Our Program Model
transcenDANCE programs are 100% free and are delivered through a unique three-tiered program model: CONNECT, CREATE, CONTRIBUTE.
- Our CONNECT programs include Year-round dance classes at our National City Studios, Community-Based Residencies, Professional Choreography Mentorship Residency, and Performance Residencies.
- CREATE is our flagship program. In our Performance Group, we do our deepest work with up to 24 teens selected every year through an audition process. We also offer CREATE Express Camps in partnership with schools to share our work through an intensive, five-day experience. CREATE uses a unique social change curriculum that combines intensive movement and technical dance training with self-reflection and the examination of local and global social issues.
- Through CONTRIBUTE, transcenDANCE is a catalyst for student and community transformation through Alumni Engagement. Many transcenDANCE students return as alumni to take on leadership roles within the organization as Choreographers, Teaching Artists, and Volunteers. They become the role models and mentors who inspire and motivate incoming students.
transcenDANCE Programs provide an outlet for self-expression that promotes creative problem-solving as an alternative to the violence and conflict. A primary need addressed by transcenDANCE is to provide a safe, creative, and supportive space during hours when youth are out of school.
Who do we serve?
San Diego County Youth ages 12-18 years (middle and high school) with a specific focus in National City, Chula Vista, Barrio Logan, City Heights, and the Southeast San Diego communities
What impact has transcenDANCE made?
transcenDANCE has a demonstrated commitment to measuring our impact on our students and the communities we serve. transcenDANCE utilizes the PEAR (Program in Education, After School, and Resiliency) assessment tools developed at Harvard to monitor student progress and success.
Over the past several years, the pre-post comparison of transcenDANCE student data collected through the PEAR assessment showed increased resiliency from student participants in the areas of emotional control, assertiveness, trust, reflection, and optimism. Students showed increased relationship building with peers and adults, increased learning interest and critical thinking skills.
Students also showed decreases in the areas of hyperactivity/inattention, conduct problems, emotional symptoms, and peer problems. This data is extremely valuable as it quantitatively validates the work that transcenDANCE is doing in the communities it serves to keep youth in school, to help them pursue college, seek leadership positions, and pursue careers.
How do I get my student/child involved?
Contact us to learn more about the programs we offer and ways your child can be involved.
- Join the CREATE Performing Group
- Drop in on a weekly class
- Attend a performance
- Participate in a residency with their school class
For any other questions, please email info@tdarts.org or call (619) 474-4903.