providing Hope and Opportunity Through Dance, Academic, and Family Programs
summer 2012
danceup The Wooden Floor
In the First Person
melanie ríos glaser, artistic director
Rocio, Class of 2009 I didn’t notice until I went to college, but The Wooden Floor didn’t create just a dancer, it created an artist in me. I started at The Wooden Floor in 2002, when I was 11 years old. As I spent time here, dance became more than a hobby. I started to see it as more than someplace to be after school. Dance was something that was feeding me. It was a way in which I could transmit my thoughts and connect to people, because language was a barrier for me when I started at The Wooden Floor. I spent so much time here, everyone really helped me grow until I didn’t need help anymore. I was in six Annual Concerts at The Wooden Floor. I still remember working with choreographer Sally Silvers. It was the first time a choreographer gave me the opportunity to have a solo. She said, “You have the whole stage for you, now enjoy it!” She believed in me, and that stood out a lot in my life.
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Through dance, I learned to break out of my bubble, to not compare myself to others. I learned that I have my own voice. I don’t want to lose who I am or where I come from. When you get out into a bigger world, you can easily lose your voice. But what I learned here is that by being who I really am is how I will succeed.
After graduating from The Wooden Floor, Rocio attended Santa Ana College, where she earned her AA in Dance, Liberal Arts, and Psychology. She also earned admission as a transfer student to UC Irvine, CSU Long Beach, CSU San Jose, and CSU Fullerton. She recently committed to attending CSU Long Beach this fall, majoring in Dance.
Thursday May 31Saturday June 2 29th Annual Concert: Tuned In
Friday, June 1 Arts Night Out! Irvine Barclay Theatre 6:45pm
Thursday, September 27 Keep the Promise Wine Tasting Benefit Newport Beach, CA
At the Irvine Barclay Theatre, experience a powerful collaboration between three nationally recognized experimental choreographers and our under-served youth, yielding work that is original, inventive, and distinctive. Get your tickets today at www.TheWoodenFloor.org/TunedIn.
Explore the work in Tuned In with choreographers Chris Yon and Melanie Ríos Glaser at a free preperformance chat followed by complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine. RSVP by May 29 to Jenn at RSVP@TheWoodenFloor.org.
Sample 12 exquisite highly rated wines artfully paired with gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Proceeds benefit the forward movement of our 375 youth. For early reservations or sponsorship opportunities contact Keegan at 714.541.8314 ext. 140 or visit www.TheWoodenFloor.org/Events
Complete information on events featuring the students of The Wooden Floor is available online at www.TheWoodenFloor.org.
Supporter Spotlight
30 Hours with Steve Paxton Steve Paxton looms large in the history of dance. He has contributed to the field through what he has observed and named, in addition to what he has invented. As an important influence in my life, I invited him to come work with the young people of The Wooden Floor. I sent him samples of our concert work and he responded by saying, “…you mentioned earlier that The Wooden Floor was not like other performing arts organizations for teens, and I agree. These are not the predictable
At just about every Annual Concert performance, our young artists can count on seeing the encouraging faces of Cath MacIver and Jim Slaughter in the audience. Cath and Jim also host an annual Artists’ Dinner and have made it into a tradition for the professional artists and designers that join The Wooden Floor at the Irvine Barclay Theatre each year. “The concert season only comes around once a year, so we have to drink it in while we can! It’s always such a joy to see the kids dance,” says Jim.
One of the couple’s fondest memories is working as volunteer stagehands at The Wooden Floor’s very first performance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. “Back then, there was no money to pay for professional stagehands, so we were it! Every night we were in the theater ‘till midnight and then we’d go to work every day at our “day jobs” too. We were ready to drop from exhaustion!” Jim says with a laugh. “We don’t work backstage so much anymore – now it’s more about bringing friends and spreading the word about The Wooden Floor.” They have spread the word far and wide, including when they nominated The Wooden Floor and helped the organization win an international video contest sponsored by Ford Motor Company aimed at promoting exceptional nonprofits from around the world. Cath, who works as a Senior Vice President at Bank of America’s Insurance Services Group, also advocated for The Wooden Floor to win the bank’s prestigious Neighborhood Builder’s Award. “Just the fact that for nearly 30 years, the organization has grown from nothing more than an idea to an institution serving so many underprivileged children is amazing,” Jim says with a smile. “At the Wooden Floor, kids are given the opportunity to learn dance, and encouraged to dream big about the future that they can make for themselves. That’s very satisfying.”
