• Video:
  • Basic Ballet Barre: Plie, Tendu, Degage, Ronde de Jambe, Develope, Battement
  • Modern Solo: 1-2minutes
• A headshot and resume with a list of dance styles studied and teachers who have influenced your training
• A personal statement indicating why you would like to work with Deeply Rooted.

Send materials to:
Deeply Rooted Productions
Attn: Dance Education - DVD Audition
17 N. State St. – 19th Floor
Chicago, IL  60602

-OR-

Email YouTube clip (URL) and materials to:
info@deeplyrootedproductions.org

Call 312.795.9777 or email info@deeplyrootedproductions.org if you have further questions.

A mature woman in the VIP section wept.  Purdue University dance students near the back gazed mesmerized.  Many seated in between swayed, mouthing lyrics as familiar as the national anthem.  Everyone seemed connected by the voices filling the room, to the figures moving around the microphone on stage.

“We were hoping for that connection,” says Kevin Iega Jeff of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater’s December performance at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park, themed “Chicago Women of Song” and featuring choreography to music by Chaka Khan, Anita O’Day, Jennifer Hudson, Mahalia Jackson, Minnie Riperton, Mavis Staples and Dinah Washington.

Adds Gary Abbott, DRDT’s artistic director along with Jeff, “We wanted people to get an understanding of these vocalist’s triumphs, of the strength, endurance and inspiration it takes to do what they did year after year.  That’s something we can all relate to and share, regardless of age or background.”

Abbott might very well have been referring to DRDT itself, as the event represented the company’s 15^th anniversary season finale.  It presented world premiers in Bach’d and the title work, as well as showcased I Am Deeply Rooted and concluded with a standing ovation to Church of Nations.

Event Chair Judith Cothran could not have been happier with the turnout, especially given many high profile competing events and the tough economy.  “Beyond the impressive numbers, we attracted a lot of new contributors and audience members.  They left as true fans anticipating more of these fantastic performances.”

Echoed Jeff, “This was directional to a new possibility of what the company can achieve.  It opened the door to that transition, by introducing us to people who will take the journey with us.  It was definitely a catalyst to making that happen.”

Kevin Iega Jeff (l) and Gary Abbott (r)

Dear Deeply Rooted Community,

We were so gratified to see many of you at our wonderful 15^th anniversary season finale on December 9^th at the Harris Theater.  This exciting event, featuring the world premieres of Chicago Women of Song and Bach’d, capped a year of unprecedented visibility.

Media attention included several TV appearances, most notably on ABC’s Good Morning America and WTTW’s Chicago Tonight.  Our banners on Michigan Avenue between Monroe and Randolph Streets were the first to be displayed at this prime location by a local African American arts organization.

Just as exciting, we had the support of 50 of Chicago’s elite business and community leaders on our host committee, led by Event Chair Judith Cothran. Actress Jasmine Guy served as honorary event chair. Allstate, NBC 5, Chopper Trading, Kennedy-King College, and the Fairmont Hotel were lead sponsors.

To continue this momentum, we invite you to contribute to our year-end fundraising goal of $50,000 by making a tax-deductible donation here or by mailing it to:

Deeply Rooted Dance Theater | 17 N. State St. – 19th Floor | Chicago, IL 60602

We thank you in advance for your generosity and ongoing support of our internationally acclaimed performances and benchmark training programs.  We will be sure to keep you updated on our exciting events for 2012, as well as opportunities to expand your role in the Deeply Rooted community.

Best of life,

Kevin Iega Jeff, Artistic Director                                                                                       Gary Abbott, Associate Artistic Director

LEVELS OF INSPIRATION

FAN | $100
• Deeply Rooted programs and website acknowledgement

SUPPORTER | $200
All benefits above plus:
• A Deeply Rooted T-Shirt

TRUE BELIEVER | $300
All benefits above plus:
• A Deeply Rooted Poster

KINDRED SPIRIT | $500
All benefits above plus:
• 25% discount to Deeply Rooted Dance Theater’s Chicago Fall Season

INNER CIRCLE |$1,000
All benefits above plus:
• Invitation to Deeply Rooted Dance Theater’s Chicago Fall Season in-studio open rehearsal

SOUL MATE | $2,000
All benefits above plus:
• 2 complimentary tickets to Deeply Rooted Dance Theater’s Chicago Fall Season

ANGEL | $5,000
All benefits above plus:
• 4 complimentary tickets to Deeply Rooted Dance Theater’s Chicago Fall Season
• Invitation backstage to the pre-show Circle at Deeply Rooted Dance Theater’s Chicago Fall Season

ARCHANGEL | $10,000 And Above
All benefits above plus:
• Invitation to Deeply Rooted Dance Theater’s Chicago Fall Season dress rehearsal
• Dinner with the Artistic Directors

OTHER AMOUNTS
Donations of any level are gratefully accepted!

