The transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project makes its purpose clear by capitalizing its name.
For 18 years, the nationally recognized creative youth organization has provided equitable access to dance and performance training to children from under-resourced communities in San Diego.
“It’s not just an outlet for dance, but an overall support to give kids the nutrition they need in all areas of their lives,” said Kat Corral, Co-Founder and Artistic/Executive Director.
The organization welcomes young people from all over the county with an emphasis on mid-city neighborhoods that include Logan Heights, Southeast San Diego, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley.
“I really like dance and poetry,” said Makai Joaquin Nieblas, 10. He has been taking classes at transcenDANCE for three years. “Both dance and poetry help me express emotions like sadness, happiness, joy and excitement,” he said.
There are year-round dance classes at transcenDANCE centers in El Cerrito and Lemon Grove. But creative expression compliments other social-emotional programs that are also offered. These include individual and group counseling, leadership mentoring, and workshops on college preparation and career planning.
11-year-old Penelope Balderas is just starting her dance studies. At the same time, she is being supported to become a better communicator. She said: “I like talking to people. I also want to be a good listener and try to understand people and how they feel.”
Seventy young performers aged 9-19 are rehearsing for the upcoming “Let them: BLOOM” dance theater production. This is an annual event featuring performances with themes supporting human rights, civic engagement and dignity.
“The production involves creative work humanizing dignity through the five senses,” Coral said.
On stage at the Hoover High School Performing Arts Center in City Heights, audiences will see everyday experiences presented with examples of human kindness. All of this is inspired by the curriculum that the students used in their studies.
“transcenDANCE is like a family. You come here being able to fully express yourself and not feel judged at all,” said Halene LeBaron, 15. She is one of the performers collaborating with professional artists to create Let Them: Bloom at 5 and April 6. “It’s such an open environment and all the dancers are so committed and all the training artists are so committed. I really love the theme this year,” she said.
Ana Sofia Francisco, 14, has been dancing since her mother enrolled her in ballet lessons when she was four. “I like that I can meet new people and I can express myself without using any words. I just really show myself through the dance.”
She also loves the community it has created. “transcenDANCE is a very accepting community and no matter what you’re going through, we’ll help you get through it,” she said.
“transcenDANCE is a very accepting community and no matter what you’re going through, we’ll help you get through it.”
Ana Sofia Francisco, 8th grade student
