spring 2014
Providing Hope and Opportunity Through Dance, Academic, and Family Programs
danceup news from The Wooden Floor
Melanie rĂos glaser, artistic director
In the First Person Ann Alvarez, Class of 1999
I am the oldest of three children and was raised in Santa Ana, California. I auditioned for Beth Burns, the Founder of The Wooden Floor in 1989, and danced for ten years with the organization until I graduated from Tustin High School. A short time later, I proudly became the first person in my family to graduate from college, earning a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine.
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As a shy girl, The Wooden Floor gave me a platform to express myself through dance. It instilled valuable character traits that I have carried with me throughout life—the ones that are critical to achieving success. The confidence to take risks, discipline, and the perseverance to overcome obstacles.
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I have since gone on to start a marketing company in Huntington Beach with my husband, called Lead Research Group (LRG). We reached INC 500 status by INC Magazine as one of the “Fastest-Growing Companies” in the nation for three consecutive years from 2009-2011. I’m still dancing—but today it’s “mommy and me” dance classes. I would like my daughter to receive everything I got from dance—confidence, discipline, self-esteem, and working on oneself by building and creating.
1810 North Main Street Santa Ana, CA 92706-2727 714.541.8314 www.TheWoodenFloor.org
Recently I reconnected with The Wooden Floor to help families in need, so at least a few more children don’t have to go without during the holidays. Because I grew up in lower economic means, it is important for me to reach out to children in my home town, and to give back for all that I gained at The Wooden Floor.
Thursday, April 3, 2014 Inside the Studio 6:00pm
Thursday, April 24, 2014 2nd Annual Step Beyond Breakfast
May 29-31, 2014 31st Annual Concert Irvine Barclay Theatre
Engage with guest choreographers, Yanira Castro and Jeanine Durning, along with friends of The Wooden Floor over wine and hors d’oeuvres followed by a sneak peek performance and Q&A session with our young dancers about the dance-making process for our 31st Annual Concert. RSVP by March 27 to RSVP@TheWoodenFloor.org.
Join Orange County community and business leaders to celebrate our students’ 10th consecutive year of 100% college enrollment and to support the college scholarship program. Hear from the Class of 2014, and listen to a keynote address by Thom McElroy, co-founder of Volcom. Details on page 4.
Enjoy a triptych of works showcasing the talents of nearly 175 dancers of The Wooden Floor who collaborate with venturous contemporary dance choreographers Yanira Castro, Jeanine Durning, and Melanie RĂos Glaser. Details on page 2.
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Complete information on events featuring the students of The Wooden Floor is available online at www.TheWoodenFloor.org.