Deeply Rooted considers “Chicago Women of Song” a tribute to the community and diverse musical heritage that inspire the company’s soul stirring, technically dazzling, internationally acclaimed fusion of dance, movement and voice. The program features world premieres of Chicago Women of Song and Bach’d, along with audience favorites Church of Nations and I Am Deeply Rooted.

The evening particularly highlights seven vocalists born in or associated with the Windy City. The title work evokes moments in the lives of Chaka Khan, Anita O’Day, Minnie Riperton, Mavis Staples and Dinah Washington, concluding with a Jennifer Hudson rendition. Mahalia Jackson’s voice opens I Am Deeply Rooted.

“They show such a rich history,” explains Jeff. “Their voices flow through the legacy of the African America experience, helping us connect to and express our shared values and emotions — almost the soundtrack of our common lives.” Other voices of note will belong to multi-talented Honorary Chair Jasmine Guy, who will welcome the audience and those attending the post-performance reception, and to guest narrator LeeAnn Trotter, representing the event’s media sponsor NBC 5.

Jeff, a co-founder of Deeply Rooted along with Associate Artistic Director Gary Abbott, views “Chicago Women of Song” as a triumph on several levels. “These are challenging economic times. Still, we made it. We have maintained our high level of excellence. I will be so happy to see our dancers on stage for this celebration of what we and our supporters have achieved.”

For tickets to the event, call 312-334-7777 or visit www.HarrisTheaterChicago.org. Further information can be found at www.deeplyrootedproductions.org.

In the form of veteran company member Carmel G. Louis, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater graced the cover of Culture Connects All, a recent report on arts organizations that excel at engaging their communities. (Click to see full-size)

“Unfortunately, too many organizations believe that ‘excellence’ and ‘equity’ are fundamentally at odds. They are not,” Culture Connects All concludes. “(C)ommunity building activities do not need to get in the way of aesthetic values; indeed, understanding the community with a willingness to delve into difficult issues helps to feed the quality and impact of the arts.”

In its section on Deeply Rooted, the study commends the leadership of Artistic Directors Kevin Iega Jeff and Gary Abbott: “Jeff and Abbott’s choreography stresses both technical virtuosity and the deep exploration of character and community.” The report singles out Deeply Rooted’s Mature H.O.T. (HealthConscious ~ Optimistic ~ Triumphant) Women training and performance ensemble as an example of responding to needs expressed by an increasingly significant audience segment.

Jeff explains Deeply Rooted strives to nurture all who come in contact with its programs and performances, whether they are professionals, amateur practitioners or audience members. “We seek to deal with the whole, both the individual and collective. We’re about self-realization, self-actualization, bringing out the genius in us all. Art is the missing link to dealing with challenges we face. When you’re inside that context, it can be healing on every level.”

Jeff calls the representation in Culture Connects All “fabulous, right where we want to be.” Indeed, Deeply Rooted refers to its upcoming “Chicago Women of Song” anniversary season finale at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park as a tribute to the diverse musical heritage and local community that inspire the company’s acclaimed fusion of dance, movement and voice.

Iega Jeff and Carmel Louis smile with "Perspective" Host Monique Caradine (center). Click to enlarge.

WPWR Channel 50: “Perspective”
Sunday, November 27 at Noon

Artistic Director Kevin Iega Jeff and company dancer Carmel Louis appear on “Perspective” with Monique Caradine on WPWR Channel 50 on Sunday, November 27 at noon. Don’t miss Jeff and Louis as they discuss the upcoming “Chicago Women of Song” performance at the Harris Theater on December 9, 2011 at 8 p.m.

ABC7 News at 11AM: On-Air Performance
Wednesday, November 30

On Wednesday, November 30, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is also appearing on ABC 7 at 11 a.m. If you want to catch a sneak preview of the “Chicago Women of Song” performance, then don’t miss the company’s dance segment. If you won’t be home, please remember to set your DVR. You’re in for a treat!

Watch it Now!

Actress Jasmine Guy is serving as honorary chair of the Deeply Rooted Dance Theater’s 15th Anniversary Season Finale performance at the Harris Theater on December 9, 2011. Guy, who is best known for her role as Whitley Gilbert in “A Different World,” is slated to welcome the audience and take part in the VIP reception following the performance. DRP Artistic Director, Kevin Iega Jeff, and Guy worked together while at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York.

Most people remember Jasmine Guy from her days on The Cosby Show spinoff A Different World.  She made the iconic southern belle Whitley Gilbert, for which she won six consecutive NAACP Awards, must-see TV.  There is so much more to Ms. Guy, however.  In addition to acting, she is a dancer, singer, author and director.

It is her dancing that led her to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center where she met Kevin Iega Jeff, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater’s artistic director.  Also, at the Ailey Dance Center, the two became friends.

Next month, the two dancers will see each other again, when she comes to Chicago for Deeply Rooted’s 15^th Annual Season Finale performance at the Harris Theater on December 9, 2011.  Ms. Guy, who is the event’s honorary chair, will welcome the audience and stay for the VIP reception following the performance.

