CHICAGO – See Chicago Dance (SCD), the dance industry's nonprofit service organization, gathered more than 270 dance supporters and artists for the BOLD IMPACT 20th Anniversary Gala, celebrating Chicago’s dynamic dance community and honoring individuals who have made a significant and sustained impact, Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Venue West, 221 N. Paulina. The 2025 co-chairs were Mashaune Hardy and Vin Reed with the gala host for the evening NBC5’s Lexi Sutter. The special event included a reception, a seated dinner, a paddle raise, raffle of experience packages and performances by DanceWorks Chicago and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. The award presentation portion of the evening included the honoring two dance luminaries: the See Chicago Dance Legacy Award to Kevin Iega Jeff, co-founder of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, choreographer, director, dance educator, cultural community builder and creative consultant, and the Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award to Julie Nakagawa, co-founder and artistic director of DanceWorks Chicago and former director of Hubbard Street 2. The evening raised $141,000 supporting See Chicago Dance’s programs and initiatives. For more information on upcoming events, classes, performances and more, go to SeeChicagoDance.com.
The BOLD IMPACT 20th Anniversary Gala began with a reception and, immediately following the reception, guests moved to the seated portion of the evening and were welcomed by See Chicago Dance Executive Director Julia Mayer. In her welcome, Mayer thanked the audience for commemorating 20 years of See Chicago Dance and acknowledged those who have been active in the dance community for two decades, past and present board of directors members and all those who have partnered with See Chicago Dance over the last 20 years including staff members, contractors, performers, workshop participants and others. She then introduced the first performance of the evening, DanceWorks Chicago and their performance of “Having Words: The Handshake Dance,” concept and choreography by casebolt and smith.
The host for the evening, NBC5 reporter and dancer, Lexi Sutter was then joined by See Chicago Dance Board President Jorge Perez. They kicked off the presentation portion of the evening performing a paso doble, a Spanish partnered dance, and offered a toast that included a special recognition of See Chicago Dance founders Carol Fox and Niki Morrison, from Carol Fox & Associates, and board members and individuals who were essential to the founding of See Chicago Dance.
Sutter then shared the inspiration for the physical awards being given. See Chicago Dance invited Bernard Mims, board chair of Diasporal Rhythms and long-time friend of Kevin Iega Jeff, to advise on the creation of original artworks for this year’s honorees. Diasporal Rhythms is a grassroots cultural institution in Chicago with a 20-year history of collecting, promoting and preserving art from the African diaspora by encouraging individuals and institutions to appreciate and acquire this art. Mims provided the funding for the commission of two new paintings by Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo, a renowned artist from Nigeria. The commission was coordinated by Faye Edwards of Faie Afrikan Art Gallery in Bronzeville.
BOLD IMPACT host Sutter continued with the presentation of the 11th Distinguished Service to the Dance Field Award, sharing the unique story of the 2025 honoree, Julie Nakagawa, whose influence on the dance scene includes the founding of DanceWorks Chicago in 2008. “Through DanceWorks, Julie has helped empower dozens of young artists and cultivate their unique voices through skill acquisition and development, global collaborations, mentorship and performances.” Sutter then introduced a tribute video featuring three former DanceWorks dancers, sharing the impact Nakagawa had on their careers. 2025 Gala Co-Chair Vin Reed then came to the podium to present the award.
Reed, who has been active with See Chicago Dance since its inception, said that Nakagawa had transformed this dance community for all, and he, as a board member of DanceWorks Chicago, saw that first hand. He said, “DanceWorks didn’t just give emerging artists a spotlight, they gave them a competitive wage, health insurance, nutrition counseling, physical therapy, mentorship, a network of professionals, and a robust community that valued them, and the opportunity to be more of who they are.” He continued, “Most importantly, Julie gave artists the personal knowledge that their talent has value and the identity and esteem to make their art work. We are so grateful to have her leadership, her curiosity and contagious optimism fueling a healthy community for dance.”
