“Being Rolando’s Dance Partner is a joy! We enjoy our time with him. He’s incredibly thoughtful, wise, and talented, and we are so proud of the special young man he is. It’s wonderful to see the organization through his eyes and to share in his discoveries along the way.” Karen Presley,
Founded in 1983, The Wooden Floor is one of the foremost creative youth development nonprofit organizations in the country. We transform the lives of young people in low-income communities through the power of dance and access to higher education. By nurturing each child to innovate, communicate, and collaborate, they gain the skills necessary for success in school and in life.
“To me, having Dance Partners feels like you have someone that is always there for you.” Rolando, Class of 2023
Dance Partner to Rolando, Class of 2023 Long-time supporters Karen and Steve Presley have been Dance Partners with Rolando since he was nine years old. As his Dance Partners, they exchange letters with Rolando and visit him at The Wooden Floor a few times a year. Over the past five years, they feel honored to see Rolando grow into a confident student who navigates his high school years with grace, strength of character, and a renewed commitment to dance and The Wooden Floor.
For more information, contact Annie Song, Development Manager at 714.541.8314 ext. 125 or Annie.Song@TheWoodenFloor.org.
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TheWoodenFloor.org The Wooden Floor is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Federal Tax ID # 33-0299356 Photography by Christine Cotter © 2020 The Wooden Floor
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Dance Partner
Frequently Asked Questions about our Dance Partner Program
DANCE PARTNERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD.
How are the students selected? Students, ages 9-12, from our most in-need families are typically matched first in order to benefit from additional encouragement and guidance. However, the long-term goal is to provide a Dance Partner for each student. Dance Partner supporters can be individuals or shared group partnerships.
Dance Partners underwrite participation for students who need extra inspiration and mentorship as they make their 10-year journeys towards high school graduation and college.
Is it okay if I can’t participate in additional activities?
Through thoughtful pairings between supporters and students, guidance and encouragement can increase the likelihood of a student’s personal and academic success. Our staff carefully chooses and oversees Dance Partner engagement through personalized levels of involvement—from writing uplifting letters, observing a class, or visiting students at events throughout their years at The Wooden Floor.
First and foremost, Dance Partners underwrite a student’s participation at The Wooden Floor. Some Dance Partners have circumstances that prevent them from personally meeting their student partner, but just knowing that someone underwrites their participation and supports them means a great deal to our students.
How long is the commitment? The Dance Partner program is a one-year commitment, with an option to renew annually. Payments can be made in made in monthly installments and group partnerships are also welcome.
A Dance Partner commitment of $209 per month or $2,500 annually, per child, helps underwrite a student’s dance, academic, and family support programs for one year.
Learn more about becoming a Dance Partner today. For more information, visit our website at TheWoodenFloor.org/DancePartner or contact Annie Song, Development Manager at 714.541.8314 ext. 125 or Annie.Song@TheWoodenFloor.org.
Can you tell me more about communicating with students? “The first time I met my Dance Partners I was so nervous, but my nerves didn’t last long. I felt at ease immediately. On days I was performing at the Annual Concert, they brought me a whole batch of my favorite cookies. They know how to make me feel good. They are strong motivators to help me push through school and give me a reason to excel.” Rolando, Class of 2023
The Wooden Floor is the intermediary between Dance Partners and students. All mail should be addressed to the student, c/o Annie Song at The Wooden Floor, 1810 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706 or via email to Annie.Song@TheWoodenFloor.org. Despite the ease of email and social media, Dance Partners are asked to refrain from communicating with students directly through email and the internet until they are 18 years old.