2 The Wooden Floor | summer 2012
For two weeks in March, Steve Paxton was in residency at The Wooden Floor teaching our advanced dancers his work named Material for the Spine. Time seems to slow down around Steve.
After nearly a decade at The Wooden Floor, we are proud to introduce the Class of 2012 graduates and the schools they will be attending:
Cath MacIver & Jim Slaughter
In fact, it is hard to find any tradition at The Wooden Floor that Cath and Jim aren’t deeply a part of. The couple’s dedication to the organization spans almost the entire length of The Wooden Floor’s existence. Cath joined the Board of Directors when the organization was only three years old, in 1986. Jim followed suit in 2005, and today serves as Vice-Chair.
works. They are difficult works, challenging works, and they are new works. It isn’t well worn or well known repertory, and there is no video for the students to model upon. The educational implications of this are just sinking in. You are giving teens adult responsibilities. I begin to understand why this project is having such an impact in their lives.”
Stephanie Aguilar Orange Coast College
Valeria Herrera CSU Sacramento
Jessica Alcocer CSU Fullerton
Jaimie Lopez Northern Arizona University
Valeria Bahena Santa Ana College
Maritere Lopez Fullerton College
Diana Betancourt CSU San Francisco Erica Calderon Orange Coast College Kerlly Castellano Boston University Mariely Chavez Santa Ana College Alejandra Colon Santa Ana College Alfredo Contreras CSU Fullerton
Gabriela Martinez Santa Ana College Amairani Quezada CSU Fullerton Jocelyn Solano Santa Ana College Nenexi Zamorano UC Riverside
sense of community & learning •Anin aembodied team environment Safety to explore and express •Increased •by others sense of self through being witnessed greater curiosity and attentiveness •Developing Creative problem solving •
Why our approach to dance? We are often asked why we choose our approach to dance. It is a commitment to a dance aesthetic that values exploration, discovery, and innovation, which leads to the success of our students in school and life.
Francisco Luna CSU Fullerton
Knowledge Awareness
Performance Opportunities
Annual Concert, open houses, and other performance opportunities
Thrive
Creative Development
Exposure to guest choreographers, master classes, and company residencies
action = change
Access to the soul through the creative experience •An ability to engage in healthy play •Learning to trust in oneself and others •Encouraging of new paths of thought •
Dance Education & Training Classes in modern dance, ballet, and improvisation
Skills/ structure
and self-awareness •Discipline well-being Physical • •APresence • ready and adaptable mindset
We started to take notice of things. Noticing lead to presence, which in turn triggered insight. We gained knowledge about ourselves and about others. We became attuned to the moment before movement begins; in that space of time there is intent, there is the preparedness for action. We realize that the small movement can be more revealing than the big, and learn that the discipline of repetition leads to betterment.
master teachers like Steve Paxton to work with our under-served youth shows that through the exposure to great opportunities progress is irreversible. Once you have felt a sense of accomplishment, of having gained insight, or of mastering something valuable, it becomes a feeling you look to repeat. That’s growth.
What a gift he brought to the young people of The Wooden Floor! This commitment to bring
Melanie Ríos Glaser Artistic Director and Co-CEO, The Wooden Floor
The Wooden Floor performs
Experimental dancer and choreographer Steve Paxton (American, b. 1939) developed Contact Improvisation in 1972, indelibly transforming the vocabulary of dance. He was one of the founders of the Judson Dance Theater, Grand Union, Contact Improvisation, and Touchdown Dance for the visually disabled (UK). He performed with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company from 1961-65. Paxton is widely regarded today as one of the most influential choreographers of his generation. His work will be showcased this fall at MOMA in New York.
The Wooden Floor Newsfeed July 12 The first health fair will be held in partnership with fellow nonprofit Latino Health Access and grocer Northgate Markets to raise family awareness on nutrition, diabetes, heart disease, and provide free medical screenings.