Marc Macaranas, founding member of DanceWorks Chicago and long-time friend of Nakagawa, who was unable to attend, accepted the Distinguished Service Award on her behalf. Macaranas shared the following from Nakagawa’s acceptance speech: “It’s been a privilege and responsibility to offer young artists the gift of time, my way of being a Good Dance Citizen and serving a sector that gave me so much, across three decades.” He shared her story, turning down Stanford for the “school of life.” Nakagawa’s dance career includes credits from the Cleveland Ballet and Twyla Tharp. She taught and held leadership positions at Lou Conte Dance Studio and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago before founding DanceWorks Chicago. Throughout the speech, a variety of people were recognized who had an influence and offered guidance to Nakagawa from her collaborators, teachers, friends, mentors and others. Accepting the award, Macaranas shared a Japanese proverb from Nakagawa that she reminded herself of when she needed inspiration,”Fall down seven times, stand up eight. Maybe that’s why dancers like to count to eight…”
Sutter then returned to begin the See Chicago Dance Legacy Award presentation to Kevin Iega Jeff, co-founder of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, choreographer, director, dance educator, cultural community builder and creative consultant. Before the presentation, Sutter shared Jeff’s notable roles in Broadway’s “The Wiz” as well as his memorable appearance at the 1994 Academy Awards, and choreographic contributions to Spike Lee's "She's Gotta Have It,” adding that his repertoire includes more than 50 original works that have been featured in and commissioned by dance companies across the globe. A tribute video was shared with Jeff’s contemporaries and collaborators speaking of their relationships. 2025 Gala Co-Chair Mashaune Hardy presented the award to Jeff.
She remarked, “What can I say about Kevin Iega Jeff? Dancer, choreographer, educator and mentor; a paragon to the national dance scene and a pillar of the Chicago dance ecosystem. He is all those things.” She spoke about his guidance and how inspirational he is to her, and to everyone. Welcoming Jeff to the dais, she concluded with, “But what moves me most about Iega is his humanity, his heart. Working with him is a masterclass in how to be. Iega, thank you for providing such strong shoulders for us to stand on.”
Jeff thanked members of See Chicago Dance, Deeply Rooted, JUBILATION!, Chicago Dance Legacy Project and others for “carrying the vision forward.” He also thanked the foundations who were supporters from the first foundation to support him, the Joyce Foundation, to the Logan Foundation, followed by the Mellon Foundation and others. He then reflected on legacy and its meaning and importance.“Tonight, I want to give special attention to two extraordinary people who guided my first steps in dance. Bernice Johnson (BJ), whose studio I entered as a teenager, and Lee Aca Thompson, the richly wise African-Pyragrammic instructor who became my treasured mentor and friend.” He continued, “Dance has shown me that legacy is not a destination. It is a living journey—what we practice, preserve and pass on.” Jeff concluded, “May we preserve truth, nurture spirit and create dance that reflects our times. And may we be fearless enough to pass it forward—whole and alive.”
The BOLD IMPACT 20th Anniversary Gala continued with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater performing “Surrender” by Kevin Iega Jeff. Then Lexi Sutter, Jorge Perez, and SCD Board Vice President Amanda Banks hosted the second-ever paddle raise to support See Chicago Dance’s mission, programs, services, and operations. Funds generated also support the maintenance and security of SCD’s new state-of-the-art website, SeeChicagoDance.com,that promotes more than 400 Chicago dance artists and companies.The paddle raise goal was $50,000 for the evening and the BOLD IMPACT Gala successfully raised $41,000. Donations are still being accepted at SeeChicagoDance.com.
Before turning over the evening to Mayer for her final remarks, Perez shared that Banks will be assuming the role of president of the board at the end of his tenure in December.
Mayer returned to thank the guests for an incredible evening and encouraged all to stay active, “A lot is happening in the arts world. As we were planning for this amazing community gathering, other organizations that serve the dance community were downsizing or closing altogether.” She continued, “See Chicago Dance is this city’s best chance to keep dance visible and transformative on a city-wide level. You are helping make that happen. Thank you so much for your generosity this evening.”
The 2025 Host Committee members were Jan Bartoszek (Hedwig Dances), Pamela Crutchfield, Robin Edwards (Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center), Patti Eylar, Carol Fox+ (Carol Fox & Associates), Ted Grady, Judie Moore Green+ (Auditorium Theater, retired), Winifred Haun (Winifred Haun & Dancers), Gail Kalver, Kevin McGirr, Meghan McNamara+ (Levitt Pavilion Denver), Michael McStraw+(Chicago Dance History Project), Niki Morrison+ (Carol Fox & Associates), Toby Nicholson, Brian Smith+ (Joffrey Ballet), Janet Carl Smith, and Linda Swayze (Joffrey Ballet)
+ Connotes past See Chicago Dance board presidents
ABOUT KEVIN IEGA JEFF, 2025 LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT
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 listed Jeff 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 50 choreographed pieces to his name, he has been commissioned by premier companies and theaters both nationally and internationally.
As a community-focused artist, Jeff 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, he 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, Jeff 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, Jeff 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.”
