summer 2015
Providing Hope and Opportunity Through Dance, Academic, and Family Programs
danceup news from The Wooden Floor
Melanie ríos glaser, artistic director
In the First Person The Quintanilla Family
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
PAID
santa ana, ca permit no. 949
nonprofit us postage
Family Connections Bonded Through Dance
“There are 10 of us kids, and five of us are here at The Wooden Floor. I was the first one to join. I can’t imagine not having the feeling dance gives me. I’m a completely different person now. I used to not be confident, not express my ideas, and I had no opportunities. There is so much The Wooden Floor gives us, like resources - everything we need. I understand being at The Wooden Floor takes a lot of time and effort, but it is so worth it in the end. I hope my brother and sisters look up to me, and like me, see it all the way to college.” –Miriam, class of 2016 “I joined The Wooden Floor because I wanted to be like my big sisters. I wanted to learn how to do really hard things. I wanted to be like they are when they are on stage.” –Rolando, class of 2023 “All my family talks about is dance, every conversation. It has helped me be more myself. I’m not afraid to talk or share ideas in school anymore. It helps with stress and makes us feel better about ourselves. Without dance we wouldn’t be unique and we wouldn’t be doing so great at school.” –Ruth, class of 2019
1810 North Main Street Santa Ana, CA 92706-2727 714.541.8314 www.TheWoodenFloor.org
May 28-30, 2015
“I used to have bad grades. The Wooden Floor changed how I act. The tutors here helped me with tips about math. Modern dance helped me too by being a respite, so everything can just flow. Dance teaches you to think about how other people feel.” –Elizabeth, class of 2021 “The Wooden Floor has strengthened our connection as a family. We used to not connect. Now we come home, and we talk to our parents. We are more open. There is nothing like the feeling of us all dancing on the same stage. At Annual Concert, we come together before we perform, and after that, we all hug each other. My family are the first people I look for and go to hug. There is always a sibling watching me from the wings, so I know I’m a role model, and it makes me try harder.” –Sara, class of 2017
May 29, 2015
32nd Annual Concert: As light comes through Irvine Barclay Theatre
Arts Night Out! presented by 89.3 KPCC begins promptly at 6:45pm
September 24, 2015
Mark this event as a must see! Co-creating work with the nation’s leading contemporary choreographers, our young dancers and their thought-provoking performances reveal the depth of under-served youth overcoming adversity. Tickets on sale now! (See page 3 for details).
Attend a free pre-performance chat, and explore the creative process behind As light comes through with our young dancers and choreographers Faye Driscoll, John Heginbotham, and Melanie Ríos Glaser. Wine and hors d’oeuvres to follow. Performance starts at 8:00pm. RSVP by May 26 to RSVP@TheWoodenFloor.org.
Sample the world’s most exquisite wines at one of Orange County’s premier Benefits. Proceeds help The Wooden Floor keep the promise made to each of our young students: From here, you can step anywhere. Details on page 3.
9th Annual Keep the Promise Wine Tasting Benefit™ Big Canyon Country Club
Complete information on events featuring the students of The Wooden Floor is available online at www.TheWoodenFloor.org.