28 - 30, 2026
From here, you can step anywhere.®
At The Wooden Floor, we love dance. It’s powerful. It has the ability to encourage our youth to think differently about themselves, to push through obstacles, and emerge as strong and confident leaders.
It’s why our students call us their second home, why on the dance floor they feel supported, able to embody who they really are.
It’s why, when strategically integrated with our academic, college and career readiness, and family services, 100 percent of our graduates do what only about half of their socioeconomic peers have done – finish high school on time and enroll in higher education for 22 consecutive years.
Through dance, The Wooden Floor provides a solid platform for advancement and success. Dance moves our youth. Forward.
“
Dance is for everybody everyone can do it."
“Dance is for everybody – everyone can do it. It feels like you’re liberating yourself. It feels free, that nothing matters besides that moment.
In our Annual Concert rehearsals, I’ve grown not just as a dancer but as a person. We are always told to try our best and never give up. We learn that we have to strive for greatness, and it prepares us for challenges outside of dance.
The Next Step academic advising has helped me reflect on what I can do to make myself better, not just educationally, but in all my decisions. It gives me what I need to keep going even if I’m in a tough patch.
The Wooden Floor is a place for community and for people to come together and to learn to understand each other. It is not just about dance, but about perseverance.”
David, Class of 2031
This is David’s first Annual Concert, and he is performing in Reflections in Time and Space. He attends Jordan Intermediate School in Garden Grove and aspires to be the first generation in his family to attend higher education. He dreams of going to Stanford or Yale to study law so he can, “help people feel safe, like people have done for me at The Wooden Floor and within my family.”
everybody –
Welcome
Iwelcome you to the Irvine Barclay Theatre for The Wooden Floor’s 43rd Annual Concert, Grounded Orbits! Tonight you will witness our community coming together in shared appreciation of what The Wooden Floor achieves through dance and access to higher education.
It is my privilege, as well as that of my fellow Board of Directors, to help uphold and advance The Wooden Floor’s mission for today’s students who will become our future generations of leaders. At this midpoint in our 10-year Strategic Vision (2021–2031), our Board of Directors and staff are taking time to reflect and prepare for the 2027–2028 Strategic Plan, continuing to deepen, refine, and evolve our programs and services to meet the growing needs of our students.
We are heartened by our community of students and families for their commitment to their 10-year journey at The Wooden Floor. We take that commitment seriously by making sure they have every opportunity needed to be prepared for an ever-evolving world.
We are known for our innovative solutions and creative youth development model, and I would like to congratulate The Wooden Floor’s Board of Directors, staff, students, families, as well as our supporters for their efforts to uplift, empower, and transform the lives of young people in our community.
The Board of Directors and I thank you for your ongoing commitment to our evolving mission. We encourage you to join us and learn about the ways you can support our students.
Sincerely,
Jehan Jayakumar CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE WOODEN FLOOR
When I think about the future our young people are stepping into, I feel both a deep sense of responsibility and an undeniable sense of hope. The world they will inherit is rapidly evolving, shaped by innovation, complexity, and constant change. And yet, what I remain confident in, what I see every day, is that what children learn through the arts today prepares them not just to face that future, but to thrive in it.
At The Wooden Floor, our approach to dance education is about far more than movement. It is a powerful vehicle for developing the life skills that matter most in the 21st century workforce and beyond. We call these the 6Cs: Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Character, and Courage. Through each student’s 10-year journey, they build these essential skills that equip them with the agility, resilience, and confidence to pursue their dreams and navigate an ever-changing world.
This year, we are especially honored to share that The Wooden Floor has been selected as the recipient of OneOC’s 50th Anniversary Spirit of Volunteerism Nonprofit Innovative Impact Award. This recognition is a meaningful affirmation of our commitment to innovation, to community impact, and to our mission of transforming young lives through the power of dance and access to higher education.
Through participation in our year-round programs and our Annual Concert, students consistently describe their experience as transformative. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Artistic Director Jennifer Bassage Bonfil, our extraordinary artistic and production teams and staff of The Wooden Floor. Their dedication, creativity, and passion have made our 43rd Annual Concert come to life, providing our students with an unforgettable opportunity to shine and uplifting all of us who will witness their artistry and courage.
To our community of supporters, partners, and families, thank you for believing in our mission and upholding our Value of Excellence in all that we accomplish in benefit of our students. Together, we are shaping a future filled with possibility for generations of students today, and in the years to come.
With gratitude,
Dawn S. Reese, CFRE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THE WOODEN FLOOR
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Jehan Jayakumar,* Board Chair
Founding Partner, Carlson & Jayakumar, LLP
Theresa Allen,* Immediate Past Chair Managing Director, RBC Wealth Management
Joseph Chatelle,* Vice Chair Principal, Mercer
Richard Lee,* Secretary
Market President, Retired, Aetna, Southern California
Yvonne O’Neill,* Treasurer
Certified Public Accountant, O’Neill Financial Management
Wendy Arciero, Executive Director, Anaheim Ducks Foundation
Sasha Ayloush,* Director of Sales & Marketing, Hydraflow
Seán Curran, Chair, Department of Dance, NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Viviana Davalos, Alumni Representative Community Leader
Michelle Dean,* Community Leader
Jen Dibble, VP, Corporate Counsel, Edwards Lifesciences
Christina Di Rocco, Investment Operations Senior Manager, Capital Group Companies, Inc.
Brent Funston, Chief Executive Officer, Wind River Group, LLC
Roxanne Goodman, Controller, Mountain View Services, Inc. and Chem-Pak Products
Naveen Jonathan, PhD, LMFT, Community Representative Clinical Associate Professor of Marriage & Family Therapy, Chair, Marriage & Family Therapy, Crean College of Health & Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University
Jeremy Krout, President/CEO, Environmental Planning Development Solutions, Inc.
Richard LeBrun, Managing Director and Head of Alternatives Business Management, PIMCO Investments, LLC
Sarah Lopez, MD, MBA, Medical Consultant, Division of Quality and Population Health Management, California Department of Health Care Services
Catherine M. MacIver, Community Leader
Kim Nguyen, Vice President, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management
Maria Ochoa, Parent Representative Community Leader
Juan M. Pacheco, Parent Representative Community Leader
Alix Portillo, Assistant Vice President, Compliance Monitoring Officer, Genesis Bank
Judith F. Posnikoff, PhD, Managing Director, Martlet Asset Management, LLC
Morgan Ratcliffe, Executive Director, Chief Communications Officer, Providence Health Plan
Dawn S. Reese, CFRE, Chief Executive Officer, The Wooden Floor
Saar Swartzon, Principal Attorney, Cohn & Swartzon, a Professional Law Corporation
Jerry Thode, Chief Executive Officer, J Paul Group, LLC
Shervin Vadood, Vice President, Branch Manager, Farmers & Merchants Bank
Ernesto M. Vasquez, FAIA, NCARB, Partner & CEO, SVA Architects, Inc.
Board Emeriti
Joan Beall, Community Leader
Beth A. Burns, Founder of The Wooden Floor and Artistic Director (’83-’05)
Sharon Hartshorn, Community Leader
Richard C. Hunsaker,** President, Hunsaker Management
Virginia Hunsaker,** Community Leader
Damien M. Jordan, General Manager, Retired, American Funds/ Capital Group Companies, Inc.
Yvonne M. Jordan, Community Leader
Socorro Vasquez, Community Leader
* Executive Committee Members
In Memoriam
of August 12, 2025.
About The Wooden Floor
Founded in 1983, The Wooden Floor is one of the foremost creative youth development nonprofit organizations in the country. We inspire and transform the lives of young people through the power of dance and access to higher education. In Orange County and through national licensed partners, we use a long-term approach grounded in exploratory dance education to foster the confidence and gifts within each child to innovate, communicate, and collaborate – skills necessary for success in school and in life. 100 percent of students who graduate from The Wooden Floor enroll in higher education. Our students become change agents and beacons of hope within their own families, their neighborhoods, our community, and our world.
