up dance NEWS FROM THE WOODEN FLOOR
A fond farewell to Melanie Ríos Glaser, pg. 8
Toasting 10 years to Keep the Promise™, pg. 10
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F A L L
Alumna Christiana pays it forward, pg. 4
danceup
Beginnings.
Dawn S. Reese Executive Director & CEO
Fall brings a time of new beginnings as our campus is abuzz with the activities of our 375 returning students, from Annual Concert rehearsals and dance classes, to tutoring and college readiness workshops. This year holds even more than usual. As you may have heard, after 17 years of dedicated service, Melanie has decided to leave The Wooden Floor to pursue her own new beginning. She will be missed, and I hope you join us in wishing her all the best in her next creative pursuits. You can read more on page eight. The recent groundbreaking ceremony for the Depot at Santiago complex, which will include a new annex of The Wooden Floor, marked another new beginning that was a touching moment to share with some of our students and families. Watching their young imaginations take flight as to what the future might hold for them with this additional space was truly inspiring. The smiles of their parents in recognition of how this big dream allows more children like theirs to have the life-changing opportunities provided by The Wooden Floor reminded me of the significance of our work together. As we embark on this exciting year, our bold vision has one central goal: Serve more students while maintaining our high quality, with a continued commitment to learning as an organization. The Wooden Floor’s culture is to listen and learn in order to lead our students forward. And with all these new beginnings, there are even more ways to join us in our efforts to transform the lives of more young people. On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, I would like to thank you for all you have done and will continue to do for our remarkable students, and those to follow in their footsteps. With gratitude,
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Mission
Moment
The Wooden Floor
Middle and high school girls participated in The Wooden Floor’s new Empowerment Workshop, which aims to validate female youth experiences and strengthen parental communication. Pictured here, students pose with their self-created inspirational art piece, which will be presented to them upon their high school graduation. It marks how they feel about themselves today, and celebrates their subsequent accomplishments. Parents of these students participated in the workshop at their own separate sessions. A workshop for boys and their parents is slated to debut in 2017.
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In the First Person Christiana, Class of 1999 “I first returned to teach at The Wooden Floor in 2005. It was an honor to teach at a place that had accomplished so many wonderful things and affected so many lives. When I was a student here, the facility was a lot smaller, but I felt a lot of love. There were many role models for me. I thought I was going to a place to get dance lessons, but little did I know I would be getting life lessons as well. It was a positive place where I felt like I could be my true self without worrying about being judged. During my adolescent years, I had a place where I belonged. It’s amazing to me how the art form of dance brings out so many good qualities in people. I truly believe being taught this art form has helped me in many areas of my life. It taught me creativity, discipline, self-awareness, teamwork, physical fitness, to be detailoriented, to be daring, and to have fun—just to name a few things. Dance has done this for many of us! My goal in teaching at The Wooden Floor is to challenge the dancers to do their best. When I see them panting for breath and sweating it makes me happy because I know they are pushing themselves. I want them to feel cared for and challenged at the same time during my class. I remind them that I once was a student just like they are now.
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The Wooden Floor
I love watching the dancers at The Wooden Floor grow. I look at the courage the youngest dancers have when trying new movements and how the older dancers appreciate the art form. I love asking the older students what they are up to, and I’m always impressed by their goals and dreams. I’m constantly inspired by the hearts and attitudes of these students. The students remind me to continue to dream and set goals.” Christiana graduated from The Wooden Floor in 1999. After graduation, she received a full scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. This fall, she will begin teaching ballet for the Orange County School of the Arts, and is also attending college with the goal of receiving a degree in kinesiology/dance. Christiana is a mom to a 6-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy.
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MASTER CLASSES: Legendary choreographer Tony Testa, who has choreographed for Michael Jackson, Ariana Grande, and others, taught Master Classes for our boys. He told the Orange County Register, "I just want these kids to know that there are people who want to help them reach their goals."
Drew A. Kelley, The Orange County Register
Snapshots of our youth in motion.
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LEADERSHIP WILDERNESS CAMPS: This summer, some of our students ventured into nature for leadership and team-building exercises at partner camps in Yosemite Sierra and Thousand Pines. Pictured here, students arrived at Thousand Pines Summer Camp to gain exposure to new friends, ideas, and experiences.
EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE DURING SUMMER: Students in our summer Learning Workshops studied the Old Stone Age and how humans survived in prehistoric times. They handmade their own bow and arrow, and learned the science behind potential and kinetic energy. These workshops allow our students to stay challenged academically during the summer months.
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The Wooden Floor
FAMILY HEALTH FAIR: Because families of The Wooden Floor often face challenges in receiving quality health care, we partnered with Kids Vision for Life Orange County, The Illumination Foundation, Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County, and Serve The People to host a very successful family health fair. 250 people received free eye exams, eye glasses, dental checks, diabetes screenings, and other important services.
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GROUNDBREAKING: Our students, parents, board members, and staff joined a cross section of the Santa Ana community, as well as city and county officials, at the groundbreaking celebration for the Depot at Santiago workforce housing complex, hosted by C&C Development and the Orange Housing Development Corporation. The complex will include a new annex of The Wooden Floor. We are thrilled to be answering the call from our community to serve more students and their families at this location by the end of 2017.
