transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project’s mission is to guide young people in under-resourced San Diego County communities through dance and performance, to transcend barriers, expand their ambitions, and create positive change for themselves, their families and communities. transcenDANCE was founded in 2005 as a youth-driven organization for young people to have a platform to positively impact the world through dance and performance. transcenDANCE arose out of several youth- identified needs in the community, including mentorship, access to youth-tailored creative spaces, and a sense of belonging. Programs provide a safe space and an outlet for self-expression that promotes social emotional resilience and creative problem solving as an alternative to violence and conflict through a healing-centered approach. transcenDANCE is unique because of its holistic approach that includes an expressive arts-based social change curriculum, therapeutic services and leadership training.