking Tony Award winning production of Wiz. For the next ten years Jeff made an indelible mark on concert dance providing a forum for African American artists to be nurtured holistically through the arts.
In 1994 New York’s loss became Chicago’s gain when Jeff became the Artistic Director of the Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theater. A year later he co-founded Deeply Rooted Productions and established a dance company that truly reflected his holistic and diasporic – centric vision. For twenty-three years he served as Artistic Director creating more than fifty works, ranging from solos to large ensemble works, which embody his unique storytelling gifts. Jeff’s impact on Chicago’s dance community extends beyond Deeply Rooted. As a cultural community builder and member of Chicago’s Cultural Advisory Council he has become a major agent for change and inclusion.
A Dance For A Time Being featuring Kevin Iega Jeff
Some men when they reach their 60th milestone do one of three things: number one – plan an early retirement, number two – buy a sports car or three – get a new trophy spouse. Jeff opted for a fourth option- to create more history by developing a new arts enterprise- Iega Moves. (It reminds me of a new empty nester getting an opportunity to rediscover). This new creative incubator has provided Jeff the space and mindset to explore and challenge himself in new ways. Jeff is always reaching beyond dance/theatre to keep reimagining how to use the transformative power of dance to establish pedagogy, community and legacy.
The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project Unbound: Shattered Frames, Endless Visions is the ideal production for Jeff. This multi-year project seeks to bring greater awareness of the contributions of Chicago-based black choreographers, dance companies and performers. The August 23 performance will showcase the exciting and diverse talents of ten Black dance companies. From traditional African dance to contemporary choreography, modern jazz to hip-hop ballet, this event will highlight the continued historic impact of Black dance on the city’s cultural identity.
Developed through partnerships between Reva and David Logan Center Community Arts and the Joyce Foundation’s Culture Program, and participating dance companies’ artistic staff, the project also provides opportunities for networking, audience development, and broader exposure. The exciting roster of performers include: The Chicago Multicultural Dance Company and Hiplet Ballerinas, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Forward Momentum Chicago, Joel Hall Dancers & Center, M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Move Me Soul, Muntu Dance Theatre, NAJWA Dance Corps, Praize Productions, and The Era Footwork Collective.
One important new dance component is the Emerging Dancers Initiative. Under the direction of Gary Abbott, the initiative offers pre-professional performers a professional dance experience. What better way to prepare the next generation of performers and dance enthusiasts then through the practical application of the craft. Pedagogy. Community. Legacy.
For more information about the upcoming performance of Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project in Unbound: Shattered Frames, Endless Visions and to purchase tickets visit harristheaterchicago.org.
