The transcenDANCE youth arts project makes its purpose clear with capital letters in its name.
For 18 years, the nationally recognized creative youth organization has provided equitable access to dance and performance training for children from under-resourced communities in San Diego.
"It's not only an outlet for dance, but also holistic support to give children the nourishment they need in all areas of their lives," said Cat Corral, co-founder and artistic/executive director.
The organization welcomes young people from anywhere in the county with a focus on mid-city neighborhoods that include Logan Heights, Southeast San Diego, Lemon Grove, and Spring Valley.
"I really like dancing and poetry," said Makai Joaquin Nieblas, 10. He has attended 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 is a compliment to other social-emotional programs that are also offered. They include individual and group counseling, mentoring in leadership, and workshops in college preparation and career planning.
Penelope Balderas, 11, is just beginning her dance training. At the same time, she's getting support 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're feeling."
Seventy young performers ages 9-19 have been rehearsing for the upcoming "Let Them: BLOOM" dance theater production. It's an annual performance event with themes supporting human rights, civic engagement, and dignity.
"The production includes creative work humanizing dignity through the five senses," Corral said.
On stage at the Hoover High School Performing Arts Center in City Heights, audiences will see everyday experiences portrayed with examples of human kindness. All of it is inspired by the curriculum students have used in their learning.
"transcenDANCE is like a family. You come here being able to fully express yourself, and not feeling judged at all," said Halene Lebaron, 15. She is one of the performers collaborating with professional artists to co-create the "Let Them: Bloom" performance on April 5 and 6. "It's such an open environment and all the dancers are so dedicated and all the teaching artists are so dedicated. I really love the theme this year," she said.
Ana Sophia Francisco, 14, has been dancing since her mother enrolled her in ballet classes when she was four years old. "I love that I can meet new people and I can express myself without using any words. I just really show myself through dance."
She also loves the community that has been created. "transcenDANCE is a very accepting community and no matter what you're going through, we will help you through it," she said.
"transcenDANCE is a very accepting community and no matter what you're going through, we will help you through it."Ana Sophia Francisco, 8th grade student
transcenDANCE: "Let Them: BLOOM"
7:30 p.m. Friday, April 5.
7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6.
$15 students (with code BLOOM50); $30 general admission
Hoover High School Performing Arts Center, 4474 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights.
tdarts.org/bloom
