The Fruit of Risk and Relationship: Candid Moments with Danielle Agami and Jacob Jonas
“All that is important is this one moment in movement. Make the moment important, vital, and worth living. Do not let it slip away unnoticed and unused.” — Martha Graham
When I think about these two exemplary artists and their impactful companies, I think of the times I’ve experienced their work and how each moment was important. Based in Los Angeles and Europe, but global in their influence, I am thrilled to be joined by two of Los Angeles’ most dynamic artistic forces—Danielle Agami, visionary founder of ate9, and Jacob Jonas, groundbreaking choreographer and founder of Jacob Jonas The Company .Together, they’ve converged their creative energies for FOG, a spellbinding evening of dance and live music at Culver City’s Kirk Douglas Theatre.
Get ready to step inside the minds behind two world premieres: Danielle Agami’s “Soon After” and Jacob Jonas’ “Grip”—each blending raw movement, live music, and emotional storytelling in ways you’ve never seen before. From the evocative soundscapes of Yuka Honda and Live Footage to new collaborations that push the art form forward, FOG promises a night of mystery, revelation, and transformation.
FOG runs for two nights only: August 29 and 30. Tickets start at $55; VIP access is available for $75. Don’t miss your chance to witness this rare convergence—visit jacobjonas.org/tickets and secure your seat today!
A Few Key Takeaways
About the Collaboration
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“FOG” features two world premieres — Danielle’s Soon After and Jacob’s Grip — blending raw movement, live music, and storytelling.
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The project is a creative and financial collaboration to share resources, reduce risk, and build community in LA’s dance scene.
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Music is performed live by acclaimed collaborators Yuka Honda (with Danielle) and Live Footage (with Jacob).
How “FOG” Came to Be
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Danielle and Jacob reconnected after years of mutual admiration for each other’s work.
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The idea grew from a shared desire not to feel alone as artists and to strengthen the LA dance community.
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Both have long histories of leading respected companies (ate9 and Jacob Jonas The Company) with global reach.
Perspectives on the LA Dance Scene
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Strengths: Openness to creativity; diverse dance history (street, commercial, concert dance, circus arts).
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Challenges: Lack of tradition and repetition in programming to build an audience; limited philanthropic support for sustainability.
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Solutions: More self-production, cross-company collaborations, and ongoing relationships with audiences.
Creative Process Insights
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Collaboration values: Mutual respect, vulnerability, and celebrating artists’ individuality while maintaining group strength.
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Breakthrough moments: Often come from unexpected mistakes in rehearsal, embraced as creative gifts.
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Musician relationships: Both choreographers deeply value intuitive, responsive live music creation during the process.
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Rehearsal approach: Some works are intentionally under-rehearsed to keep performances fresh and alive.
Artistic Philosophy
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Presence is key — for Danielle, site-specific work is less about location and more about performer engagement with space and audience.
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Adapting to context — Jacob emphasizes how emotional or world events can shift audience perception and work resonance.
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Directors aim to inspire, challenge, and celebrate dancers, rather than dominate their voices.
Company Culture
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Danielle: Has had multigenerational casts with long-standing members; values safe yet daring creative environments.
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Jacob: Encourages a “family” dynamic; operates with an open-door policy allowing dancers to leave and return.
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Both acknowledge knowing when to welcome new voices or say goodbye is vital for creative growth.
Personal Notes
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Both artists have been influenced by mentorship, community, and nontraditional learning.
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Somatic-based movement and body-awareness practices play a role in their current approach to creating and healing.
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They see dance not just as art, but as an evolving conversation with the audience and each other.
Links/Credits Mentioned in This Episode:
Other episodes of interest:
#215: How To Have A Better Relationship with Yourself and With Others
#210: How Watching A Live Performance Can Help You Achieve Your Heart’s Desire
#205: The Difference Between Good and Outstanding
Comments or questions? Connect with me on Instagram @annettbone
About the author, Annett
Annett Bone is the creator and host of The DancePreneuring Studio where she guides her listeners on a journey of transformation inspired by dance, life, and business. The podcast is a reflection of her personal adventure overcoming her fears and returning to her passion for dance after a 20+ year hiatus, the lessons that she has learned along the way, and proving that it’s never too late to be great.