Dance Education & Performance Opportunities
Dance education and performance are the core transformational elements through which our youth change the way they think about themselves and aspire beyond any socioeconomic barriers. In the dance studio, exploration, creativity, and self-knowledge lead to critical life skills, confidence, leadership, teamwork, well-being, and joy.
■ DANCE EDUCATION
Dance classes are offered each week in modern, ballet, improvisation, and choreography with professional faculty and live music accompanists.
■ CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
We make a commitment to a dance aesthetic that values exploration, discovery, and innovation, which leads to student success in school and in life.
■ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Dance Free Weeks©, provides dance programs in-school free of charge to Title I schools within Santa Ana and surrounding public schools. Dance Uplifts© is an after-school dance education program expanding to 32 school sites within Garden Grove Unified School District. These two community outreach efforts reach approximately 3,500 additional students annually.
■ ON STAGE
Our young artists collaborate with recognized choreographers to create unexpected and challenging works of contemporary dance, performed in professional settings.
Academic Services & College and Career Readiness Programs
We make a 10-year commitment to our youth from third grade through high school and guide them through their long-term journeys to higher education.
■ ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Individualized one-on-one tutoring, homework assistance, remedial workshops, and access to a computer lab and resource library ensure our students meet or exceed grade-level proficiency.
■ COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
A majority of our graduates qualify for merit-based, four-year scholarships, totaling up to $10,000 from The Wooden Floor.
■ COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS PROGRAMS
Through The Next Step™, college planning begins in the sixth grade. Career Panels and college tours help our youth select a degree to pursue. College application and financial aid workshops ensure they are prepared for higher education.
Family Services & Enrichment Programs
The Wooden Floor provides a safe space for our students to ensure they are supported in their personal and family lives. Through their journeys, creativity is fostered, commitment is fundamental, and discovery occurs every day.
■ CASE MANAGEMENT & CRISIS INTERVENTION
An open-door policy for dealing with crises or parental concerns allows our students and families to feel supported at home. If we can’t provide immediate assistance, we refer them to a community partner.
■ STUDENT AND FAMILY WORKSHOPS
Parents and students attend workshops related to social and emotional wellness and family health.
■ RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
Students receive daily mentoring by The Wooden Floor’s skilled staff, including dance faculty, tutors, and mentors.
Introducing
The Class of 2026
and the colleges and universities they will be attending
Heidi Agama Jimenez Chapman University Global Communication and World Languages
Angel Alarcon California State University, Fullerton Business
Yamilet Alcauter Irvine Valley College Sociology
Isaac Alegria American University International Relations
Gillian Carrillo Chapman University Accounting
Aaliyah España-Molina California State University, Fullerton Dance
Ashley Estrada Orange Coast College Sociology
Evelyn Flores Concordia University –Irvine Biology; Minor in Nursing Rubi Gonzalez University of San Francisco Sports/Event Management
Tiffany Gudino Irvine Valley College Psychology
Miley Guerrero Santa Ana College Nursing
Nathalia Guerrero Cal Poly Pomona Early Childhood Education
Jade Hernandez Irvine Valley College General Education
Melissa Lopez California State University, Fullerton Public Health
Bella Luna Aguas Irvine Valley College Political Science
Brianna Luna University of California, Davis Human Biology
Kuanari Morales-Paque California State University, Fullerton Special Education Mayra Navarrete Chapman University Biology
Aranza Nuñez California State University, Fullerton Psychology
Isabella Pacheco Irvine Valley College Biology
Destanie Ramirez California State University, Fullerton Public Health
Christian Rodriguez
Mount San Antonio College
Aerospace Engineering
Valerie Rodriguez
Sanchez
Golden West College Cosmetology
Shaden Velasquez
Golden West College Nursing
Alumni of The Wooden Floor Graduating From College in 2026
Arly Adame
Charles R Drew University of Medicine & Science
MS, Biomedical Sciences
Giselle Arteaga University of California, Berkeley BA, Sociology
Isabella Botero Cely
La Universidad de La Sabana (Bogota, Colombia)
MLS, International Law
Ashley Diaz
California State University, Fullerton
BA, Political Science
Cristina Garcia
California State University, Fullerton
MS, Women's Health Care
Mariana Garcia University of California, San Diego
BS, Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
Korina Gomez University of Southern California MA, Human Resource Management
Lizbeth Gonzalez
California State University, Long Beach BA, English Composition and Rhetoric
Kassandra Guevara
California State University, Fullerton BA, Sociology
Rafael Miranda University of Southern California
BS, Computer Science and Games
Diana Montiel Chapman University BA, English
Victoria Ocampo
University of Southern California BA, Business of Cinematic Arts
Alumni of The Wooden Floor Currently in College
Amy Acosta
Santa Ana College
Daniela Alegria
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Angel Alvarado
California State University, Long Beach
Celeste Arvizu
Orange Coast College
Camila Baez
Orange Coast College
Fergie Balboa
Fullerton College
Ariana Ballinas
Santa Ana College
Aratzani Beltran Guzman Cypress College
Ana Sofia Botero
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Violeta Carcamo
California State University, Fullerton
Sienna Cervantes
Orange Coast College
Danna Coria
California State University, Long Beach
Esther Corona
Santa Ana College
Guadalupe Cortes
California State University, Fullerton
Melissa Cortes
California State University, Fullerton
Geraldinne Cruz
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Sofia De Loera
California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Alexa Diaz Chapman University
Kimberly Escalante
San Diego State University
Megan Escobar University of California, San Diego
David Fernandez
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Emily Flores University of California, Irvine
Ashley Garcia
California State University, Fullerton
Axel Garcia
Santa Ana College
Genavieve Garcia
Santa Ana College
Leslie Garcia
California State University, Fullerton
Yetza Garcia
California State University, Fullerton
Jocelyn Gavilanes Concordia University
Donna Gaytan University of St Augustine for Health Sciences
Ritchie Gomez University of California, Merced
Evy Gonzalez
Santa Ana College
Sarah Gonzalez Coastline Community College
Alicia Guerrero
California State University, Fullerton
Ricardo Guevara
California State University, Long Beach
Arely Gutierrez Chapman University
Jazmin Gutierrez
Irvine Valley College
Michelle Guzman Javier California State University, Dominguez Hills
Kelsey Hernandez University of California, Riverside
Veronica Hernandez University of California, Irvine
Ashley Herrera University of California, Riverside
Jimena Hidalgo
California State University, Long Beach
Princess Huerta
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Zuri Islas
California State University, Fullerton
Francia Jimenez Concordia University
Monet Lace
Orange Coast College
Samantha Landaverde
Santa Ana College
Caius Lindbeck
Irvine Valley College
Dominic Lindbeck
California State University, Long Beach
Denise Loaiza
Chapman University
Brian Lopez
California State University, Long Beach
Emma Lopez
Orange Coast College
James Lopez California State University, Fullerton
Zayra Lopez Leal Azusa Pacific University
Chelsea Olivarez Chapman University
BS, Health Sciences
Kahlo Quinn
Vanderbilt University
MEd, Applied Behavior Analysis
Sonia Robles University of California, Santa
Barbara
BA, Communications
Osman Rocha California State University, Fullerton BA, Cinema and Television Arts
Xitlalli Salgado Chapman University BA, Communication Studies
Moises Santiago Santa Ana College
AA, Civil Drafting and Design
Monica Tavassoli
Stanford University
MS, Sustainability Science and Practice
Trinity Tran University of California, Irvine BA, Business Economics
Jurithma Velazquez California State University, Fullerton BS, Child and Adolescent Studies
Carlos Lozano
Chapman University
Frida Lozano
California State University, Fullerton
Cesar Luna
Santiago Canyon College
Mackenzie Maddox
California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Alejandra Magdaleno
Orange Coast College
Rosa Marcano University of California, Los Angeles
Ana Martinez
Orange Coast College
Katherine Martinez
Irvine Valley College
Kori Martinez
Chapman University
Mia Martinez
California State University, Fullerton
Beverly Mazon
Santiago Canyon College
Anahi Mejia
California State University, Long Beach
Cecilia Mejia University of Southern California
Heidy Mejia University of California, San Diego
Sarah Montiel-Guzman
California State University, Fullerton
Amy Morales University of California, Davis
Lenilson Morales
California State University, Long Beach
Nely Morales Life Pacific University
Emily Morfin
Irvine Valley College
Chelsie Ochoa University of California, San Diego
Vanessa Ochoa
Santiago Canyon College
Brad Olivarez
California State University, Fullerton
Julissa Oliveros
Santa Ana College
Juanita Onate Alvarado
California State University, Fullerton
Mayerli Parra
Santa Ana College
Kate Pineda
Santa Ana College
Rolando Quintanilla Saddleback College
Jacqueline Rodriguez California State University, Long Beach
Jeslyn Rodriguez Chapman University
Dulce Romero
Mount Saint Mary's University
Paola Ross
California State University, Fullerton
Jazelle Ruiz
Chapman University
Viridiana Ruiz
Santa Ana College
Juan Carlos Salazar
University of California, Santa Cruz
America Sanchez Santa Ana College
Joanna Sanchez Santiago Canyon College
Marysol Sanchez Orange Coast College
Anthony Sandoval
Charles R Drew University of Medicine & Science
Marlen Segura
California Baptist University
Stephanie Segura California State University, Fullerton
Emma Tassev University of California, Irvine
Diego Teran Saddleback College
Breanny Trujillo American University
Emily Tudela Chapman University
Ximena Valdez Cypress College
Itzell Valencia California State University, Fullerton
Karla Valle Santa Ana College
Alexander Vargas Santa Ana College
Dalilah Vazquez
Irvine Valley College
Valezka Vega Orange Coast College
Samantha Vergara Cypress College
Evelyn Vergara Molina Santiago Canyon College
Mia Villalpando
California State University, Fullerton
Mateo Zarate University of California, Santa Barbara
Kimberly Zavala Santiago Canyon College
Omar Zavala Fullerton College
I feel pride in myself because I did a good job."
