transcenDANCE was founded in 2005, arising out of several youth identified needs including access to creative spaces, mentorship, and leadership development.
We improve the lives of young people who are full of potential but lack access to the relationships and resources needed to reach their full potential.
The youth and families who benefit from our holistic programs are considered at higher risk for unsafe behaviors resulting from challenges associated with poverty, homelessness, abuse, and justice system engagement. They possess inherent strengths and talents, and through their voices they will create positive social change.
2005 transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project is founded with 12 teens and 2 adult co-founders. Programs took place in borrowed spaces and community sites.
2006 – 2007 Teen Performance Group performs almost 50 times per year at schools, community events, and conferences and gains a positive reputation as a youth-driven, culturally diverse performance troupe.
2008 First studio opened in City Heights on University Ave. Public visibility expands. Drop-in Classes offered for first time.
2009 – 2010 Storefront studio becomes an afterschool sanctuary for local City Heights youth. Artistic Team expands with diverse class offerings, Social Change curriculum is formalized, and community partnerships expand. First contracts are awarded from the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.
2011 Received National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award, Certificate of Excellence
2012 Moved to the A Reason to Survive (ARTS) campus in National City. Youth and Community Reach expands to multiple neighborhoods through in-school residencies and community partnerships. Received Local Peacemaker Award, National Conflict Resolution Center
2013 – 2015 Momentum gained as alumni return as Mentors, Teaching Artists, and Performers. Formal mental health services become integrated into programs.
2016 Ten-Year Anniversary marks a moment where transcenDANCE is officially recognized as an incredible asset to the arts and culture scene in San Diego.
2017 First major performance contract awarded through the San Diego International Airport.
2018 Co-Founder and Artistic/Executive Director Cat Corral Awarded Clare Rose Sabbatical through the Fieldstone Leadership Network.
2017 – 2019 Huge strides made in organizational infrastructure, increased sustainability, and diversified funding. First National Endowment for the Arts grant awarded.
2019 – 2020 Citronica site identified and plans for a new facility begin. All studio programs converted to virtual learning platforms during a global pandemic.