ABOUT THE DANCES

Artistic Director Jennifer Bassage Bonfil’s new piece uncovers the unique superpowers within us all. Through energetic and intricate movements, the dancers explore themes of empathy, integrity, curiosity, and inner strength. Moments of bold physicality highlight agility and stamina, while quieter introspection reveals the beautiful superpower of self-discovery. Inspired in part by the dancers’ own words, the choreography embraces the quirky and remarkable, offering a reminder of our responsibility to honor personal uniqueness within a shared community. Original music by Patrick Vargas, featuring vibrant rhythms inspired by various world cultures, pulses with energy and joy, providing a dynamic soundscape for this celebration of extraordinary qualities.

Choreographer Billy Smith’s new work draws inspiration from the undercurrents within familial relationships, particularly those with sibling dynamics. The dancers’ abstract motions evoke the concepts of sharing, argument, empathy, saying goodbye, and celebration. Structure and formality are juxtaposed with raw, frenzied, and vulnerable moments. These relatable ideas inspired the original music written by Daniel Manoiu for solo piano, a piece filled with a wide range of tones and rhythmic patterns. In a unique approach for the choreographer, the movement style was greatly influenced by the dancers themselves through a collaborative creative process.

Choreographer Eva Stone’s new work, A Rough Translation of Love, takes the audience on a journey through one of our most basic human emotions. This piece explores how love brings us together as friends, as family, and as part of our shared humanity. The dancers form movements driven by the concepts of love: from those that are complex and challenging, to those that are joyous and recognizable in everyday situations. The work is inspired by the stories of love the dancers shared during the creative process and each section in the dance brings these stories into a visual and physical image. This piece invites the viewer to appreciate and participate in the love that is continually happening all around us.

MEET THE CHOREOGRAPHERS

Jennifer Bassage Bonfil, MFA is a respected Southern California-based modern dancer, dance maker, and dance educator and serves as The Wooden Floor’s Artistic Director. Jennifer earned her BFA from Chapman University in Dance Performance and an MA in Dance Education through the University of Northern Colorado. Jennifer was 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. Jennifer is an adjunct professor and lecturer who has taught at Chapman University, California State University Long Beach, Santa Ana College, and West Coast Conservatory of Ballet. Chapman University awarded Jennifer the Distinguished Alumni Award, and California State University, Fullerton recognized Jennifer at their annual Honor an Educator event, both in 2022.

Billy Smith is from Fredericksburg, Virginia, he attended George Mason University under a full academic and dance talent scholarship, graduated magna cum laude in 2007 and received achievement awards in performance, choreography, and academic endeavors. While at George Mason, Billy performed the works of many renowned choreographers including: Mark Morris, Paul Taylor, Lar Lubovitch, Susan Marshall, Doug Varone, Daniel Ezralow, and Larry Keigwin, among many others.  He had the great honor of having his own work open the American College Dance Festival Gala at Ohio State University where he also performed a work choreographed by legendary dance maker Mark Morris. Billy danced with Parsons Dance from 2007-2010.  He is currently a member of the world-renowned Mark Morris Dance Group.

Eva Stone, MFA received a BFA in Performance and Choreography from Arizona State University.  After completing a Master of Arts degree in Choreography and Choreological Studies from Trinity Laban in London, England, she formed The Stone Dance Collective, a modern dance company. Eva relocated to Seattle in 1995, re-established her company, and began an extensive teaching and lecturing career throughout the Puget Sound.  She is currently on faculty at Pacific Northwest Ballet School and Spectrum Dance Theater, in addition to working as a guest instructor and commissioned choreographer with dance festivals and companies around the US.

PARKING: 

The nearest parking structure is at the corner of Campus and West Peltason, and is right next to the theater.

Parking: Regular price is $13; IBT discounted pricing is $10. Upon entry, please tell the kiosk attendant that you are an Irvine Barclay Theatre patron.
Please note that the parking structure is operated by UCI and not by Irvine Barclay Theatre.

UCI Parking’s online pay-in-advance system is available. Click here to purchase parking in advance

We do not recommend parking in the shopping center across from the theater, as spaces are limited, and non-customer vehicles are subject to towing.

ACCESSIBILITY (can be found here)

LOCAL EATERIES (can be found here)

Arts Night Out

FREE bonus for Friday patrons!
Friday, May 29 at 6:45pm

Make it an arts night out! Explore the work in Curious Currents of Possibilities with the cast and choreographers Billy Smith and Eva Stone at a free pre-concert chat moderated by Jennifer Bassage Bonfil, The Wooden Floor’s Artistic Director.

Presented by:

Thank you to our
42nd Annual Concert Underwriters!   

HONORARY UNDERWRITERS
The Beall Family Foundation
Helen Sperry Lea Foundation
WHH Foundation

ASSOCIATE UNDERWRITER
Socorro & Ernesto Vasquez

CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Bobbi Cox
Davis/Dauray Family Fund
Yvonne & Damien Jordan
Linda and Tod White Charitable Fund
Cath MacIver & Jim Slaughter
Judith F. Posnikoff
Robyn & Dave Stauffer

CONCERT PARTNERS
Michelle & Timothy Dean
Janet & Walkie Ray

CONCERT SUPPORTERS
Sharon & Terry Hartshorn
Carole & Rich Lee

*As of 05/07/2025