Background Information
transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project believes that art is not only a privilege, but a necessity of life. Being a creative person fosters self-awareness, connection to humanity, the ability to explore possibilities, think critically, and transcend self-imposed limits. transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project allows us to hear from our generation of youth and to give them a chance to positively impact the world around them.
transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization. Please look into the exciting work of our umbrella organization by visiting www.activistsandiego.org
Transcend: verb [from the Latin word transcendere, to climb across] 1 a: to rise above or go beyond the limits of b: to triumph over the negative or restrictive aspects of: OVERCOME.
Transcendent: adj1: the quality or state of exceeding the usual limits: SURPASSING.
Dance: n1: a series of rhythmic and patterned bodily movements usu. performed to music vb1: to engage in or perform dance
transcenDANCE: n [from the combination of transcend, transcendent, and dance] 1: the method by which youth, empowered by the arts, will overcome the negative and restrictive aspects that threaten their community via performances marked by surpassing qualities of diligence, passion, creativity, thoughtful reflection, and care 2: arts for the purpose of social change 3: a San Diego-based non-profit that provides professional training in dance, choreography, creative writing, and theatre to multi-cultural, inner-city youth in San Diego, with the firm belief that the arts can be an effective vehicle for mobilizing and empowering people to work for social change in their communities.
Our Mission
transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project empowers multi-cultural, inner-city youth to create healthier communities through the transforming and life-affirming power of the arts and performance
Our Core Values
- Community leadership and service through the arts
- Performance to mobilize social change
- Culturally and racially diverse youth working side by side in meaningful ways
- Targeting disadvantaged socio-economic communities
- Inspiring greater thinking and action about complex social issues
- Youth-driven in every aspect. . . We walk the walk, and not just talk the talk!
- Collaboration with every individual and organization that shares our values and can engage us in a mutual learning experience