Dance Discovery Foundation

“DDF is working on uniting and expanding the dance and performing arts community, extending instruction, and providing performance opportunities to people and places who otherwise wouldn't have received the opportunity. DDF creates projects that benefit and inspire the community at large and provide educational performances in various forms to the public.”

                                                                                                      — Brenda Rodriquez, Impact Volunteer 2016

OUR MISSION

OUR MISSION

Dance Discovery Foundation is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) charitable arts organization whose mission and commitment is to serve our community through dance and the performing arts. DDF creates pathways to success and self discovery, where #DISCOVERY is at the heart of every program. Our mission's purpose is to instill vital life skills and confidence in our artist. With success being at the very heart of our principles, we offer scholarships, dance education, and programs within schools, conservatories and communities. We are working on bringing the benefits of dance and the performing arts to places and people who otherwise wouldn’t have received the opportunity. We strongly believe performing arts brings people from all places together, and is an opportunity to not only discover ones self but a new way of life.

IT ALL BEGAN WHEN...

Jena Minnick-Bull, the Founder of DDF realized that the need to support and increase the exposure to dance and performing arts education was vital. Along with broadening the access to performing arts education within the community… DDF continues to grow organically with new and growing programs every year.

IMPACT

Dance Discovery Foundation is committed to helping individuals discover not only themselves but a new way of life. Our foundation is committed to using the arts as a tool to change lives for the better. Through our various programs, Dance Discovery Foundation has been able to empower artist towards a brighter future. DDF strives to continue engagement, raise money, support our artist, the arts and influence a greater community.

Over a half million dollars raised.

Over a decade serving communities.

More than 5000 young artists impacted.

PROGAMS

Dance Discovery Foundation has a variety of programs all designed to help the arts in our communities. From competition companies like Youth Ballet Masters, Magic in Motion, to performance opportunities like The Nutcracker, Dance Discovery Foundation's Programs look to make sure artist have a place to perfect and perform their art.

“I am truly honored to have been a part of Magic in Motion. Seeing the next generation of incredible talent from the lens of a judge and a professional athlete have inspired my life.”
— Greta Pontarelli 2023 Judge

“Organizations like DDF are crucial to keeping the arts alive. Through their work, DDF makes the performing arts accessible for performers and audiences alike in South Orange County. I am so thankful to the foundation for giving me the opportunity to pursue my passion for performing onstage, even without a lifetime of professional experience. And even more, to work with such an amazingly talented and inspiring cast and crew, who volunteered hours of their time just to put on a great show. It was an unforgettable experience to work with a really special group of people all motivated by the same thing: a love of performing and bringing joy to audiences.”

— Adam Kenworthy, Ren McCormick in Footloose 2013

OUR HISTORY

Dance Discovery Foundation provides hope, education, a voice,  and empowerment to individuals of all ages.

  • Dance Discovery Foundation (DDF) was founded by Jena Minnick Bull.

  • DDF raised community awareness regarding the need to integrate dance back into elementary education, and formulated partnerships with schools within Orange County. The public education outreach program, “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” was then launched. DDF hosted it’s 2nd “Annual Spring Festival of Dance” showcasing DDF’s company, “Compass Dance” and it’s guest company “Leverage Dance” in “The Junction”. The classic ballet story of “Giselle” with the American Ballet Company of MV Dance was also presented.

  • DDF continued to raise community awareness and integrated programs within Orange County schools. DDF hosted it’s 3rd “Annual Spring Festival of Dance” featuring DDF’s company, “Compass Dance” and “Next Level” with guest company artist “Leverage Dance” in “Collision Dance”. The full length ballet of “Paquita” with MUSE Ballet Company was also presented.

  • DDF formulated partnerships with schools within the San Bernardino County. Along with providing entertainment for the “Providence Speech and Hearing Surf City Fundraiser.” DDF hosted it’s 4th “Annual Spring Festival of Dance” with “Collision Dance” and presented with MUSE Ballet Company. The full length ballet of “Sleeping Beauty” was presented in Laguna Beach, CA. DDF’s “Performance Program” presented “Footloose” the musical, at UCI’s Claire Trevor Theatre.

  • DDF launches it’s “Scholarship Program” by granting the SHINE scholarship to two deserving applicants. The “Rising Stars” special needs program was brought to Crown Valley Elementary. Attended the “SOKA International Arts Festival” and DDF company performances were integrated within the festival. Hosted the 5th “Annual Spring Festival of Dance” with “Collision Dance” and guest artist “Leverage Dance”. DDF’s “Performance Program” hosted “Compass Dance” in the performance, “The Junction”.