“The Wooden Floor is a place where we can be ourselves. Dance has helped me gain confidence. I used to be really shy. The past five years that I’ve been dancing, I am not scared to try anything new or raise my hand in school anymore. Dance is just you, moving through time and space, and it puts a pause on everything. It is a way to show what is hard to put into words.
After Annual Concert rehearsals, I feel really accomplished and I get a sense of euphoria – I’ve been able to connect with other people, and I feel pride in myself because I did a good job. We are taught it is okay to make mistakes, whether in dance or school or anywhere else. Mistakes have helped us learn.”
Lucero, Class of 2030
This is Lucero’s third Annual Concert, and she is performing in Moon Tides. Like most of our students, she will be the first generation in her family to enroll in higher education. Lucero currently attends McFadden Intermediate. She dreams of attending CSU Fullerton or Chapman University to study psychology because she says, “I just like the idea of being able to help people and being a person others can come to with their problems.”
DANCE IS THE ANSWER®
A Spotlight on our Dance Approach
At The Wooden Floor, we have a deep passion for crafting exquisite art with our exceptional young people. We pride ourselves on our ability to produce original and thought-provoking work, and that is why everything you see on stage is innovative and compelling, perhaps even unusual or curious. Here, we share what makes our approach unique, with the hope it will heighten your appreciation for the work and our students, whom I lovingly call “superhumans.”
We are grateful you are joining us to witness our 43rd Annual Concert, Grounded Orbits. This title resonates across all three works in the concert, including the shifting pulls between individuality and belonging, explorations of neural pathways and memory, and the evolving structures of community. It also reflects The Wooden Floor’s commitment to grounding students during pivotal transition years so they can confidently launch into a rapidly evolving world shaped by technology, change, and possibility. In the words of a 43rd Annual Concert participant from the Class of 2030, “We hope our performance makes you feel inspired to handle any challenges that come your way.”
JENNIFER BASSAGE BONFIL
Artistic Director, The Wooden Floor
Our students thrive.
Dance encourages our youth to think differently about themselves, to push through obstacles and emerge as strong and confident leaders. Through Annual Concert participation, our students develop their confidence, autonomy, creative problem-solving abilities, internal awareness, and presence. In other words, our approach to Annual Concert and contemporary modern dance teaches our students necessary skills to thrive.
Student voices matter.
Cultivating community is an essential part of what we do. Students work independently, in pairs, in small groups, and as a whole cast toward a common goal. Inviting, acknowledging, and integrating the student voice in the process not only strengthens the community but also increases the students’ motivation and investment. With multiple student voices contributing to the process, our dancers gain an increased ability to receive, respond to, and value new ideas. It also awakens the human spirit, promotes joy, and allows for personal uniqueness to flourish. Our students learn that what they have to say matters.
What does it mean?
The work is thought-provoking and intentional, but it is alright if you don’t “get it.” You may have ideas, thoughts, or emotions that come up while you are watching. Allow that to happen. When viewing dance like this, there is no wrong answer or idea. There was an impetus for the creation, and the dancers perform with specific motivation — and that is why we are moved or invested or intrigued by what we see. It is completely acceptable, though, to have your own interpretation of the dance.
Artistic excellence is a priority.
We are committed to producing a professional quality experience with and for our students. Fueled by our organization’s Guiding Principle that “when we provide our students the best, they may rise to their best,” our artistic team is comprised of guest choreographers who are influencing and shaping the genre of contemporary dance. We are known for inviting top-tier artists, designers, and production teams, who excel in their craft and areas of expertise, to collaborate with our students and staff.
We hope you are moved.
Our dance aesthetic values exploration, discovery, and innovation, and that is why we commission original works by choreographers who co-create with our students. These highly sought-after dance makers provide movement prompts that inspire and guide our students to create original movements. It doesn’t matter whether you are witnessing modern dance for the first time or you are a seasoned dance viewer, our hope is that you are moved by the originality of what you see these young people creating.
THANK YOU TO OUR
43rd Annual Concert Underwriters
The Beall Family Foundation
HONORARY UNDERWRITERS
Helen Sperry Lea Foundation WHH Foundation
Bobbi Cox
Davis/Dauray Family Fund
Sharon & Terry Hartshorn
CONCERT PARTNERS
Michelle & Timothy Dean
ASSOCIATE UNDERWRITERS
Socorro & Ernesto Vasquez
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Cath MacIver & Jim Slaughter
Judith F. Posnikoff
Robyn & Dave Stauffer
Linda and Tod White Charitable Fund
CONCERT SUPPORTERS
Hydraflow — The Ayloush Family
Carole & Rich Lee
Ginger & Arthur Ong
MEDIA SPONSOR
*As of May 8, 2026.
About the Dances
Moon Tides
Choreographer Brit Falcon’s newest work, Moon Tides, is shaped by the dancers’ voices and their fleeting collisions layered through time. The movement is built collaboratively with the dancers, drawn from personal prompts, partnering games, improvisational scores, and gestures created in community. Sweeping group sections travel across the stage with speed, momentum, and grit, while quieter interwoven duets reveal moments of connection, support, and care. Like the moon and the earth to one another, the dancers both shape and are shaped by the shifting pulls between individuality and belonging as they grow alongside one another. The original sound score is developed and composed by Brit Falcon, with contributions from the dancers.
