History
In 2005, transcenDANCE was co-founded by 12 teens and 2 adults who sat under a tree at Herbert Hoover High School.
Rooted in our strong bonds and love of dance, we dreamed of what transcenDANCE could be for ourselves, each other, and our community.
We support youth as they transcend barriers, recognize their own potential and power, and create positive change for themselves, their families, and their communities.
transcenDANCE Timeline
2005
transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project is founded by 12 teens and two adults. Programs take place in borrowed spaces and community sites.
2006 – 2007
The Teen Performance Group performs almost 50 times per year at schools, community events, and conferences. transcenDANCE gains a positive reputation as a youth-driven, culturally diverse performance troupe.
2009
The transcenDANCE space becomes an after-school sanctuary for local youth of City Heights. The Artistic Team expands with diverse class offerings, social change curriculum is formalized as part of the programs, and community partnerships expand. transcenDANCE receives its first contracts from the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.
2011
transcenDANCE receives the National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award, Certificate of Excellence.
2012
transcenDANCE moves 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. transcenDANCE receives the Local Peacemaker Award from the National Conflict Resolution Center.
2013 – 2015
Alumni begin to return to transcenDANCE as mentors, Teaching Artists, and performers. Mental health services are formally integrated into programs.
2016
transcenDANCE’s 10th Anniversary brings recognition of what an asset transcenDANCE is to the arts and culture scene in San Diego.
2017
transcenDANCE receives its first major performance contract from the San Diego International Airport for an in-airport performance residency.
2018
Co-Founder and Artistic/Executive Director Cat Corral is awarded the Clare Rose Sabbatical through the Fieldstone Leadership Network. transcenDANCE receives its first grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
2019
Huge strides are made in organizational infrastructure, increased sustainability, and diversified funding. The need for more space leads to the search for a potential site and the Citronica Housing Complex in Lemon Grove is identified as the location for a new facility.
2020
Planning for a new site continues, and all studio programs convert to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 - 2022
The Lemon Grove transcenDANCE studio is completed and opens to students in June 2021. transcenDANCE’s budget expands to the $1 million mark for the first time in organization history.
2023
transcenDANCE expands to a second site located on El Cajon Boulevard in the College/Rolando area for additional program space and an administrative headquarters.
2024
transcenDANCE adds a third site, the Student Services Hub, one block from the El Cajon Boulevard studio to house mental health/wellness and college readiness services.
2025
transcenDANCE celebrates its 20th anniversary!