  • DDF was honored to partner with the Orange County Sheriffs department to provide a hip hop workshop for the GRIP program of Orange County. Launched the “Lunch Break” junior high program. Continued “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind”, and the “Rising Stars” program. Attended with company performances, the “SOKA International Arts Festival.” Hosted the 6th “Annual Spring Festival of Dance” comprised of “Collision Dance” and the presentation of “Cinderella Ballet” performed by South Coast Ballet Theatre. DDF’s “Performance Program” hosted SCC’s production of “Neverland”, NXT LVL’s “One Night Only”, and SCC’s production of “The Nutcracker”. Raised and granted $30,000.00 in scholarship awards. In September the 2015-2016 public education programs continued and doubled in size.

  • DDF became an official partner of OC GRIP and provided the 1st official dance workshop through their incentive program. Continued the “Lunch Break” junior high program, the “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” elementary program and the “Rising Stars” special needs program. Attended with company performances, the “SOKA International Arts Festival”, and the “Surf Jam & Jump for Heart.” Hosted the 7th “Annual Spring Festival of Dance” comprised of “Collision Dance” and the presentation of the “Sleeping Beauty Ballet” performed by South Coast Ballet Theatre. DDF’s “Performance Program” also hosted SCC’s production of “Princess and the Frog”, and NXT LVL’s performances of “One Night Only” & “Cluedo”. DDF also hosted South Coast Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker”. Raised and granted $40,000.00 in scholarship awards, and in September the 2016-2017 public education programs continued and doubled in size adding two new schools within the Capistrano Unified School District. DDF also hosted it’s first “Dance-A-Thon” fundraiser with ambassador Gracie Doran who raised money for the “Rising Stars” program and CHOC hospital.

  • DDF provided it’s 2nd official dance workshop for OC GRIP and partnered with Sakina Ibrahim, a motivational speaker and author of “Big Words to Little Me.” Continued the “Lunch Break” junior high program, the “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” elementary program and the “Rising Stars” special needs program. DDF introduced it’s new program to the foundation, which was the “California Educators for the Performing Arts” (CEPA). Attended with company performances the “SOKA International Arts Festival” & the “Surf Jam and Jump for Heart.” Hosted two “Lunch Break” showcases, which occurred in January and May for the public education program. Hosted DDF’s 8th “Annual Spring Festival of Dance” which was combined with the South Coast Ballet Theatre who presented their production of “Coppelia.” DDF also combined with South Coast Conservatory and it’s recital production of “Park After Dark” and our company performances in “Collision” and “Rhythms Maximus” were presented. The CEPA program was the host for the Art-E Awards (Art Educators Awards) celebrating SCC’s 25 years in the performing arts industry. DDF hosted NXT LVL’s “One Night Only” & “Mystery” performances. Along with South Coast Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker”. DDF also hosted it’s second “Dance-A-Thon” fundraiser that raised money for Gracie’s “Rising Stars” program and CHOC hospital. The scholarship program added two new educational scholarships under the CEPA program for industrial/professional skill education. $60,000.00 was raised and granted in scholarship awards.

  • - Expanded Dance-A-Thon & Tea Party fundraising efforts

    - 5th Annual GRIP workshop

    - 2nd Annual Art-E Awards

  • - 1st Annual Youth Ballet Masters Competition

    - Tripled our School Outreach Programs

    - 6th Annual GRIP workshop

    - 3rd Annual Art-E Awards

  • - 2nd Annual Youth Ballet Masters Competition

    - 7th Annual GRIP workshop

    - Virtual Dance-A-Thon fundraisers

  • - 3rd Annual Youth Ballet Masters Competition (virtual)

    - Expanded Dance-A-Thon fundraisers to multiple studios

    - Relaunched in-school outreach programs

  • - 4th Annual Youth Ballet Masters Competition

    - 8th Annual GRIP workshop (virtual)

    - Introduction of the Dance & Drama program in CUSD (36 schools, ~2000 students)

  • - 1st Annual Magic In Motion Aerial Competition

    - 5th annual Youth Ballet Masters Competition

    - 9th Annual GRIP workshop

    - Expansion of the Dance & Drama program in SAUSD (2 schools, ~150 students)

    - Return of the Art-E Awards in Hollywood CA

  • - 2nd Annual Magic In Motion Aerial Competition

    - 6th annual Youth Ballet Masters Competition

    - 10th Annual GRIP workshop

    - Expansion of the Dance & Drama program in SVUSD (12 schools, ~750 students)