Reflections in Time and Space
Artistic Director and Choreographer Jennifer Bassage Bonfil’s new work, Reflections in Time and Space, celebrates her 20th Annual Concert with the organization, drawing from memories of past concerts and a curiosity about how memory lives in the body and brain. Inspired by shared and individual memory, neural pathways, and the brain’s duality, the movement explores patterns of connection through mirroring and response. The piece reflects the passage of time held in memory and the synaptic space where impulses are formed and reshaped. Original music by Brian Wood, featuring flute, piano, voice, and layered textures, unfolds as a living soundscape shaped by the emotional resonance of memory itself.
What We Cannot Build Alone
Choreographer Devin Oshiro’s new work, What We Cannot Build Alone, brings together dancers in a collaborative exploration of how individual voices shape and strengthen community. Blending precise angularity with grounded circularity, the choreography unfolds through themes of unity, contrast, support, and independence. Connections form and dissolve in ephemeral moments, creating a shifting architecture of bodies in space. Moments of unison reflect the experience of moving together while remaining true to oneself. Influenced by the abstract and geometric modern art of Wassily Kandinsky, the piece poses a central question: What can we build together that we cannot build alone? An original score by Zaq Kenefick weaves together atmospheric soundscapes, driving beats, and unexpected musical textures, shaped through play and improvisation.
Program Listing
PLEASE NO PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEOGRAPHY DURING THE PERFORMANCE.
■ Remarks from Chief Executive Officer Dawn S. Reese and Artistic Director Jennifer Bassage Bonfil
■ Moon Tides
World Premiere
Choreography Brit Falcon
Costume Design Lisa Kowalewski
Lighting Design James F. Ingalls
Music
Sound Score & Design by Brit Falcon
Rehearsal Assistant Jocelyn Magaña Murillo
-BRIEF PAUSE, PLEASE REMAIN SEATED-
■ Reflections in Time and Space
World Premiere
Choreography Jennifer Bassage Bonfil
Costume Design Lisa Kowalewski
Lighting Design James F. Ingalls
Music
Original Composition by Brian Wood
Rehearsal Assistant Ashley Allen -INTERMISSION-
■ What We Cannot Build Alone
World Premiere
Choreography Devin Oshiro
Costume Design Lisa Kowalewski
Lighting Design James F. Ingalls
Music Score by Zaq Kenefick
Rehearsal Assistant Sammi Waugh
Our Dancers
Moon Tides
Heidi Agama-Jimenez
Esperanza Aguilar
Estella Bucio
Guadalupe Castro
Alexa Delgado
Diego Dominguez
Sophia Dominguez
Kayleen Estrada
Abigail Fernandez
Genesis Fernandez
Emily Figueroa
Adabelle FlorianSolano
Emily Frutos
Arlet Garcia
Armando Garcia
Gael Garcia
Bethany Garduno
Lucero Godinez
Rubi Gonzalez
Marilyn GonzalezCabezas
Miley Guzman
Lyla Hernandez
Diana Jaurez
Eva Lambaren
Reflections in Time and Space
Bella Baraggiotta
Lucia Barba
Denise Benitez
Isabella Chamu
Victoria Chavez
Camila Cruz
Alexia De La Torre
Kaylee Dircio
Rebecca Duarte
Luna Esquivel
Elle Figueroa
Emma Frutos
Cassandra Galindo
Isabelle Galvan
Sherlyn Gomez
Halo Gonzalez
Keyra Gonzalez
Rose Gonzalez
Tessa Hebson
Katy Herrera
Sarah Herrera
Cindy Ibarra
What We Cannot Build Alone
Yamilet Alcauter
Priscila Baez
Karen Carrasco
Vania Cervantes
Ashley Estrada
Evelyn Flores
Evelyn Flores
Danna Gaytan
Kayla Gomez
Rubi Gonzalez
Andrea Gonzalez
Tiffany Gudino
Natasha Lopez
Pilar Lopez
Celeste Macias
Caroline ManzoMoreno
Mia Marquez
Emily Munoz
Eve Padilla
Kamilah Ramirez
Yamilet Resendiz
Daleyza Reyes
Liliana Rios Pastor
Lexie Rivero
Hitma Islas
Leslie Jimenez-Lopez
Emery Lemen
Michelle Mejia
Sammy Mejia
Delilah Memije
Galilea Meza
Zoie Milan-Feathers
Lindsay Miranda
Kuanari Morales
Addy Otanez
Amy Guevara
Edelyn Hernandez
Jade Hernandez
Maximiliano Lorenzo
Sebastian Miramontes
Kuanari Morales
Victoria Rosete
Amelie Sanchez
Mia Soria-Hernandez
Saray Suazo
Sabine Teran
Kymberlee Valencia
Daysi Vargas
Arely Zapata-Ramos
Yaristza PadillaJimenez
David Rodriguez
Tamara Salinas
Jazlene Santana
Kayla Santana
Yvonne Santana
Valentina Torres
Eliana Valenzuela
Lizbeth Vargas
Jaylani Zepeda
Velazco
Mayra Navarrete
Isabella Pacheco
Cielo Pelayo
Destanie Ramirez
Valerie Rodriguez
Darlene Santos
Ashley Allen, Rehearsal Assistant, is a dancer and educator based in Southern California. She holds an MFA in Choreographic Inquiry from UCLA and a BFA in Dance from CSULB. Ashley has danced professionally with Fresno Dance Collective and Dance Aegis and teaches at California School of the Arts — San Gabriel Valley as well as The Wooden Floor. She is passionate about teaching and enjoys sharing dance with anyone who is curious and willing to learn.
Jennifer Bassage Bonfil, Choreographer, is a dancer, dance educator, and dance maker who has been teaching at The Wooden Floor since 2006. She earned her MA in Dance Education from the University of Northern Colorado, a BFA from Chapman University, and an Arts Management & Dance Training certificate from the José Limón Dance Foundation. Jenn danced professionally with Backhausdance for 13 years and is currently the Artistic Director at The Wooden Floor.
Gee-gee Brass, Costume Assistant, is a recent Theatre, Film, and Digital Production graduate from UCR. Since completing her degree, she has entered the professional world of costuming for the arts as she
continues to work for UCR as Wardrobe Supervisor. Recently, she designed costumes for Fuenteovejuna, her first mainstage production at UCR. She is excited to be joining The Wooden Floor for another Annual Concert.
Kate Darby, Stage Manager, is honored to be joining the production team of The Wooden Floor again this season. Kate is the Stage Manager and Head of Props for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, which performs at the Harris Theater in Chicago, she also tours with the company.
Brit Falcon (she/her), Choreographer, is an interdisciplinary artist and somatic practitioner examining how bodies navigate and store their lived experiences. She has collaborated with Keith Thompson/ danceTactics, Kendra Portier/BANDPortier, Adriane Fang, André Zachery, David Dorfman Dance, and Dance Exchange. Her work has been supported by Gibney, Dance Place, and Bates Dance Festival. Brit holds an MFA in Dance and is a Licensed Massage Therapist.
James F. Ingalls, Lighting Designer, has designed twenty-one concerts for The Wooden Floor since 1996. Recent dance:
La Baydère [Dutch National Ballet], Peter Pan [BalletMET], Anima Animus [Paris Opera Ballet], Celts (Houston Ballet), Mayday (BODYTRAFFIC), The Hard Nut (Mark Morris Dance Group), stim (Paul Taylor Dance Company). Recent opera: One Morning Becomes an Eternity [Salzburger Festspiele]. Recent theatre: Job [Writers Theatre], Three Verses of Solitude [Zoukak Theatre/Beirut, Lebanon].
Zaq Kenefick, Composer, is a sound artist located in Los Angeles, CA. They make art about perception and audiation. They have been an accompanist at The Wooden Floor since 2018 and teach early childhood music in the greater Los Angeles area. They received their MFA from Cal Arts in Experimental Sound in 2020 and their BM from CSULB in Music Composition.
