Dance moves our youth. Forward.

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.

Dance is the Answer.

We transform the lives of children from
low-income communities through the power
of dance and access to higher education.

We support the entire family.

The Wooden Floor provides a safe space for our
under-served 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.

Dance is the Answer.

We transform the lives of children from low-income communities through the power of dance and access to higher education.

We support the entire family.

The Wooden Floor provides a safe space for our under-served 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.

39th Annual Concert: Hope Abounds

A powerful, must-see contemporary dance performance, featuring the nation’s top artists, designers, and choreographers working in collaboration with youth from low-income communities.

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2021 Stand for the Arts Award

The Wooden Floor was selected as the only nonprofit organization in California to receive the 2021 Stand for the Arts award from Ovation TV and Charter Communications.

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Student and Alumni Stories

Since 1983, The Wooden Floor has impacted the lives of over 95,000 students. Our current students and alumni inspire us to move forward as one community to help more children make their dreams for themselves a reality.

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Hear Esther’s Holiday Story

In conversation with The Wooden Floor’s CEO Dawn S. Reese.

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Dorothy “Dodo” Kennedy (1922-2021)

The Wooden Floor is deeply saddened by the passing of Dorothy “Dodo” Kennedy.

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WE ARE CREATING
GENERATIONAL
CHANGE THROUGH

THE POWER OF DANCE

We give young people the tools and guidance to follow a path out of poverty by serving students, grades 3-12, after-school for up to 10 years with a comprehensive strategy that is grounded in dance and long-term mentoring relationships.

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In 2019, only 14% of Latino adults in Santa Ana had a college degree*.

*TownCharts.com

Here is how The Wooden Floor wants to change the future of Orange County.

Theory of Change

Our holistic model serves 475 under-served students year-round with dance, academic, college and career readiness, and family support programs—free of charge.

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See the Children in Motion

Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers and production staff during performance opportunities such as the Annual Concert and Co-Creation Lab.

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Three Decades of Impact

In 2019, The Wooden Floor’s second location, Depot at Santiago, opened to serve an additional 100 students.

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Since 2005, 100% of our seniors have graduated from high school on time and immediately enrolled in higher education.

In 2019, only 14% of Latino adults in Santa Ana had a college degree*.

*TownCharts.com

Here is how The Wooden Floor wants to change the future of Orange County.

Theory of Change

Our holistic model serves 475 under-served students year-round with dance, academic, college and career readiness, and family support programs—free of charge.

LEARN MORE

See the Children in Motion

Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers and production staff during performance opportunities such as the Annual Concert and Co-Creation Lab.

LEARN MORE

Three Decades of Impact

In 2019, The Wooden Floor’s second location, Depot at Santiago, opened to serve an additional 100 students.

LEARN MORE

Since 2005, 100% of our seniors have graduated from high school on time and immediately enrolled in higher education.

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WITH YOUR HELP,

Students at The Wooden Floor consistently exceed their peers nationally in abilities, behaviors, and attitudes that lead to successful and healthy lives.

SEE MORE OF OUR IMPACT

You can make a difference.

Here’s how you can get involved.