Jennifer Bassage Bonfil

Alyssa, here from The Wooden Floor, one of the nation’s leading creative youth development programs, located in Santa Ana, California. We have a strong team of transformative leaders, but none like our Artistic Director, Jennifer Bassage Bonfil. Jennifer’s empathic approach cultivates an environment of inspiration and openness for our students, through our Somatic-based dance education, making her a great guest for your show!

Jennifer earned her BFA from Chapman University in Dance Performance and an MA in Dance Education through the University of Northern Colorado.

She then began her artistic career as a founding company member of Orange County’s critically acclaimed Backhausdance from 2003 to 2016 and performed in over 15 original works, touring nationally and internationally. While with Backhausdance, Jennifer served as the Educational Outreach Director, collaborating with Artistic Director Jennifer Backhaus, on writing curriculum incorporating high-caliber art and arts education into public schools. Jennifer is an adjunct professor and lecturer who has taught at Chapman University, California State University Long Beach, Santa Ana Community College, and West Coast Conservatory of Ballet.

Jenn’s career as a respected Southern California-based modern dancer, dance maker, and dance educator led her to The Wooden Floor in 2006, as a faculty member from 2006-2017. She was the Dance Education and Curriculum Specialist from 2017-2021 and was promoted to Artistic Director in 2022. In addition to overseeing the organization’s faculty, accompanists, curriculum design, and evaluation, she works directly with students since the start of her 18-year tenure with the organization, demonstrating her passion for The Wooden Floor’s mission by being a sought-after mentor to countless students and alumni. In 2022, Jennifer was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Chapman University and recognized at California State University, Fullerton’s annual Honor an Educator ceremony.

Since joining The Wooden Floor, Jennifer continues to advance the organization’s culture of artistic excellence through dance education, performances, community engagement, and collaborative projects. She is passionate about sharing the many benefits of dance in helping young people reach their potential and will continue to further The Wooden Floor’s vision to drive social innovation, grow impact, and uplift the community.

Ask Jennifer about:
- What is The Wooden Floor’s Theory of Change Model?
- Why Dance is the Answer?
• What is your organization’s approach and why does it work?
• What are the big rocks of the curriculum?
• What is a somatic-based curriculum and how does it help students?
• How can dance prepare students for future success (especially outside of the dance studio)?
- What is student centered learning, and why is it a priority at The Wooden Floor?
- How does The Wooden Floor’s approach cultivate a strong community?
- What is unique about the Annual Concert and art making practices?

Jennifer has a passion for dance education as a means for youth development and has made it her life’s mission to inspire the children she works with. Her professional modern dance experience, dance education background, choreography expertise, leadership skills and her positive and thoughtful energy make her a perfect guest for your show. Your listeners would enjoy her uplifting perspective and story, as it relates to human connection.