Lisa Kowalewski, Costume Designer & Costume Construction, has worked with The Wooden Floor since 1996 and designed costumes for IBM and Disney commercials. She has created hand-painted and airbrushed designs for Janet Jackson, Backstreet Boys, Mary J. Blige, and the opening ceremonies of the Salt Lake City Olympics. Other work includes costumes for the pre- and post-game events of Super
Bowl 50 and headpieces for Katy Perry. She is currently working on costume designs for Cedar Fair Parks and Legoland.
Jocelyn Magaña Murillo, Rehearsal Assistant, is an alumna of The Wooden Floor who realized her passion for performing at a young age. Jocelyn has performed works by Seán Curran, Laurel Jenkins, John Heginbotham, and José Limón. She holds a BFA in Dance from CSU Long Beach. Post graduation, Jocelyn completed the LimónPro Program in NYC. Jocelyn is on the dance education faculty at The Wooden Floor and is grateful to give back to her community.
Alvaro Nuñez Ramos, Technical Director, was born and raised in Long Beach, CA. He holds a BA in Dance from CSU Long Beach, and an MA in Art and Culture Marketing from Denver University. Alvaro's passion lies in designing lighting for various artistic forms. He is known for his technical expertise and artistic vision, which he applies to create innovative lighting designs. Alvaro is committed to pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences.
Devin Oshiro, Choreographer, is a dance artist from Diamond Bar, CA with a BA in Dance from CSU Fullerton. She spent over a decade in NYC, performing with artists such as Edisa Weeks, Mike Esperanza, Joanna Kotze, Sumi Clements, Annie B-Parson, and more. As Gibney’s former Deputy Artistic Director of Community Action, she led workshops promoting wellness and healthy relationships with young people and survivors of gender-based violence. Her choreography has been presented nationally and internationally.
Brianna Richter, Assistant Costume Designer, serving in this role for her fourth production with The Wooden Floor, is a senior Theatre Arts major at CSU Fullerton. She previously led the Props Department at Moorpark College for three years and has worked as Prop Mistress and Scenic Designer on numerous productions. Additional credits include Haunt at Great America and Legoland, where she served as Assistant Costume Designer in 2023 and 2024.
Sammi Waugh, Rehearsal Assistant, is a dance artist and educator based in Southern California. She received her BFA in Dance Performance from Chapman University,
dances professionally with Backhausdance, and is a part-time lecturer at Chapman University. Passionate about arts education, Sammi has taught and created curriculum for organizations, studios, and elementary schools across Southern California. Sammi is proud to be a dance education faculty member at The Wooden Floor.
Bri Westad, Production Manager, is excited to return to The Wooden Floor to work on Grounded Orbits. Bri is a freelance theatre artist originally from upstate NY who has found a home in Southern California. Bri has a BA in Theatre Studies from Ithaca College and an MFA in Stage Management from UC Irvine. Thank you to the amazing team that it takes to put on this incredible concert.
Brian Wood, Composer, is a multiinstrumentalist, composer, songwriter, and healer. He has collaborated with live dance and theater arts throughout Orange County, LA, and Japan for over 20 years. In his attunement process, he uses a specialized form of music improvisation to draw out and magnify the living essence of individuals and groups to catalyze awareness and healing. He has a BA in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara and is a trained somatic psychotherapist.
GROUNDED ORBITS ARTISTIC AND PRODUCTION STAFF
Jennifer Bassage Bonfil
Artistic Director
Bri Westad Production Manager
Kate Darby Stage Manager
James F. Ingalls
Lighting Design
Lisa Kowalewski
Costume Design
Alvaro Nuñez Ramos Technical Director
Brianna Richter
Assistant Costume Designer
Gee-gee Brass
Costume Assistant
Veronica Avzaradel
Box Office
George Simian
Concert Photographer
Albert Rascon
Concert Videographer
THE WOODEN FLOOR YEAR-ROUND STAFF
Dawn S. Reese, CFRE Chief Executive Officer
Nancy Arellano Development Operations Coordinator
Payal Avellan Director of Communications & Marketing
Renett Banagas Development Manager
Diana Barriga College and Career Readiness Coordinator
Jennifer Bassage Bonfil Artistic Director
Iliana Coronado Controller
Aylene Delgado Student and Family Engagement Associate
Kris Filip Marketing and Communications Manager
Tianna Haradon Chief Development Officer
Kimberly Hernandez Director of Student Development
Andrea Ordaz
Dance Education Coordinator
Teresa Rivera Family Services Case Manager
Vanessa Rodriguez Chief Operating Officer
Eusebio Romero Academic Coordinator
Gabriela Ruiz Administrative Assistant
Alyssa Ventress Public Relations and Development Associate
THE WOODEN FLOOR ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Erin Lee Human Resources & Accounting Specialist
THE WOODEN FLOOR DANCE EDUCATION STAFF
Ashley Allen Faculty
Nicholas Ceresia Dance Uplifts Instructor
Bruno Cilloniz Accompanist
Zaq Kenefick Accompanist
Kiara Kinghorn Substitute Faculty
Paul Kohlhas Accompanist
Jocelyn Magaña Murillo Faculty
Daniel Manoiu Accompanist
Hannah Mercado Substitute Faculty
Shelby Monson Dance Uplifts Instructor
Ismael Murillo
Substitute Faculty
Kiel Palsgaard Dance Uplifts Instructor
Gina Quintana
Dance Uplifts Coordinator and Faculty
Lilly Ramirez Dance Uplifts Instructor
Tessa Rawlinson Dance Uplifts Instructor
Ashton Titus Faculty
Patrick Vargas Accompanist
Kenneth Walker Faculty
Sammi Waugh Faculty
Brian Wood Accompanist
THE WOODEN FLOOR STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Andrea Almeida Receptionist/SSS Leader
Diana Arellano Academic Advisor
Mercedes Barriga Lead Tutor
Macy Freeze Tutor, Concordia University Fellow
Yaritza Martinez Tutor
Dania Lopez Sanchez SSS Leader
Helene Lopez Academic Advisor
Luis Ortiz Tutor
Nathalie Rios Academic Advisor
Cianna Ruiz Tutor, Concordia University Fellow
David Sabedra Tutor, Concordia University Fellow
Lucia Torres Tutor, Vangaurd University Fellow
Ashley Vazquez Receptionist
Delilah Vazquez Tutor
We are very grateful to the many individuals and organizations who support The Wooden Floor’s mission
...and contribute funds to the life-changing outcomes the organization provides its students and families.
The Wooden Floor acknowledges the generous contributions of the following supporters who contributed between March 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
$100,000+
The Beall Family Foundation ○
Suzi Chauvel/Chauvel Foundation ○
The Deutsch Foundation ○
Linda & Tod White Charitable Fund ○
Michelle & Tim Dean pn
Vidya Jhaver & Sishir Reddy
Emily and Jeremy Krout/EPD Solutions, Inc.