ABOUT JULIE NAKAGAWA, 2025 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE DANCE COMMUNITY RECIPIENT
From Evanston, Illinois, Julie Nakagwa was a featured dancer with Christopher D’Amboise’s Off Center Ballet, Cleveland Ballet and Twyla Tharp Dance. She has also performed in “Ruth Page’s The Nutcracker” and “Die Fledermaus.” Returning to Chicago upon her retirement from dancing, she has been especially interested in the development of dance artists and their related artistic collaborators. At the invitation of Lou Conte, Nakagawa joined the staff of Lou Conte Dance Studio in January 1994 and rose to the position of associate director. In addition, she led Hubbard Street 2 from its inception in 1997 through February 2007. As the artistic director of the second company of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, she nurtured young dancers and established the National Choreographic Competition to provide creative opportunities for emerging dance makers. A sought-after teacher, she has taught classes for dance studios, university programs and companies, locally, nationally and internationally. She has served as a member and officer of the Board of Trustees of Dance/USA, has engaged as a mentor in multiple pairings through Dance/USA’s Institute for Leadership Training, has been a panelist for peer review panels including the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, McKnight Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Princess Grace Foundation and US Artists International. The Chicago Foundation for Women’s Asian American Leadership Council honored Nakagawa for her work in the creative arts. She is grateful for the opportunity to lead DanceWorks Chicago, a creative incubator fostering a diverse next generation of movers and makers, empowering young artists to cultivate their unique voices in the dance community through skill acquisition and development; collaborations and relationship-building with a global perspective; intense and intentional mentorship and performances that shine a light on dancers and dance.
ABOUT SEE CHICAGO DANCE
See Chicago Dance is a nonprofit service organization with the mission to advocate for the dance field and strengthen a diverse range of dance organizations and artists through services and programs that build and engage audiences. Its vision is to fearlessly inspire an ever-growing inclusive community to share in and spread the power of dance in Chicago.
See Chicago Dance is the source for all things dance with the city’s most comprehensive resource for dance information and one of the largest–and newly re-designed–websites in the United States dedicated to the art form. Its two-pronged approach focuses on building audiences while developing a more cohesive dance community.
For audience members, See Chicago Dance offers a dynamic calendar of dance performances and experiences, Hot Deal ticket discounts, professionally written reviews and previews, and listings for more than 400 dance organizations.
For dance artists and organizations, See Chicago Dance provides a full range of Programs and Industry Resources to help build audiences, improve skills, and foster appreciation of dance in all its forms.
See Chicago Dance’s board of directors includes Amanda Banks (vice president), Debra Bernstein-Siegel, Michael Foster, Ladonna Freidheim, Chelsea Hoy, Erik Kaiko, Bradlee Lathon, Danielle Pender, Jorge Perez (president), Allyson Ratliff, Marisa C. Santiago (secretary), Kia S. Smith, Dawn Stanislaw (treasurer) and Sarah Venuti Yates.
(L to R) 2025 Legacy Award Honore Kevin Iega Jeff with 2025 Event Co-chair, Mashaune Hardy at the See Chicago Dance BOLD IMPACT 20th Anniversary Gala, September 30, 2025 at Venue West. Photo by Michelle Reid Photography.
(L to R) 2025 Event Co-chair Vin Reed and Marc Macaranas accept the 2025 Distinguished Service Award to the Dance Field for Julie Nakagawa, Nakagawa’s honor, at the See Chicago Dance BOLD IMPACT 20th Anniversary Gala, September 30, 2025 at Venue West. Photo by Michelle Reid Photography
2025 Gala Host NBC5 Chicago’s Lexi Sutter at the See Chicago Dance BOLD IMPACT 20th Anniversary Gala, September 30, 2025 at Venue West. Photo by Ricardo Adame Photography.
See Chicago Dance Executive Director Julia Mayer, at the See Chicago Dance BOLD IMPACT 20th Anniversary Gala, September 30, 2025 at Venue West. Photo by Ricardo Adame Photography.
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater performs “Surrender” by Kevin Iega Jeff at See Chicago Dance’s BOLD IMPACT 20th Anniversary Gala, September 30, 2025 at Venue West. Photo by Ricardo Adame Photography.
DanceWorks Chicago performs “The Handshake Dance” by casebolt and smith at See Chicago Dance’s BOLD IMPACT 20th Anniversary Gala, September 30, 2025 at Venue West. Photo by Michelle Reid Photography.
The See Chicago Dance Staff: (L to R) Membership & Operations Manager Kennedy Ward, Marketing Manager Solomon Bowser and Executive Director Julia Mayer at the See Chicago Dance BOLD IMPACT 20th Anniversary Gala, September 30, 2025 at Venue West. Photo by Ricardo Adame Photography.