TSF is a 501c3 domestic non-profit foundation run by dancers, for dancers. Our goal is to provide funds for dance education, travel, event tickets, and more to dancers who have amazing potential but do not have the financial ability to achieve their potential.
Have you always wanted to get private coaching, travel to more events, and become the dancer you know you could be if you had the financial means? Then these grants are for you.
Dance Scholarships for education, private coaching, and event travel
National Support for dancers from diverse backgrounds
Free Video Resources to educate, inspire, and uplift
Mentorship and Community Building to foster long-term growth
We provide financial aid to dancers for training, classes, workshops, and events.
Connecting scholarship recipients with experienced mentors to guide their dance.
The Silton Foundation was created by Doug Silton, originally from Southern California and Nicki Silton, from Oregon, back in 2014 to promote the education and advancement of West Coast Swing Dancers. Nicki knew first hand how difficult it was to take lessons and attend dance events to pursue her passion on a limited income.
Two great minds and hearts came together to create this foundation which started out small and has now grown to gifting between $10,000 and $20,000 annually in cash towards education and related expenses, as well as over 25 event tickets, thanks to our generous donors.
Today the foundation is run by a group of 5 board members, as a way to give back to the dance community by encouraging dancers to further their ambition and love for WCS. As Doug loves to say, “We are changing lives.”
At The Silton Foundation, our mission is to empower dancers by providing them with the financial support and resources they need to grow in their art. We believe that talent should never be limited by financial barriers. Whether it’s travel costs, training fees, or coaching expenses — we’re here to help dancers chase their dreams.
At The Silton Foundation, we envision a world where every passionate dancer — regardless of financial limitations — has the opportunity to grow, perform, and shine.
“When dancers are given the chance to thrive, they don’t just change their own lives — they inspire others, uplift communities, and transform the world through movement.”
Doug Silton is a passionate and dedicated dancer whose journey in the world of dance began at a young age. With a natural rhythm and an infectious energy, he has explored various dance styles over the years, including hip-hop, contemporary, salsa, and street dance. His commitment to his craft has taken him from local stages to national competitions, where he’s been celebrated for his expressive performances and technical skill.
Robin Robinson has been an integral part of the partner dance community for over 30 years, inspiring countless students and dancers through his passion and instruction. Well known in the Country Dance scene, Robin is also respected for his expertise in the Hustle and his long-standing involvement with the Portland, Oregon West Coast community.
Robin began his teaching career in High School as a teacher and a coach from 1979 to 1989. He then served as a College Professor from 1989 until his retirement in 2018. His journey into Dance began in 1990 with a love for Two Step, which soon expanded to include Triple Two step and Night Club two step. By 1991, Robin was asked to add Dance to his college curriculum, teaching 3-4 classes per term in Swing, Country, Line Dance and Latin styles- a role he held for nearly three decades. His dance repertoire continued to grow with the addition of West Coast Swing in 1993, the Hustle in 1994, and Salsa in 1996. Robin competed successfully as an advanced dancer and Judge in West Coast Swing and Two Step until 2002.
Today, Robin remains active in the Dance world as both an Instructor and D.J. at dance conventions, weekly at Let’s Dance Portland, and regularly at Bushwhackers country dance hall. Of course, he also feels very blessed to be a part of touching lives through the involvement with the Silton Foundation.
Beyond Dance, Robin is a proud family man with two adult children and five grandchildren who bring great joy and meaning to his life.
Ann Wood was born and raised in Portland OR, starting her dance career in junior high and high school dance teams. In college she danced for Breakdown, a non profit hip hop dance company and took as many dance classes as she could, in every available style offered. She met her now husband Alex on the dance floor of a cruise ship in Alaska. He introduced her to the Country Dance world, teaching her country two step, line dance, pattern dances, and finally West Coast Swing. Together they travel, compete, and teach in country and West Coast Swing conventions, competing in the All Star division. She regularly teaches line dance in the Portland area at Bushwhackers and the Ponderosa lounge. When she isn’t dancing you can find her spending time with Alex and their two kids or working at the hospital as a Physician Associate.
Alex grew up in Vancouver, WA exploring the outdoors with his 3 brothers. He started dancing in high school at an underage country dance club in Portland. This included line dance, Country 2 step and various other country partner dances. He started West Coast Swing a few years later. After meeting his wife Ann, they got more involved in WCS – both traveling and competing throughout the USA. Ann and Alex have two children and live in Vancouver. He is a firefighter with the city of Portland and enjoys spending time with his family and in the outdoors. Outside of teaching locally Ann and Alex continue to travel the Pacific NorthWest teaching, judging and competing.