Janice & John Markley
Socorro & Ernesto Vasquez
Willette Charitable Foundation ○
Anonymous
Anonymous
Raymond Chao/Rosana Hsu and P.C. Chao Foundation
Dhont Family Foundation ○
Gray Family Donor Advised Fund ○
Helen Sperry Lea Foundation
Hydraflow — Ayloush Family p
The Kennedy Foundation
The Robert H. Murphy Foundation
Judith F. Posnikoff
WHH Foundation
Theresa & Jonathon Allen
Anonymous
Aubree Boul
Robin & Linda Boyd
Bobbi Cox
Crevier Family Fund
Croul Family Foundation ●
Davis Dauray Family Fund
DLE Equipment
Michele & Peter Duncan/ Myra & Peter Duncan p
Mary Ann R. Finley Family Foundation
Frome Family Foundation ●
Gochnauer Family Foundation
Sharon & Terry Hartshorn
Teri & Alan Hoops
The Hughes Family
Hutton Parker Foundation
Daniel H. Hyman
Yvonne & Damien Jordan
KNU For Kids Foundation ●
Carole & Rich Lee
Catherine MacIver & Jim Slaughter
Robert Mairena/Office Solutions ●
Ginger & Arthur Ong
Nicholas Pardon
Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation, Inc. ●
Segerstrom Foundation ●
Nancy & Geoffrey Stack
Robyn & Dave Stauffer
Sung-Hee Suh & Peter Dolotta/ Dolotta Family Charitable Foundation Tappan Foundation
TROY Group, Inc./The Dirk Family ●
Warne Family Charitable Foundation
Camin Whittaker-Kidd
Don Yoder Foundation ●
Nancy & Arn Youngman
Ling & Charlie Zhang ●
$5,000-$9,999
Glennda Adair
Wendy & Mike Arciero
Anaheim Ducks & Honda Center
AMS Roofing & Construction
Edie Barvin
Virginia Connolly
Cohn & Swartzon LLP
Crean Foundation
City National Bank
City of Hope
$2,500-$4,999
Kathleen & Anthony Arciero
Archarios Foundation
Anonymous
Diane & Dennis Baker p
Joann Leatherby & Greg Bates
Jennifer & Albert Bonfil n
Kimberly Brink p
Mark & Cathy Chamberlin
Nancy & Irving Chase p
Simon Chiu
Christina Di Rocco
$1,000-$2,499
Dawn & Charles Antis
Lauren Andrews
Elizabeth & Daniel Barnes p
Cindy & Ronald Bassage
Boeing Company
Dennis Bruner
Jeff & Kristen Bush
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Honorable Albert A. Frink & Denise Frink
Carolyn & Don Frost p
Fletcher Jones Foundation
Julie & Roy Gonella
Elizabeth & David Hunsaker
The Huneycutt Family Foundation/Michele & Joseph Chatelle
James F. Ingalls
Elizabeth & Don Johnson
Jillian & Jehan Jayakumar — Carlson & Jayakumar LLP
Robert & Michelle Kargenian
Karin Krogius & Scott Mason
Joe & Sylvia Livingston n
Ann W. McDonald p
Pamela & James Markman p
Mary Lou Mettler
Paula & Douglas Neff
The John & CC Nelson Family
The Nicholas Endowment Fund
Janet & Walkie Ray
The Strelow Family
Kathleen & Jerry Thode
Karen K. Ulman & Robert M. Knapp
Deborah & Harold Ward
Sandy Fainbarg
Christin Foreman p
Michelle Lund & Lawrence Kostrzewa
Melissa & Brent Funston
Roxanne & Eric Goodman p
Adele & Bryan Green p
Cherrill & Kyle Kawakami p
Sarah Lopez & Paul Korc
John C. Lockhart Family Trust
Debe & Mike Lucki
Bertha & Kevin Masuda p
Gisela & Ken Meier p
Monica & Jim Meacham
Edward Mora p
Kim Nguyen
Yvonne & John O'Neill p
Orange County United Way
Bonnie & Dan Platt
Jeffrey Richter n Richmont Corporation
Shelly Sandoval & Jon Lash
Marja & Michael Selna
Ronald M. Simon Family Foundation
Maryanne Skorpanich p
Vicky Staub
Mary & Gary Tolar
Charlotte & Hal Van Ryswyk p
Isabel & Rich Vreeland p
Suzanne M. Walsh
Gena & Richard Way
Peter G. Welsh
Mary Ann & Frank Xavier p Zappettini Family Fund ○ Lead Class Partner ● Class
Lead
Meredith & Mike Byer
Charter Communications
Shana & Mark Conzelman
Susan Cossaboom
Jen & Erik Dibble
Jane & Jim Driscoll
Denise & John Duncan
Catharine & James Dunlap
Elwood Advisors
Nancy & Stephen Eng
Kimberly Estrada
Gayle & Marc Ezralow
Quinn & Bryan Ezralow
Floral Park
Neighborhood Association
Dance Partner supporters underwrite a student’s annual participation at The Wooden Floor. Dance Partner students know there is someone outside of their family standing in their corner, encouraging them to overcome challenges and achieve success in school and life. Dance Partners and students stay connected through pen pal letters and optional visits at events and on campus.
Barbara & Gary Freedman
Gantry, Inc.
Julie & Greg Gersten
Wayne Goebel n
Sharon Govern
Monica & Joe Guillena
Denise & Bob Heenan
A group of committed supporters who build community through monthly giving to inspire our youth to succeed. Sustaining monthly gifts provide the support our students can count on.
$1,000-$2,499
Sue & Peter Hitch
Camille & Ron Howarth p
Hyundai Motor America
Stephanie M. Jernigan
John Jordano III
Lisa & Larry Kallestad
Brian Kelly
Sara Kuljis
$500-$999
Renett & Vincent Banagas n
Summer Born
Deidre Campbell
Tatum & John Cain
Alysha Loumakis-Calderon
Kathy & Jerry Dunlap
Suzanne Finley Friend & David
Andrew Friend
Diane Giblin
Marcus Haro
Ellen & Craig Haserot
Betty & Gerald Werksman
$1-$499
Sheila & Oz Abregov
Bernice & Dennis Adame
Deborah Anderson
Steve Anenberg
Anonymous
Nancy Arellano
Cindy & Craig Arensten
Jennifer Arnoldt
Payal & Adrien Avellan n
Audrey & Andrew Aw
Ramsey Ayloush
Sandy Barker
Julie Barrett
Kirsten Bauman-Vosyka n
Lindsay Baumhefner
Orange County Department of Education
Brenna & Keegan Bell
Scott Blake
Vicky Blanco
Tracy Booker-Veale & Allen
Booker
Gwen & Jeffrey Brady
Isabelle Brayman
Kenny Brooks
Kira Bruno
Sally Lane & Gary L. Schoonyan
Karen & David Leff
Beth & Randy Luce
Henrick Mar
Erin & Todd Meyer
Sally McIver p
Shari & Beau Nokes
Leo Paredes
Eileen & Thomas Hildebrandt
Carolyn & Frederick Horn
Naveen Jonathan
Virginia Kroenlein n
Agnes Lee
Stephanie & Evan Miles
Dale A. Merrill
Leigh A. Morris
Cathy L. Mullins n
Jennifer & Frank Nastanski
Jason Noble
Neurocrine Biosciences
Mike Budinger
Dana Butler-Moburg
Sarah & Alfredo Cahuas
Marcia & John Cashion
Clark Construction Group, LLC
Patrick Coil
Amanda Collett
Margaret J. Collins
Vicente Colores-Chalmers
Iliana Coronado n
Cindy Cotter
Seán Curran
Pat & Jack Curtis
Johanna Cypis
Brandon Decker
Susan Dixon
Phillip Doolittle
Jennifer Durham
Jess & Phillip Dykstra n
John Eckhardt
David Elliott
Jennifer Evans-Collins
Patricia Falzon
The Gehr Family
Chelsea Farbolin n
Peter Perrin
Ryann & Ed Polatschek
Morgan Ratcliffe n
Dawn & Eric Reese n
Julie & Michael Roberts
Diane Sagey
Cary & Will Singleton
Peggy & Doug Slonkosky p
Lesley & Bob Thiergartner
Judy & David Threshie
Julie & Justin Wilson
Sharon Wohl
Nella Webster O'Grady
Dandy O'Shea & Patrick McCalla
Allison & Jim Panetta
Gabby & Roman Paradiso
Michael J. Pomykata
Karen & Steve Presley
Phil Ramos Jr.