“Jasmine values dance and the arts in general as a professional.  From a grassroots perspective, she understands the power of community and how it informs the arts,” explains Jeff.

Guy, who makes her home in Atlanta, most recently starred onstage in the True Colors Theater Company productions of Fool For Love, Miss Evers’ Boys, Blues for an Alabama Sky and Broke-ology.

“I have been fortunate to perform in many ‘different worlds,’ excuse the pun,” says Guy.  “I can’t wait to see Chicago Women of Song.  Iega and I have come a long way since our days in New York.”

One of the last times Chicagoans saw Guy was when she performed in the musical Chicago, as Velma Kelly.

Fresh on the heels of its debut performance at the Black Dance Festival in Pittsburgh, reviews say the Chicago-based dance company’s work set itself apart.

Rain did not deter Deeply Rooted's Artistic Director Kevin Iega Jeff from celebrating the installation of the company's banners along Michigan Avenue from Monroe to Randolph Streets. This is the first time a local African American arts organization has been showcased on light posts on the city's famed boulevard. The Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is preparing for its 15th Anniversary Season Finale performance at the Harris Theater on December 9, 2011. (Click the image to see full size)

Upon the company’s return to Chicago, the dancers were greeted by 8-foot banners announcing the crystal anniversary. This is the first time a local African American arts organization has been on display on the city’s famed Michigan Avenue. Deeply Rooted’s banners are draping the light poles on both sides of the street, from Monroe to Randolph Streets.

“The banners are beautiful,” says Artistic Director Kevin Iega Jeff. “When our dancers saw them they were so excited.”

Deeply Rooted’s season finale will premiere two works, “Bach’d” and “Chicago Women of Song.” The latter pays tribute to seven women vocalists associated with Chicago–Mahalia Jackson, Dinah Washington, Mavis Staples, Minnie Riperton, Chaka Khan, Anita O’Day and Jennifer Hudson. Their works cover the musical spectrum of gospel, jazz and rhythm
and blues.

“Their voices flow through the legacy of the African American experience, helping us connect to our shared values in humanity, to rejoice in those values, feel each other’s pain, laugh when we feel like crying and cry when we need to get it out,” explains Jeff.

Adding to the company’s banner year was an opportunity to appear on Good Morning America’s segment “Just Three Words” in September. Out of 12 live shots that spanned the globe, including from Afghanistan, Deeply Rooted was the only Midwest representation–performing from Millennium Park.

“In the last few months, we have come full circle. First, the world saw our dancers in Millennium Park, now our company is being showcased along Michigan Avenue in front of Millennium Park and next month, we’ll be performing at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park. We are truly Chicago’s own,” says Jeff, a New York transplant.

For nearly 40 years the Pittsburgh Dance Council strived to show diversity in dance and, toward that goal, presented an array of black companies among its global offerings. Now the August Wilson Center, a newbie on the Pittsburgh presenting front, is taking over that dance niche and flexed some artistic muscle during its first Black Dance Festival this past weekend.

Eduardo Patino - Ailey II performs "Revelations." at the August Wilson Center.

At PDC, we saw Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, acknowledged as the most popular company in the world; Rennie Harris Puremovement, a harbinger of hip-hop in concert dance; and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, which had its own brand of energetic Ailey-esque movement.

But when you saw those companies — with Ailey represented here by Ailey II, in the hothouse atmosphere of the festival along with Chicago’s Deeply Rooted and the fresh-faced August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble, their works rubbing virtually shoulder to shoulder — it took the concept of diversity to a whole new level.

The event, with two complete programs and four performances, was a real success for the burgeoning center — the vibe electric, houses almost filled, audiences happy.

In this format, the festival worked on a lot of levels, although there was just a sampling of each company’s true power. So the sum was greater than the individual parts. But that sum included a remarkable historic range, nattily curated among just these five groups.

Certainly Alvin Ailey’s “Revelations,” with its uplifting display of faith and hope, may be the most beloved “serious” modern dance masterwork to have ever been created (and over 50 years old). A training ground for its parent company, Ailey II came close to equaling the power of the many casts Pittsburgh has seen over the years. Surely a good number of these dancers will eventually filter into the main group.

DCDC demonstrated its forthright intensity in “The Story Unfolds,” where a quartet of women played on high emotions layered over a strong technique. Then it turned to a duet “Unresolved,” which played with the ebb and flow of two lovers in a difficult relationship.

Deeply Rooted used a dramatic underpinning to drive its works, which also included a sweeping duet to Nina Simone, “Wild is the Wind.” But it set itself apart with the more introspective “Ferrotype Excerpt: Tieftraeh,” which captured moments in images of early 20th century “plain folk.”

It’s hard to believe that Puremovement will be celebrating 20 years soon and is now regarded as the American ambassador of hip-hop.

Former Post-Gazette dance critic Jane Vranish can be reached at jvranish1@comcast.net.