About

transcenDANCE is a nationally-recognized Creative Youth Development organization that works with youth in under resourced San Diego communities. Our programs change the trajectory of students’​ lives by building resilience, confidence, and creativity and by instilling life-changing skills such as leadership, collaboration, and community engagement. 

Mission

To transcend: to go beyond the range or limits of something; to climb so high you cross a boundary. Our name speaks to our purpose. 

Our mission at transcenDANCE is to provide equitable access to dance and performance, and holistic wraparound services, for young people from marginalized communities. We support youth as they transcend barriers, recognize their own potential and power, and create positive change for themselves, their families, and their communities. 

Vision

Communities that center youth voice and creative expression in building healthy, vibrant, and equitable environments where everyone can thrive. 

Values: Community, Courage, Change, and Care 

Rooted in Community, we prioritize collaboration and strong partnerships as we create a sense of belonging and lift each other up.

Our programs amplify student voices, encouraging youth to stand with Courage. We challenge inequity and focus on the power of creative expression to develop resilience.

dancers performing

We make collective positive impact together and remain flexible and adaptable in an ever-Changing environment. 

We Care for the whole person and focus on relationship, as we honor the humanity in ourselves and each other. We prioritize people feeling seen, heard, and valued.

Creative Youth Development (CYD) 

Creative Youth Development is a commitment to supporting young people’s stories, ideas, and dreams through creative expression and honoring their lived experience. 

In CYD programming these three concepts are centered: 

Racial Equity and
Social Justice

Shaking up the system to create a space where all people of color feel represented, supported, and cared for.

Youth Voices
Youth speak for themselves and have voices that are valuable. 

Collective Action
All voices are essential to supporting racial equity, youth voice, and social justice.  

For more information about Creative Youth Development, visit the Creative Youth Development National Partnership page at: https://www.creativeyouthdevelopment.org