RBC Wealth Management
Esther & Sonny Rhodes
Nancy & Donald Ross
Marie & Michael Sackett
Katy & Jack Schoellerman
Amber & Tim Smith
Pat Soldano
Ginny & John Trapani
Shervin Vadood
Elaine & Gaddi Vasquez
Ellen & Michael Volk
Nancy & Jon Wagner
Lynn & Ron Wood
Jodie L. Wollman n
Carol Ferguson
Ekaterina Ferguson
Gayle L. Fisher
Kim & David R. Fix
Terri Folkins
Swartzon Family Foundation
Carrie Freitas
Jeni & Craig Frial
Dinah & Cliff Frieden
Cubby & Richard Fyke
Karen Raab/Chemers Gallery
Reetu & Doug Garamoni
Renee & John Gillespie
Terry Goldfarb
Elizabeth & William Goodan
Anh Nguyet
Nancy & Paul Groner
Meg Gullo
Melisa Halfman
Tianna Haradon n
Stacy Hawkins
Janet & Joe Henry
Lois Heo
Anne Marie Herrera
Michelle Highberg
Cindy Hill
Stephen Hryniewicki
Erika Iler
Karen J. Jimenez
Craig G. Johnson
Olivia & A. Andrew Johnson
Holly H. Joslin n
Genie Tracy Kirchner
Ayleen Kiyan
Linda Kiyan
Sandra Krauthamer
Jessica & Paul Krug
Kathryn Langston
Amy Larson & Phillip Smith
Kelly Latham
Michelle Ryan & Roni Lebauer
Jamie Lee
Jennifer Lee
Kathryn Lee
Be Sanskriti Legacy
Rubin Lever
Berene & Swithin Lindbeck
Haskell & White LLP
Andrew Lo
Iris Lopez-Guevara
Nathan Lozano
Beverly Maguire
Anna Manzo
Adam Mathis
Christine McCauley
Nora Pedersen & Roy McCord
Tracy Mclaughlin
Toni & Barry McManus
Louise & George Medina
Lauren Abercrombie & Andrew
Mesesan
Linda & Ken Mesesan
Catherine Michaels
Hope Miller
Amy Gelfand & David Misch
Michelle Montgomery
Lisa & Michael Montijo
Margaret Moodian
Mary G. Morley
Susie Morse
Jeannie & Kevin Mullin
Patricia Mura
Shannon Nelson
Barbara K. Newsom
Anh Nguyen
OC Board of Supervisors — 5th District
Sara & Juan Pacheco
Loretta F. Panighetti
Jeanine Pardon
Sandra Pearson
Edna Bernal Perez & Phillip Perez
Kelly Peterson n
Alix Portillo
Sandy Possehl
Claire Van Ryswyk & Bryan D. Price
Rudy Ramos
Jessica Rankin
Megan Rappe
Sol & Ken Roberts
Vanessa Rodriguez n
Mayra Romero
Jan Vitti-Rubel & Mike Rubel
Jennifer & Jack Rye
Heather Saito
Veraina Sakes
Angela Salgado
Danielle Salveson
Philip Schneider
Meryl & Murray Schrantz
Denise M. Schuler
Christie Schwaikert
Avraham Schwartz
Tricia Seduski
Helen Seigel
Kimm Sharp
Neil Sidhu
Elizabeth Smalley
Cheri & Rick Smetanka
Pat Smith
Kelly & RJ Sommerdyke
Annie Song n
Mitchell Span
Melissa Rosenberg & Lev Spiro
Rositsa Staynova
Ronald Stein
Kim & Jack Stemper
Marlowe Stone n
Megan Sullivan
Julie Ta
Andrea & Ondar Tarlow
Karen Taylor-Bleiker
Jevon Thomas
Paula Tomei
Toyota Motor North America
Carol Zavala Living Trust
Mitsubishi Electric U.S.
Sylvia Vazquez n
Judith & Murray Via
Cheryl & Charlie Wagner
Ally & Chad Walker
Katy & Jonny Walker
Cathy Walters
Lynn Weiser
Lila Whitton
Kristi L. Willette
Nicole Wilson
Kim Worobec
Diane Yi
Step Forward: BUILDING
UPON 40 YEARS OF IMPACT
The Wooden Floor Endowment Campaign
In 2023, The Wooden Floor launched a special fundraising campaign in celebration of our 40th Anniversary. Step Forward is designed to further grow The Wooden Floor’s Endowment Fund to ensure future generations of students can reach their full potential in school and life.
Your impact when contributing Endowment resources to The Wooden Floor:
■ Serve hundreds more students each year through community engagement efforts.
■ Reach those students least likely to be able to afford the programs and services we offer.
■ Maintain our connected-campus model plus potential new spaces, and much more.
The Endowment Fund helps us sustain the high-impact and quality programs and services that we are known for. We aim to provide long-term financial sustainability for our students today and for future generations of students to come.
ENDOWMENT FUND OPPORTUNITIES
There are three main areas of focus where your gift to the endowment can make an impact.
The Wooden Floor Endowment (in support of greatest need)
Contributions to The Wooden Floor’s Endowment Fund create a legacy from your support, addressing areas of greatest need: inventive artistic and performance opportunities; wrap-around services, including mental health support, academic tutoring, and technology; college and career readiness; individualized mentoring beginning as early as 6th grade; family support services, and much more.
The Wooden Floor Scholarship Endowment
Direct gifts or planned gifts toward The Wooden Floor’s Scholarship Endowment create long-term sustainability for the College Scholarship Awards program, to support more tailored college scholarship awards to keep pace with students’ access to higher education and help ensure our students graduate.
Build Upon the Future Endowment
Direct gifts or planned gifts in support of The Wooden Floor campuses will ensure that we will be able to grow prudently while focusing on financial sustainability in order to support the infrastructure and staffing required to further our services, and update and improve upon our beautiful student facilities.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE THAT WILL LAST FOR GENERATIONS
Please consider a gift to our Step Forward campaign to strengthen our important mission to inspire and transform the lives of young people through the power of dance and access to higher education. We are happy to share more and discuss your thoughts on how you can make an impact today with a direct gift and/or through your estate planning as part of The Wooden Floor Legacy Society. Please contact CEO Dawn S. Reese at 714-541-8314 x136 or at Dawn@TheWoodenFloor.org. With you walking by our side, we will step forward together.
The Wooden Floor Endowment Underwriters
Priscilla & Ed Akins
Theresa & Jonathon Allen
Anonymous
Veronica & Bill Avzaradel
The Beall Family Foundation
Mary Anne & Brad Blaine
Janet & James Brown
Beth Burns & Mark Gorman
Kristen & Jeffrey Bush
Dr. & Mrs. John L. Butler Jr.
James & Dori Caillouette
The Huneycutt Family Foundation/
Michele & Joseph Chatelle
Capital Group Companies Inc.
Bobbi Cox
David Danielson
Suzanne & Fouad Darweesh
Michele & Tim Dean
Katherine & John Dean
Deloitte
Carol & Steven Delson
Donald and Constance Sperling Foundation
Laurie & Steve Duncan
Sally A. Durham
Employees Community Fund of Boeing
California
Fainbarg Family Foundation
Fieldstead and Company
Cheryl Finley & Barry Neal
First American Financial Corporation
Fluor Foundation
Darlene & Walter Gerken
Judy Gillispie
Mary Ellen Glaser
Genet & Manuel Gómez
Patricia & Frank Hall
Sharon & Terry Hartshorn
Hearst Foundations
Helen Sperry Lea Foundation
Lydia & Ken Himes
Richard T. Howard
Elizabeth & David Hunsaker
Ginnie & Rich Hunsaker
Hutton Parker Foundation
Irvine Barclay Theatre
Olivia & A. Andrew Johnson
Yvonne & Damien Jordan
Dorothy & Donald Kennedy
Laguna Beach Ballet Studio
Linda & Richard Lambert
Luana & David Langlois
Cath MacIver & Jim Slaughter
Janice & John Markley
Marilyn McIntyre
Daphne Munzer
Kim Nguyen
Tricia Nichols
Tom Nielsen
John & Patricia O'Donnell
Yvonne & John O'Neill
Ginger & Arthur Ong
Julie & Scott Osborn
Pacific Life Foundation
Palley Family Trust
Dorothea & Peter Perrin
The Wooden Floor Legacy Society
Constance & Alan Peters
R.C. Baker Foundation
Rochelle V. Thacker Foundation
Samueli Foundation
Schoellerman Foundation
Segerstrom Foundation
Sisters of St. Joseph Ministry Fund
Judith F. Posnikoff
Manya & Jim Slevcove
Peggy & Doug Slonkosky
Joni & G.T. Smith
Teresa & Bill Smith
Robyn & Dave Stauffer
Patricia W. Stayner
Jean Stevenson
Lois Stolz
Marjorie Sutton
Judy & Dennis Sweeney
Judy & David Threshie
Mary & Gary Tolar
Caitlin & Ben Tusher
UBS Financial Services
Ueberroth Family Foundation
US Bank
Socorro & Ernesto Vasquez
Isabelle Villaseñor
Ellen & Michael Volk
Linda & Tod White Charitable Fund
Pat & Bob Willis/John D. Glaser
Scholarship Fund
Marilyn & John Wilson
Mary Ann & Frank Xavier
The Wooden Floor Legacy Society is proud to recognize and continue to honor those who have made provisions for a future gift through a bequest, life insurance, annuity, trust agreement, or an outright gift to the organization.
