About Us

About The Wooden Floor

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. In Orange County, and through national licensed partners, we use a long-term approach grounded in exploratory dance education to foster the confidence and gifts within each child to innovate, communicate, and collaborate–skills necessary for success in school and in life. 100 percent of students who graduate from The Wooden Floor immediately enroll in higher education. Our students become change agents and beacons of hope within their own families, their neighborhoods, our community, and our world.

Dance Education & Performance Opportunities

Dance education and performance are the core transformational elements through which our youth change the way they think about themselves and aspire beyond the grip of socioeconomic barriers. In the dance studio, exploration, creativity, and self-knowledge lead to critical life skills, confidence, leadership, teamwork, well-being, and joy.

DANCE EDUCATION

Dance classes are offered each week in modern, ballet, improvisation, and choreography with professional faculty and live music accompanists.

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

We make a commitment to a dance aesthetic that values exploration, discovery, and innovation, which leads to student success in school and in life.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Dance Free Weeks™, a community engagement program held in schools throughout Santa Ana and neighboring under-served communities, reaches about 3,000 additional students annually.

ON STAGE

Our young artists collaborate with recognized choreographers to create unexpected and challenging works of contemporary dance, performed in professional settings.

Academic Services & College and Career Readiness Programs

We make a 10-year commitment to our youth from third grade through high school and guide them through their long-term journeys to higher education.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Individualized one-on-one tutoring, homework assistance, remedial workshops, and access to a computer lab and resource library ensure our students meet or exceed grade-level proficiency.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

A majority of our graduates qualify for merit-based, four-year scholarships, totaling up to $10,000, from The Wooden Floor.

COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS PROGRAMS

Through the Next Step™, college planning begins in the sixth grade. Career Panels and college tours help our youth select a degree to pursue. College application and financial aid workshops ensure they are prepared for higher education.

Family Services & Enrichment Programs

The Wooden Floor provides a safe space for our students to ensure they are supported in their personal and family lives. Through their journeys, creativity is fostered, commitment is fundamental, and discovery occurs every day.

CASE MANAGEMENT & CRISIS INTERVENTION

An open-door policy for dealing with crises or parental concerns allows our students and families to feel supported at home. If we can’t provide immediate assistance, we refer them to a community partner.

FAMILY WORKSHOPS

Parents attend workshops related to parenting and family health.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

Students receive daily mentoring by The Wooden Floor’s skilled staff, including dance faculty, tutors, and mentors.