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DO YOU KNOW A CHILD WHO NEEDS US? ANNUAL AUDITIONS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2016 8:30AM-1:30PM At The Wooden Floor’s Annual Auditions, staff members and volunteers brace themselves for a day filled with great emotion. For the students who make it into our organization, there is an uplifting excitement, knowing their potential will be fulfilled. For the hundreds we do not have the space to serve, our staff encourages them to keep the sense of accomplishment they felt that day. We invite you to come by or volunteer at our Annual Auditions so you can see firsthand how much our community needs The Wooden Floor. Parents interested in enrolling their child may receive more information in English or Spanish at www.TheWoodenFloor.org/ Auditions or 714.541.8314 ext. 128.
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A Fond Farewell Artistic Director and Co-CEO Melanie Ríos Glaser has announced that she is leaving The Wooden Floor to return to her work as a freelance choreographer, dance educator, dance artist, and to spend time with her family. While her last day was August 9th, she will be back to teach master classes in the fall, and that will give students the opportunity to say goodbye. Melanie wanted us to share the following note: “It has been incredibly rewarding for over 17 years to play a role in seeing young people succeed due to their participation at The Wooden Floor. We prove that dance changes lives. I feel that the organization is in a terrific place with ambitious plans for the future and ready for new artistic leadership. It has been an honor to work alongside a stellar Board of Directors, staff, faculty, and The Wooden Floor community.”
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As many of you know, Melanie first joined us as a guest choreographer in 1999. She soon followed Founder Beth Burns as Artistic Director in 2005. She later became Executive and Artistic Director from 2008 to 2011 and Artistic Director and Co-CEO from 2012 to 2016. To ensure that our students receive the best so they could rise to become their best, Melanie drew together exemplary creative teams for our Annual Concerts and outside performances throughout the years, inviting artists who are at the top of their fields in dance, lighting, costumes, and music. In the near-term, Executive Director and CEO Dawn S. Reese will oversee dance education and artistic planning, with continued support from a seasoned leadership team. We’ve accomplished so much together with Melanie. Please join us in wishing her the best as she applies her talents to future creative projects.
The Wooden Floor
2016-2017 Board of Directors James A. Driscoll,* Chairman Community Leader
Felisha Luna, Parent Representative Community Member
Ernesto M. Vasquez,* FAIA, NCARB, Immediate Past Chairman Partner & CEO, SVA Architects, Inc.
Catherine M. MacIver Community Leader
Arthur Ong,* Vice Chairman Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel PIMCO Judith F. Posnikoff, PhD,* Treasurer Managing Director, Pacific Alternative Asset Management Company, LLC
Special thanks to our 2016 Sponsors Upcoming event details on page 10. Premier Sponsors Joan & Don Beall Sharon & Terry Hartshorn Ginnie & Rich Hunsaker Janice & John Markley
Silver Sponsors Cohn & Swartzon, a Professional Law Corporation Frome Family Foundation Teri & Alan Hoops Hydraflow - Ayloush Family Trish & John O’Donnell Ginger & Arthur Ong Jennifer & Jesse Rodriquez Carolyn & Peter Shea
Theresa Allen Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, First Republic Private Wealth Management Sasha Ayloush Customer Service Manager and Secretary of the Board of Directors, Hydraflow
Platinum Sponsors Yvonne & Damien Jordan
Gold Sponsors Jane & Jim Driscoll Judith Posnikoff Mary & Gary Tolar Julie & Justin Wilson
Epiphany Owen,* Secretary Partner, Government & Regulatory Law, Rutan & Tucker, LLP
Gilbert R. Cisneros President and Co-Founder, The Gilbert & Jacki Cisneros Foundation
Bronze Sponsors Karin Krogius & Scott Mason Muzzy Family Restoration Media Simon Foundation for Education & Housing Copper Sponsors Arent Fox LLP Michael Hayde Sue & Peter Hitch Ann W. McDonald Kristy Santimyer-Melita & Danny Melita Sue & Ralph Stern
*As of August 10, 2016.
Envangelina Gonzalez, Parent Representative Community Member Bryan Green Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Sharon Hartshorn Community Leader
Victoria Marks Choreographer/Professor, University of California, Los Angeles Danny Melita Community Leader Yvonne R. O’Neill* Certified Public Accountant, O’Neill Financial Management Dawn S. Reese Executive Director and CEO, The Wooden Floor Kristy Santimyer-Melita Community Leader Saar Swartzon* Principal Attorney, Cohn & Swartzon, a Professional Law Corporation Mary E. Tolar Vice President and Senior Strategic Program Manager, American Funds/Capital Group Companies, Inc. Joan Beall, Board Emerita Community Leader Beth A. Burns, Board Emerita Founder of The Wooden Floor and Artistic Director (’83-’05) Richard C. Hunsaker, Board Emeritus President, Hunsaker Management Virginia Hunsaker, Board Emerita Community Leader
Yvonne M. Jordan, Board Emerita Damien M. Jordan* Community Leader General Manager, Retired, American Funds/Capital Group Socorro Vasquez, Companies, Inc. Board Emerita Community Leader Jeremy Krout President/CEO, *Executive Committee Members Environmental Planning Development Solutions, Inc.
