Providing Hope and Opportunity Through Dance, Academic and Family Programs
summer 2011
danceup previously known as Saint Joseph Ballet
mELANIE RĂoS GLASER, EXECuTIVE AND ARTISTIC DIRECToR
in the First Person Fernando, Class of 2011
Iâve been attending The Wooden Floor for about eight years, and they have been the best years of my life so far. Not only have I met some incredible staff members, but I have also made long-lasting friendships with people I would have never met at school. From experience, I know that if I wouldnât have attended The Wooden Floor, I wouldnât have been able to have the many possibilities of attending summer camps, taking free SAT workshops, or even getting financial help for my college tuition. The Wooden Floor has so much to give. I know that every time I come here, I always have someone to talk to if Iâm sad or if I have some excitement to share; someone is always here to listen. We can come in with a frown on our faces and end up leaving with a huge smile. I think thatâs one of the reasons why most of us call this place our âsecond home.â I have learned so much here about people, dance, and also about myself. I have become more open-minded about topics that people are usually afraid to talk about, and in general, I have become more talkative and outgoing. I feel that if it werenât for the dance classes and concerts, I wouldnât have been able to let go of fear and anxiety. A place like this doesnât just come and go; itâs here to stay in our lives forever. As I say goodbye to go to college, I know that this wonât be the last time Iâll ever see my âsecond homeâ. This summer, Fernando will graduate from high school and simultaneously complete his AA degree. In the fall, he will attend either University of California Los Angeles or University of California Riverside, double majoring in dance and political science. Go to www. YouTube.com/TheWoodenFloor to get to know Fernando better via a short documentary produced by students at Chapman Universityâs Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.
Thursday, June 2 â Saturday, June 4
Friday, June 3
Choreographersâ Chat at the Irvine Barclay Theatre
Keep the Promise: A Wine Tasting Benefit
A profoundly inspiring performance as three of the nationâs most interesting experimental choreographers create new work in partnership with 144 underserved youth. Tickets available at www.TheBarclay.org
Enjoy a free pre-concert chat at 6:45pm at the Irvine Barclay Theatre hosted by True choreographers John Heginbotham and Melanie RĂos Glaser.
Save the date for an evening of inspiring stories and exquisite wines paired with gourmet hors dâoeuvres. For early reservations and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Keegan Bell at 714.541.8314 ext. 140.
True at the Irvine Barclay Theatre
Thursday, October 6
Complete information on events featuring the students of The Wooden Floor is available online at www.TheWoodenFloor.org