The Wooden Floor Dance Up - Summer 2013 Newsletter

danceup summer 2013

Providing Hope and Opportunity Through Dance, Academic, and Family Programs

news from The Wooden Floor

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Melanie ríos glaser, artistic director

In the First Person

The Wooden Floor’s youngest dancers share their excitement about participating in our 30th Annual Concert: Sunrise.

“So far I really like learning new dance moves because they teach you how to cooperate with other people. This is my first Annual Concert and I’m excited to see what it is like to be in front of a lot of people and show them all the hard work we put into this.”

1810 North Main Street Santa Ana, CA 92706-2727 714.541.8314 www.TheWoodenFloor.org

-Rachael, Class of 2019

“My parents say The Wooden Floor’s Annual Concert is special because it allows me to express myself when I couldn’t before. Here you can be yourself. It is okay to mess up because you learn and grow from your mistakes.”

“My brother and sister were both in the Annual Concert, and I thought it was cool. It is fun, but a lot of hard work. I had to learn how to not talk during rehearsals.”

-Mayte, Class of 2021

-Karina, Class of 2020

Thurs-Sat: May 30-June 1, 2013 30th Annual Concert: Sunrise

Fri: May 31, 2013 Arts Night Out! 6:45pm

Thurs: September 26, 2013 7th Annual Keep the Promise Wine Tasting Benefit

Leave your expectations at the door and witness a powerful collaboration between internationally-recognized choreographers and 175 of our under-served youth, yielding work that is original, inventive, and spectacular.

Tickets available online at www.TheWoodenFloor.org/Sunrise.

Attend a free pre-performance chat and explore the work in Sunrise with choreographers Ivy Baldwin, Mark Haim, and Melanie Ríos Glaser, as well as our young artists, followed by wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Performance starts at 8:00pm.

RSVP by May 28 to Jenn Egan at RSVP@TheWoodenFloor.org.

Join us for this popular evening to raise funds for our mission and successful outcomes. Enjoy some of the most highly-rated and hardto-find wines in the world alongside artfully prepared hors d’oeuvres.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Keegan Bell at 714.541.8314 ext. 140 or Keegan@TheWoodenFloor.org.

presented by 89.3 KPCC

Complete information on events featuring the students of The Wooden Floor is available online at www.TheWoodenFloor.org.

The Wooden Floor Welcomes New Board Members Epiphany Owen

Creating From Scratch

I am familiar with this moment. It always comes: the collective doubt about the process, the fatigue, and the wavering enthusiasm. We all wonder, can it be that what is now an ugly duckling of a dance will turn into something wonderful?

After a recent rehearsal with more than 50 young dancers, ages 11-15, I collapsed on the floor feeling defeated. It had been a difficult session; we were finishing up a one-week intensive. The dancers were tired. At that point, the dance was nothing but unstrung bits and pieces, and everyone, especially me, seemed confused. I have now been creating dances for The Wooden Floor for fourteen years, and therefore,

At The Wooden Floor we decide to do it the hard way: creating dances from scratch rather than starting with a dance that already exists. The fact that this way of doing things is wrought with obstacles is exactly the point. We begin with initial enthusiasm and commitment, we move into self-doubt, we work through trying days, we make up material that doesn’t

Epiphany Owen is a partner in Rutan & Tucker’s Government & Regulatory Law Section, specializing in education law, labor and employment law, and civil litigation. She represents a variety of public agencies and private clients in both administrative proceedings and in litigation before state and federal courts. She also serves as a member of the firm’s Personnel Committee and has also volunteered with various nonprofits.

Epiphany graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with a B.A. in Political Science and a Specialization in Business and Administration.

She received her M.A. in Communications Management from the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and a J.D. from the University of Southern California Law School.

FREE PRE-CONCERT EVENT

“I am honored to be a part of The Wooden Floor. I strongly believe in, and support, The Wooden Floor’s mission and efforts to change and improve the lives of low-income youth through dance and academic programs.”

Friday, May 31 at 6:45pm Arts Night Out! presented by

Make it an arts night out! Explore the work in Sunrise with choreographers Ivy Baldwin, Mark Haim, and Melanie Ríos Glaser at a free pre-concert chat, followed by complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine.

Mary E. Xavier Mary E. Xavier is a Vice President and a Senior Strategic Program Manager at American Funds/ Capital Group Companies, Inc. in Irvine, California. Mary joined American Funds in 1989, and has worked in several areas, including Work Management, Shareholder Services, and Information Technology. Mary spent 10 years on the American Funds website team as a Senior Manager. She is now responsible for leading longer range strategic initiatives within the organization.

Mary’s nonprofit experience includes: volunteering for 5 years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA); membership in a local guild supporting Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), including chairing their annual wine tasting event for two years; and, participating as a committee member for the 2009 and 2010 Keep the Promise Wine Tasting Benefit for The Wooden Floor.

“Having the opportunity to meet and talk to the children, seeing the outcomes, and getting to know the staff, continually reinforced my belief in what The Wooden Floor does. I look forward to serving on the Board of Directors and having the opportunity to support the mission and organization in a more meaningful capacity.”