29th Annual Concert Our studios are abuzz with rehearsals in preparation for our 29th Annual Concert: Tuned In, opening May 31 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Three experimental choreographers who are shaping the world of contemporary dance are brought together with the under-served youth of The Wooden Floor, forming a unique and powerful collaboration. This intense art-making process yields work that is original, inventive, and distinctive. Bring a friend, leave your expectations at the door, and experience contemporary dance that breaks down the stereotypes of who can ignite and create art. It’s a must-see performance that promises to be every bit as meaningful for the audience as it is for the dancers. “It practically takes your breath away,” notes the Orange County Register.
June 30 Youth from The Wooden Floor will head off to sponsored summer camps for two weeks. Many of these students have never been out of the city before. June 18 Students will begin the Summer Reading Program and Summer Learning Workshop to expand their vocabulary and hone their math and science skills.
8:00pm nightly, plus a 2:30pm Saturday matinee General Seating $20 Benefit Seating $50*
May 31 Our 132 “Stars” will arrive for opening night of Tuned In and find their names on large silver stars hanging in their dressing rooms. Our young artists appreciate our Annual Concert and Star sponsors for helping create this unforgettable moment.
Get Your Tickets Today!
April 29 The documentary The Modern Man, about alumnus Fernando and his journey while at The Wooden Floor, is accepted into and screened at the Newport Beach Film Festival.
Four Performances Only! May 31-June 2, 2012
Half price discount for children under 13 and students *Includes $30 tax deductible contribution
Online www.TheWoodenFloor.org/TunedIn
via Irvine Barclay Theatre Box Office 949.854.4646 4242 Campus Drive in Irvine (M-F: 10:00am-6:00pm, Sat-Sun: 12:00pm-4:00pm)
Plan Your Visit
Learn about the dances, meet the choreographers, find local eateries, and get directions to the Irvine Barclay Theatre—an easy-to-find location with close parking. www.TheWoodenFloor.org/TunedIn
April 27 The Class of 2012 participates in “The Power of Your Image” workshop, with new collaborator Working Wardrobes, learning about business etiquette and professional image in the workplace. April 12 Friends and supporters of The Wooden Floor gather at our campus for Inside the Studio where they receive an in-depth look into the dance-making process behind the Annual Concert. March 16 The Class of 2014 (Sophomores), excited to begin their college planning, meet with our College Prep Coordinator to get started identifying universities, learning about financial aid, and tackling the art of the entrance essay. March 15 Students explore new career paths by attending a Technology Career Night featuring professionals from Broadcom, Corent Technology, AltosMD, and MedAssets.
*
Arts Night Out!
Friday, June 1 at 6:45pm
Attend a free pre-concert chat followed by complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine. Explore the creative process behind the work with choreographers Chris Yon and Melanie Ríos Glaser. Please RSVP to Jenn by May 29 at RSVP@TheWoodenFloor.org.
March 8 A small ensemble of alumni and current students perform at the Irvine Barclay Theatre with other well-known dance companies at a star-studded tribute in honor of The Wooden Floor Board Member and distinguished choreographer Donald McKayle. Stay up to date and join The Wooden Floor online community on: www.TheWoodenFloor.org 3
The Wooden Floor Board of Directors 2011-2012 Ernesto Vasquez, Chair AIA, Founding Partner, McLarand Vasquez Emsiek & Partners Jim Slaughter, Vice Chair Attorney at Law, Slaughter & Slaughter, LLP Damien Jordan, Immediate Past Chair General Manager, Retired, American Funds/Capital Group Companies, Inc. Frank Foster, Secretary Principal, Residential Strategies, LLC Richard C. Hunsaker, Treasurer President, Hunsaker Management Glennda Adair Community Leader Joan Beall Community Leader Catherine Chase Senior Vice President, Credit Suisse Private Bank Jim Driscoll Community Leader Frank Hall Vice President Resource Development, Retired, St. Joseph Health System Sharon Hartshorn Community Leader
Sponsor a Star “I’ve been in seven of The Wooden Floor’s Annual Concerts, and I keep my Stars in my room on the wall. I have all of them,” dancer Nenexi says with a smile. “They make me feel so proud of myself, just by looking at them. They bring back that sense of accomplishment.” —Nenexi, Class of 2012
Just like Nenexi, each and every Star should feel the reward of their hard work. As 132 students arrive for Opening Night of The Wooden Floor’s 29th Annual Concert: Tuned In, the children will see their names displayed on large silver stars next to the bright lights of their dressing room mirror. This moment represents months of rehearsals and tremendous dedication. On stage and witnessed by an audience, these students will learn that who they are and what they have to say matters—this they will never forget. Please support this life-changing moment in the lives of underserved youth and Sponsor a Star today. Stars start at just $25. Join us in showing our students that they deserve to be celebrated by returning your Star Sponsorship in the enclosed envelope today.
