Beth Burns, Founder

Beth Burns founded Saint Joseph Ballet in 1983 to empower low-income youth from diverse backgrounds to gain self-esteem, self-discipline, and a sense of accomplishment through dance, academic, and family services.  Through her leadership, Saint Joseph Ballet has touched the lives of more than 50,000 youth.  As an advocate for children at risk, Beth has inspired the creation of many opportunities for low-income youth and families.  Beth retired as Saint Joseph Ballet's Artistic Director in June 2005 but remains involved as a member of the Board of Directors. 

Choreography encourages youth to explore issues critical to their lives. A few examples:   

Tu Eres Mi Otro Yo (You Are My Other Self), 2003, inspired by the Mayan concept of unity, incorporated photos of and by students as scenic design, students’ drawn self portraits in costume design, and their names sung in a choreographic tribute to students graduating after eight years of daily involvement at Saint Joseph Ballet. 

Unearthing, 1998, began with students’ examination of formative cultural forces, facilitated by Dr.s Kathy and Gerardo Canul, UCI faculty and Latino psychologists, on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles.  The 6 day workshop, called Identity Discoveries, also introduced about 40 students to Los Angeles’ arts and culture.  They painted with Frank Romero at his studio next to the LA river, danced at Lula Washington’s, visited Self-Help Graphics in East LA, and toured LACMA downtown.  Unearthing was performed with a commissioned musical score by Eduardo del Barrio.  It was made possible by the Surdna Foundation, Inc of New York. 

By Being Who I Am, 1997, combines the poetry, painting, percussion, singing, and dancing of hundreds of Santa Ana public school children to express their own worth and dignity with a commissioned musical score by Luis Perez.

Background

Raised in Portland Oregon, Beth was a Sister of Saint Joseph of Orange from 1978 to 1989.  She received her BA in Liberal Studies with emphases in dance, history, and theology from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. 

Recognition

2005     Local Hero Award - Bank of America

2004     Artistic Visionary Award – Arts Orange County

1999     Humanitarian Award – Loyola Marymount University

1996     Outstanding Nonprofit Executive – National Society of Fund Raising Executives of                           Orange County

1994     Amelia Earhart Award – Women’s Opportunity Center

1991     Choreography Fellowship – California Arts Council