Kevin Iega Jeff is a celebrated dancer, choreographer, artistic director, and innovative leader. Recognized by the Juilliard School as one of its 100 Outstanding Alumni, he's been honored alongside legends like Viola Davis and Aretha Franklin. Newcity magazine listed Iega among Chicago's top performers, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed him to Chicago’s Cultural Advisory Council.
 
He's danced on Broadway in The Wiz, on TV at the 1994 Academy Awards, and choreographed the film, Spike Lee's "She's Gotta Have It." With over fifty choreographed pieces to his name, he has been commissioned by premier companies and theaters both nationally and internationally.
 
As a community-focused artist, Iega has worked on global projects like Grit & Grace and Swamp Gravy. He's educated at institutions from Howard University to the University of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa.
 
Originally from New York, Iega started at The Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center and later founded JUBILATION! Dance Company. He co-founded Chicago’s Deeply Rooted Dance Theater in 1995, setting the stage for the future Deeply Rooted Center for Black Dance and Creative Communities. After leading Deeply Rooted for 24 years, Iega moved to its Emeritus role in 2022, steering new projects like Creative Communities and GOSHEN, featuring the music of Grammy Award winner Donald Lawrence.
 
When asked to reflect on his philosophy, Iega says, “I am influenced by the spectrum of energies in Creation and my mentors before me. Dance and art reveal our inner genius, reflecting who we are and who we strive to become.”