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Or, make your gift online at www.TheWoodenFloor.org/Star
Virginia Hunsaker Community Leader Yvonne M. Jordan Community Leader Juan Laguna, Parent Representative Attorney at Law Catherine MacIver Senior Vice President, Bank of America Insurance Services Group
6th Annual
each of the handpicked vintages showcased at this benefit, now in its 6th year.
PROMISE
Donald McKayle Professor of Dance, Emeritus, University of California, Irvine
A Wine Tasting Benefit for The Wooden Floor
Danny Melita Community Leader
Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 6:00pm
Yvonne R. O’Neill Certified Public Accountant, O’Neill Financial Management
This fall, experience an evening of exquisite handpicked wines, including Oregon and California Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays and French Red and White Burgundies at this year’s Keep the Promise Wine Tasting Benefit. Held at Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach, the benefit boasts an exploration of 12 of the most spectacular wines available, all rated 95 points and above by The Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator magazines.
Luz Orozco, Parent Representative Community Leader Cyrus Parker–Jeannette Interim Associate Dean of the College of the Arts, California State University, Long Beach DAWN S. REeSE Executive Director and Co-CEO, The Wooden Floor Melanie Ríos Glaser Artistic Director and Co-CEO, The Wooden Floor Kristy Santimyer-Melita Community Leader Larry Stofko Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, St. Joseph Health System
“One of the ideas I came up with to raise funds for The Wooden Floor was to host a wine tasting of very-high quality wines,” explained Premier Sponsor John Markley in an interview with the Orange County Register. John and his wife Janice, longtime supporters, have generously donated
Susan Whittaker Governance Counsel, St. Joseph Health Ministry
Beth Burns, Board Emerita Founder of The Wooden Floor and Artistic Director (’83-’05)
The Markleys’ enthusiasm for The Wooden Floor and this event has garnered the attention of Southern California’s biggest wine enthusiasts. Last year, over 300 people attended the benefit, which netted $150,000 for The Wooden Floor, allowing the organization to propel its 375 underserved youth towards high school graduation and college enrollment.
To learn more about how you can get involved, or for sponsorship inquiries, please visit www.TheWoodenFloor.org/Events or contact Keegan Bell at 714.541.8314 ext. 140.
Where There’s a Will...
Barbara Yingling Community Leader William Yingling III Community Leader
Wine Spectator’s #1-ranked wine of 2011, the 2009 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir from California’s Sonoma Coast, is the highlight of the evening. Other wines include the complex but elegant 2009 White Rose Vineyard “Whole Cluster” Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills, Oregon (Rated 96 points); and the superb 2006 Kistler Chardonnay from Sonoma Valley, California (Rated 96-98 points).
Your gift impacts a lifetime.
Socorro Vasquez, Board Emerita Community Leader
We’ve all heard it, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” This is true in so many areas, including your estate plans. Most importantly, through a will you protect your heirs by ensuring their financial needs are met after you are gone. Plus, you have the opportunity to secure your legacy with one or more of your favorite charitable organizations like The Wooden Floor. Such deferred gifts to The Wooden Floor will impact a lifetime of opportunities for future generations of young people looking to realize their full potential. Although a will can be as simple or detailed as you wish, we encourage you to seek the guidance of an attorney or financial advisor. For more information on including The Wooden Floor in your will or other estate plans, please contact Keegan Bell at 714.541.8314 ext. 140 or Keegan@TheWoodenFloor.org.
Photography by: Kevin P. Casey
Thank you to the major supporters who have come forward this summer to support the students of The Wooden Floor, including: 4 The Wooden Floor | summer 2012
The Carl & roberta deutsch foundation