2 The Wooden Floor | summer 2013

Please RSVP by May 28 to RSVP@TheWoodenFloor.org.

1983-2013 ‘83

‘89

Beth Burns, a sister at the time with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, founds the organization as a summer pilot dance program for under-served youth.

The organization moves into a 4,000 square foot office with one studio in the Fiesta Marketplace on Fourth Street in downtown Santa Ana. 150 students are enrolled.

The organization opens its present day 21,000 square foot campus in Santa Ana. A total of $6.9 million is raised for construction costs and the Endowment.

‘99

‘93 The organization begins the first of an ongoing series of impact studies monitoring the effectiveness of its programs and the achievement of its mission.

‘03

The Wooden Floor conti to receive national recog for its unique model, inc the Coming Up Taller aw from President Bush’s Committee on the Arts a Humanities, poising our students to hold a track of 100% college enrollm since 2005.

‘06 The organization receives six years of capacity building investments by the Annenberg Foundation, James Irvine Foundation, and Weingart Foundation to position the organization for future growth.

work, and sometimes we even face the temptation to give up. Eventually things start falling into place (let’s hope!) and we pick ourselves up again, we source a new determination from within, we work through the exhaustion, and we reach the finish line.

The reward is a tremendous sense of accomplishment, camaraderie with one another, and the reverberations from an exhilarating experience.

It’s a feeling our young dancers will want to repeat in other parts of their lives—they learn that hard work equals success. Like making a new dance, the road to a fruitful life is not a straight line.

There is no better way to celebrate the 30th birthday of our mission than to come to cheer the dancers for their Annual Concert. Like our supporters from whom they receive so much, they did not give up.

Warm Regards,

Melanie Ríos Glaser Artistic Director & Co-CEO

performs its 30th Annual Concert

May 30, May 31, & June 1 Irvine Barclay Theatre Students commit to the Annual Concert knowing they need to be dedicated to a rehearsal schedule and be focused at those rehearsals. This process helps to reiterate discipline and motivation as well as develop time management skills in balancing school work.

Students begin rehearsals, comprising upwards of 180 hours per piece, approximately seven months in advance, where they co-create with internationally-acclaimed choreographers. Our young artists access their soul through the creative experience, gain an embodied sense of community and team learning, and develop creative problem solving in a space safe for exploration and expression.

Working alongside a team of highly respected professional costume designers, lighting designers, and scenic artists, students awaken their sense of curiosity and focus. They also experience a heightened sense of self-worth knowing they are worthy of the best.

The Wooden Floor’s 175 young artists finally arrive at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

As they step foot on the professional stage for the first time, they bring their life experiences, perspectives, and pride to the art they create. In turn, they bring new creative energy, knowledge, and skills back to their families, schools, and communities.

Get your tickets today!

8:00pm nightly; 2:30pm Saturday Matinee $20 General Seating $50 Benefit Seating (includes $30 tax-deductible donation) Half-price discount for children under 13 and students Online By Phone www.TheWoodenFloor.org/Sunrise 949.854.4646

In Person

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Raise a Glass

‘13

The Wooden Floor celebrates 30 years of changing lives through dance and begins to look ahead to further its mission and increase its impact in our community.

‘09 The organization, once known as Saint Joseph Ballet, changes its name to The Wooden Floor, a metaphor for the foundation the organization provides to thousands of young people, and embarks on a 10-year vision for growth.

July 21 Groups of students head off to enjoy sponsored summer leadership camps, where many spend their first time away from an urban environment and enjoy camaraderie with friends and mentors.

July 11 The Wooden Floor hosts its second annual Family Health Fair, bringing in community partners to host health screenings and nutrition workshops for our families who otherwise wouldn’t have access to these resources.

The Wooden Floor

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The Wooden Floor Newsfeed

7th Annual Keep the Promise Wine Tasting Benefit Thursday, September 26, 2013 Big Canyon Country Club Newport Beach, CA

Keep the Promise is quickly becoming Orange County’s premier wine tasting benefit, last year netting over $200,000 for The Wooden Floor’s nationally-acclaimed youth development programs. This popular event returns for its 7th year with a new selection of award-winning wines from around the globe. Guests will taste from some of the hardest-to-find vintages poured in support of The Wooden Floor.

Each bottle is hand-selected by passionate supporter of The Wooden Floor, John Markley, with help from Steven Poe—one of only 197 Master Sommeliers in the world.

Artfully-prepared, hearty hors d’oeuvres will elegantly compliment the evening’s selection, alongside silent auctions, opportunity drawings, and stories of student success.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Keegan at 714.541.8314 ext. 140 or Keegan@TheWoodenFloor.org.

June 18 The Summer Reading Program and Learning Workshop kick off our summer session, allowing students to continue engaging their young minds. Students are pre- and post-tested to see how well they hone their skills.

June 10 After a short rest from their Annual Concert performances, our young artists return to The Wooden Floor to continue growing in their dance education during the summer months.

May 30 Glittering stars, sponsored by loving supporters, greet our young artists in their dressing rooms at the Irvine Barclay Theatre for the Opening Night performance of our 30th Annual Concert: Sunrise. (Find out how to Sponsor a Star on the back page.)

