Jennifer Jonassen of Los Angeles on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Jennifer Jonassen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: When was the last time you felt true joy?
I always feel the most joyful when I am dancing. As the Vicki Baum has said: “There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them” -Vicki Baum

Recently I read a study that said that dancing was the number one physical activity when it comes to fighting depression. I believe that must be true. I know it remains true for me.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Jennifer Jonassen. I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY but have been living in L.A. for almost 20 years now! I am, what they call, a multi-hyphenate performing artist, who is most proud of being the Artistic Director of Intrepid Dance Project. And I am happy to say is now in its tenth year! Intrepid Dance Project was/is based on my belief that everyone can dance. We welcome performers of all ages, sizes, abilities, levels etc… Right now Intrepid Dance Project is very excited to be performing at Odyssey Theatre’s Winter Dance Festival February 13,14 and 15th.

We have been devising a new production “Silent Fiction” which explores the world of old-time cinema, breathing new life into many zany, poignant, powerful & iconic characters. Come to see our show and then stay to do the Charleston with us after! I am very proud of the cast and it should be a super fun show!
You can find tickets here:https://odysseytheatre.com/tickets/?eid=181242

In my solo work, I am an actress, writer, director, dancer, and clown (just to name a few hats I wear). More & more these days I see myself as a performance artist. I like to challenge stereotypes in all of my creative projects- but particularly in photos- similar to Cindy Sherman’s work (although mine is not self-portraiture.)

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Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I think it was my father who saw me clearly before I could see myself. Growing up in NY I had a lot of exposure to theatre. When I was about 3 years old my parents took me to Radio City Music Hall to see the film version of the Broadway musical “Mame” starring Lucille Ball & Bea Arthur (Wow does that date me or what?!) And as the story goes the people sitting next to us were worried that I would get bored and be noisy. But when the movie (and probably Rockette type of spectacle began) my dad says I was sitting on the edge of my seat, completely riveted. He said it was like watching me wake up to myself- who I am, and he knew then that I would go into theatre. And he has always encouraged me- and still does–to stay on my path no matter how difficult it is.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I think what shaped me the most when I was growing up was how I the world treated my body. And as far as I have come they are still there. And I hate admitting that because I like to think of myself as someone who accepts and loves her body 100%. all the time. It is a very deep wound. I am not sure it will ever heal 100%. And I think that often too much emphasis is placed on “healing.” I feel as though healing implies completion of something. But some things do not end nor do they go entirely away.

The way I heal these wounds- to the extent that they can be healed- is living out my dreams and desires. At the top of my list is being creative. I have found creative outlets of many kinds and of course Intrepid Dance Project was formed from those wounds and early experiences. Creating performance opportunities for others helps me a lot.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
It might be cliche- and everyone is probably tired of hearing almost everyone say it but- Dolly Parton, of course. She is someone I admire for her character and not her power.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Yes I do believe that I am doing what I was born to do. My deepest wish is to empower people through the performing arts which I am doing through my work with Intrepid Dance Project. I am also almost finished with my MFA as my goal is be teach college one day soon.

I think that there can often be both pros and cons to doing what you were born to do- or even just what you want to do. It’s funny- or sad actually that we are often made to feel guilty for pursuing something we just want to do.

And yes I do what I want to do, but I make the sacrifice of not having money, let alone any stability in my career. On the other hand, my friends who went into steady careers now regret not giving their dreams and callings a try. There are pros & cons to everything.

Going into the performing arts never felt like a choice to me. Something compels me to keep pursuing it. I am ambitious. I often wish I had been- or could be drawn to any other profession than the performing arts! I would be enjoying a lucrative career. If I poured as much love, devotion, time, hard work- blood, sweat & tears into anything else: I would be rich and probably able to retire at this point. Not that I would want to. Because I love the performing arts. I love running a performance troupe, I love: acting, directing, writing, dancing, clowning – I love it all! Despite all of the typical artist struggles that accompany this life, God help me- I still love it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jenniferjonassen.wordpress.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferjonassen1/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-jonassen-64580330/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.jonassen or https://www.facebook.com/OdysseyTheatre
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/mEkReeoxRAU?si=mj1XoszzX0Vi6OML
• Other: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/intrepid-dance-project (tax deductible)

  patreon.com/jenniferjonassen

  https://www.facebook.com/IntrepidDanceProject

  https://www.instagram.com/intrepid_dance_project/

Image Credits
I labeled the photos as well with the photographer’s credit, here they are with descriptions of the photos for your reference:

Punk Angel Wings: Doug Goldstein (for cover)
Blue (shirt) Headshot by Lotta Photo
Pink Feathers & Martini Glass by Lotta Photo
Leg over head Clown by Lotta Photo
Purple wig boxing clown: Lotta Photo
Donut Clown by Lotta Photos
Glamourous Purple Background by Doug Goldstein
Pink Fluffy Showgirl by Roger Fojas
Yellow Clown by Doug Goldstein
Silent Fiction by Lotta Photo