We extend deep gratitude to the members of The Wooden Floor Legacy Society for their visionary commitments.
Theresa & Jonathan Allen Anonymous
Diane & Dennis Baker
Corrine Bayley & Laurie Julian
The Beall Family Foundation
Brenna & Keegan Bell
Brian & Brenda Deeley Family Foundation
Michele & Joe Chatelle
Laura Curran
Michelle & Tim Dean
Donald and Constance Sperling Foundation
Honorable Albert A. Frink & Denise Frink
Wayne Goebel
Sharon & Frank Govern
Adele & Bryan Green
Patricia & Frank Hall
Sharon & Terry Hartshorn
Ginnie & Rich Hunsaker
Jillian & Jehan Jayakumar
Yvonne & Damien Jordan
Virginia Kroenlein
Carole & Rich Lee
Nancy & Edward Leonard
Sylvia & Joe Livingston
Cath MacIver & Jim Slaughter
Robert Mairena/Office Solutions
Shari & Beau Nokes
John & Patricia O'Donnell
Patrick O'Halloran
Cyrus Parker-Jeannette & Patrick Ross Jeannette
Dawn & Eric Reese
Caitlin & Ben Tusher
Socorro & Ernesto Vasquez
Gena & Richard Way
Pat & Bob Willis/John D. Glaser
Scholarship Fund
Barbara & Bill Yingling
Carole Zavala
*As of May 11, 2026.
Thank you to our Scholarship Underwriters
Scholarship Endowment Fund Underwriters
We are grateful to the following supporters who have invested in The Wooden Floor’s Scholarship Endowment Fund through direct scholarship gifts, pledges, and bequests:
Dawn & Charles Antis
Michelle & Tim Dean
Fainbarg Family Foundation
Suzanne Finley Friend & David Andrew Friend
Sharon & Frank Govern
Adele & Bryan Green
Carole & Rich Lee
Linda & Tod White
Charitable Fund
Annual Scholarship Underwriters
Teresa Loughlin & Brent Finley
Mary Ann R. Finley Family Foundation
Cheryl Finley & Barry Neal
Donald and Constance Sperling Foundation
Thank you to Suzi Chauvel and the Chauvel Foundation for underwriting The Wooden Floor scholarship awards for up to four consecutive years during a student’s college tenure. These students are lovingly known as our Chauvel Scholars.
Uplift Scholarship Underwriters
We are grateful to the following supporters for investing in The Wooden Floor’s Uplift Scholarship Award to provide financial assistance to The Wooden Floor’s highest-achieving graduates. The scholarship is designed as a means to complete the students' unmet financial need so they have the opportunity to pursue higher education at their first-choice university at no cost.
Anonymous
Suzi Chauvel/Chauvel Foundation
Legacy Scholarship Underwriters
Sishir Reddy
Donald and Constance Sperling Foundation
In honor of their legacy at The Wooden Floor, we would like to acknowledge Board Emeriti Virginia and Richard Hunsaker, who, before their passing in 2021, have ensured that any student of The Wooden Floor who is accepted to the University of Redlands will receive a full scholarship award through the university’s Hunsaker Scholars Award, in perpetuity.
KeepthePromise ™ Wine Tasting Benefit
Sponsors of our annual Keep the Promise Wine Tasting Benefit help us keep the promise we make to each of our students: “From here, you can step anywhere.” We are grateful to our 2025 Sponsors whose leading support helped our 19th Annual Benefit gross nearly $410,000 to fund our core year-round dance, academic, and family support programs.
PREMIER
The Beall Family Foundation
Janice & John Markley
PLATINUM
The Hughes Family
Richard LeBrun
GOLD
Theresa & Jonathon Allen
Wendy & Michael Arciero
Anaheim Ducks & OCVIBE
Crevier Family Fund
Frome Family Foundation
Carole & Rich Lee
Nicholas Pardon
Judith F. Posnikoff
Nancy & Geoffrey Stack
US Bank Private Wealth Management
Nancy & Arn Youngman
SILVER
Anonymous
Robin & Linda Boyd
Capital Group Companies
City of Hope
City National Bank
Farmers and Merchants Bank
Gantry, Inc.
Sharon & Terry Hartshorn
Teri & Alan Hoops
Hydraflow – The Ayloush Family
Yvonne & Damien Jordan
Karin Krogius & Scott Mason
Ginger & Arthur Ong
Peter & Andria Strelow
Karen K. Ulman & Robert M. Knapp
Warne Foundation
BRONZE
Joe & Michele Chatelle
The Ezralow Company
Jehan Jayakumar
Carlson & Jayakumar LLP
Emily & Jeremy Krout Environmental
Planning Development Solutions, Inc
Catherine MacIver & Jim Slaughter
Monica & Jim Meacham
Bonnie & Dan Platt
Shelly Sandoval & Jon Lash
Ronald M. Simon Family Foundation
Robyn & Dave Stauffer
Kathleen & Jerry Thode
COPPER
Glennda Adair
Jeff & Kristen Bush
Cathy & Mark Chamberlin
Denise & John Duncan
Elwood Advisors
Nancy & Stephen Eng
Sue & Peter Hitch
Larry Kallestad/Greystar
Dr. Paul Korc & Dr. Sarah Lopez
Julie & Justin Wilson
“Dance taught me resilience - to persevere even when things felt challenging".
“The Wooden Floor taught me to remain curious and to always keep learning and exploring. Through dance, it instilled in me resilience, discipline, empathy, authenticity, and creativity. These values have guided me throughout my personal, academic, and professional life and continue to shape who I am today.
One of my most meaningful memories is performing in the Annual Concert at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Working alongside many different artists allowed me to experience dance in powerful ways and helped me discover more about myself. Through these experiences, I also built lifelong friendships that I continue to cherish today.
Dance taught me resilience to persevere even when things felt challenging. It taught me discipline and endurance, and the importance of long-term commitment. Through balancing school, life, and dance, I developed time-management skills. Dance also taught me empathy, allowing me to better understand others’ journeys and communicate with compassion. I learned the value of being myself and celebrating who I am, as well as encouraging me to think outside the box and seek solutions. All of these lessons have been essential to my academic success and my life beyond school.”
Rocio, Class of 2009
Rocio began her higher education journey at Santa Ana College, where she earned Associate of Arts degrees in Psychology, Liberal Arts, and Dance in 2012. She went on to attend California State University, Long Beach, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance in 2015. Driven by her passion for education, she earned her Education Specialist Teaching Credential in 2023, followed by a Master’s degree in Special Education in 2024. Rocio is committed to lifelong learning and hopes to continue her education in the future. She currently works as a special education teacher at an elementary school in the Norco Corona Unified School District.