April 25 Leaders from around Orange County gather in support of our Class of 2013’s academic plans and The Wooden Floor’s college scholarship program at the 1st Annual Step Beyond Breakfast.

Guests hear from graduating students about their amazing journeys at the organization and from keynote speaker Michael Felix, Senior Vice President, The Capital Group Companies.

April 4 Guests enjoy a sneak peek of the collaborative dance-making that happens during preparations for the Annual Concert at the Inside the Studio event. Our young artists perform snippets of the new works followed by a question and answer session.

April 3 Parents of 9th grade students attend a new and unique parenting series called ORIGIN, designed to share insights into adolescent development, stress management, and positive communication for teens. ORIGIN follows the successful IMAGINE and On Target decision-making workshops for our 7th grade girls and boys.

March 21 Students attend a “People Helping People” Career Night where they learn about potential career paths from licensed social workers and professionals from Mariposa Women & Family Center, Hoag Hospital, and Human Options.

Stay up-to-date and join The Wooden Floor online community on:

www.TheWoodenFloor.org 3

r o s n o p S r a t aS

The Wooden Floor Board of Directors 2012-2013 Ernesto Vasquez, Chair AIA, Founding Partner, McLarand Vasquez Emsiek & Partners

their value u o y s ents udent plishm our st m o w c o c h a S nd way. tion a ingful dedica n a e in a m

Jim Driscoll, VICE CHAIR Community Leader 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

Every dancer should feel valued for their hard work!

As Briana and her fellow 174 young artists arrive for opening night of The Wooden Floor’s 30th Annual Concert: Sunrise, your Star will be the first thing they see as they open their dressing room door and ready their confidence to perform.

Glennda Adair Community Leader Joan Beall Community Leader Catherine Chase Senior Vice President, Credit Suisse Private Bank

Sponsor a Star today to support this life-changing moment and be a part of their story of success. These large, bright stars are mementos that our young artists hold on to for many years.

MARIA CIRESE Parent Representative Community Leader

Your Star helps them know that on stage, and witnessed by an audience, who they are, and what they have to say, matters.

Frank Hall Vice President Resource Development, Retired, St. Joseph Health Sharon Hartshorn Community Leader

Sponsor a Star today at www.TheWoodenFloor.org/Star or complete and mail in the included envelope.

Virginia Hunsaker Community Leader Yvonne M. Jordan Community Leader

Thank you!

Catherine MacIver Senior Vice President, Bank of America Retail Products Group Danny Melita Community Leader

For more information, please contact Jenn Egan at 714.541.8314 ext. 139 or Jenn@TheWoodenFloor.org.

Yvonne R. O’Neill Certified Public Accountant, O’Neill Financial Management Luz Orozco Parent Representative Community Leader Epiphany owen Partner, Government & Regulatory Law Rutan & Tucker, LLP

Make an Impact with Your IRA

Cyrus Parker–Jeannette 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 Jim Slaughter Attorney at Law, Slaughter & Slaughter, LLP Larry Stofko Executive Vice President, Innovation Institute, St. Joseph Health Mary Xavier Vice President and Senior Strategic Program Manager, American Funds/Capital Group Companies, Inc. Barbara Yingling Community Leader William Yingling III Community Leader Beth Burns, Board Emerita Founder of The Wooden Floor and Artistic Director (’83-’05) Socorro Vasquez, Board Emerita Community Leader

Photography by: Kevin P. Casey and Nick Koon

Introducing the Class of 2013

and the colleges they will be attending*

Esai Alvarez TBD

Carolyna MagaÑa Santiago Canyon College

Karla Ramirez University of Redlands

Annette CorteZ Concordia University, Irvine

Jeraldyn MagaÑa California State University, Fullerton

Edmmy RincÓn Vanguard University

Lourdes De Loera Santa Ana College edith delgado University of California, Irvine Itzel Guerrero University of California, Irvine Jennifer Hernandez Chapman University Citlaly Lopez California State University, Long Beach

Thank you to the major supporters who have come forward this summer for the students of The Wooden Floor, including: 4 The Wooden Floor | summer 2013

Eduardo Martinez Orange Coast College Amber Morales California State University, San Diego Tania Murillo TBD Meyby Nicolas University of California, Santa Cruz

Karina RÍos Santa Ana College Alejandra Salazar California State University, San Marcos Bryan Valdovinos TBD Leslie Velarde University of California, Santa Cruz

*as of April 10, 2013.

Helen Sperry Lea Foundation

Did you know the IRA Charitable Rollover has been extended to the end of 2013? This means that individuals age 70.5 and older may distribute any amount up to $100,000 tax-free from an IRA to notfor-profit entities such as The Wooden Floor. Because of this tax advantage a supportive couple recently made an IRA rollover gift to The Wooden Floor Endowment to establish a scholarship fund in memory of a dear friend of theirs and The Wooden Floor, John W. Glaser.

For more information on this or other methods to support The Wooden Floor’s next 30 years through an endowment or legacy gift, please contact Keegan Bell at 714.541.8314 ext. 140.