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danceup Upcoming Event
DIANE AND DENNIS BAKER
33RD ANNUAL CONCERT OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION, JUNE 2, 2016 JOHN AND JANICE MARKLEY WITH BOARD CHAIRMAN JIM DRISCOLL AND STUDENT ROLANDO
Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 6:00pm Big Canyon Country Club Newport Beach, CA Enjoy some of the highest rated wines from around the world and celebrate 10 years of coming together as a community and continuing to raise funds to transform the lives of under-served youth through the power of dance and access to higher education. This year’s Keep the Promise Wine Tasting Benefit is on track to pass the $2 million mark of funds cumulatively raised. Our students have given us something else to celebrate. This year, The Wooden Floor will have its largest graduating class ever—over 35 students are set to graduate high school on time and enroll in higher education! Please join us in keeping the promise we make to each of our students—from here, you can step anywhere. 10
Event Details
This benefit has become one of the region’s hottest charity events, and sells out each year. The evening includes: • A fun, strolling blind wine tasting competition • Signature small plates • Sharing of student success stories • Live and silent auctions • Opportunity Drawings • Giving opportunities
Concert Underwriters, Dance Partners, supporters, and their guests celebrated the accomplishments of our students at the Opening Night Reception for You. Me. We.—our 33rd Annual Concert. Guests visited with the cast of more than 150 dancers, to share in their excitement before the performance, which debuted four world-premiere works.
Supporter Spotlight "When the house lights go down, the stage is flooded with the exuberance of graceful young dancers. With poise and ingenuity, they invite us to share their bold actions, tender moments, non-verbal conversation and unrelenting motion. Once again the purpose of The Wooden Floor is reaffirmed." - Diane Baker, Dance Partner
Sponsorships ranging from $1,500$30,000 are available. Individual Tickets are $350 per person. Reserve your tickets or sponsorship today with the enclosed envelope or at www.TheWoodenFloor.org/Benefit.
DEIANIRA REQUENES, LISA FOIGELMAN, AND KRISTEN GALLEGOS
The Wooden Floor
Supporter Sightings
TAYLOR THOMPSON, MICHAEL THOMPSON, AND LEAD CLASS PARTNERS DRS. CONSTANCE AND DONALD SPERLING
KEYNOTE SPEAKER DR. ANIL K. PURI
4th STEP BEYOND ANNUAL BREAKFAST® APRIL 21, 2016
Over 125 guests gathered in celebration of the 12th consecutive year that 100 percent of our graduates immediately enrolled in college. Local business, civic, and community leaders gathered for the event, which was named one of the Orange County Business Journal’s Top 3 Fundraising Breakfasts in 2014 and 2015.
MICHELLE DEAN AND THE CLASS OF 2016
“When I was two-and-a-half years old, my father passed away, leaving my mother with four children to raise. My father was the breadwinner. When he passed away we were at the mercy of others to feed and clothe us. My mother got the courage and had the grit to go back to college and become a teacher. She ended up becoming a principal. She is a living model of what it is to be successful—hard work and sticking to your guns.” - Dr. Anil K. Puri, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, California State University, Fullerton
DON SAULIC, JACKIE FOIGELMAN,
LOU PEÑA AND FRANCES ESPINOZA
To learn about more ways to get involved, please contact Keegan Bell at 714.541.8314 ext. 140 or Keegan@TheWoodenFloor.org.
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RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
NONPROFIT US POSTAGE
PAID
1810 North Main Street Santa Ana, CA 92706-2727 714.541.8314 www.TheWoodenFloor.org
SANTA ANA, CA PERMIT NO. 949
Come join us! September 22, 2016
Join us to celebrate 10 years of coming together as a community and raising funds to transform the lives of under-served youth through the power of dance and access to higher education. Proceeds from the evening benefit our successful year-round programs. Details on page 10.
October 22, 2016 Annual Auditions
Know a child who needs us? Help us spread the word to our community about the opportunity to join The Wooden Floor. We are looking for students who: have financial need; demonstrate a desire to excel in dance; are in grades 3 through 8; and are 8 to 13 years old on the day of the audition. Children do not need any dance experience. More information at www.TheWoodenFloor.org/Auditions
November 12, 2016
3rd Annual Circle of Gratitude Luncheon ®
Tied to the organization’s value of community, our students, families, alumni, staff, and supporters are invited to gather as one over food prepared by The Wooden Floor’s Parent Leadership Council. Join us to usher in the season of gratitude and count our many blessings together as we support this parentled effort to raise funds for the most important resources entrusted to us: the youth we serve. More information at www.TheWoodenFloor.org/Gratitude
Photography by Christine Cotter, Steven Georges, and Edie Layland. ©2016 The Wooden Floor. DanceUp is a trademark of The Wooden Floor.
10th Anniversary Keep the Promise™ Wine Tasting Benefit