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And while the inaugural year featured the acrobatic and theatrical skills of Fern Street Circus, the airport\u2019s choice for year\u2019s resident group, the transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project, hopes to bring an inspired, youthful kaleidoscope to the venue.<\/p>\n
Group co-founder and creative and executive director Cat Corral said she was excited about pursuing the residency from the moment she heard about it, especially since transcenDANCE\u2019s mission is to empower youth to mobilize social change through dance and performance.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt we were perfect for this and that we needed to go for it,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have an innovative approach because we\u2019re interested in breaking down barriers and connecting authentically with our audience through different styles of dance, spoken word and music.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt we could bring a breath of fresh air, a youthful voice and diversity of content and style,\u201d Corral continued. \u201cWe were excited the selection panel was receptive to having a younger dance company come in to hold the residency for the year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Their first performance took place on at 9:30 a.m. on April 26 in Terminal 2; it began in the baggage claim area and eventually spilled into a dance procession along the outside curb.![\"Airport](\"https:\/\/sandiegodowntownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/E22A9553.jpg\")
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Corral describes the experience as \u201cexhilarating.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a musician and seven dancers spanning ages 17 to 27 who performed,\u201d she said. \u201cWe wanted to provide a joyful presence and provide aesthetic relief while showing how young people can make a positive impact in our community through the beauty of dance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Exploring the various \u201ccreative possibilities\u201d within the airport space will allow the dance troupe to make both \u201csmall and significant\u201d connections for not only the transient travellers there, but the employees as well, Corral said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe made people smile and we look forward to continuing to do that,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Robert Gleason, San Diego Airport Authority arts advisory committee board liaison, agreed that watching the performances adds an element of joy to the airport experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great to watch these performances along with the reactions of travelers that come across them,\u201d Gleason said. \u201cThey get to experience a performance in a way that\u2019s more personal and interactive than seeing someone on stage or behind a microphone. The performers are able to surprise and delight travelers who come across them unexpectedly.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Gleason said he feels the Performance Arts Residency Program helps create a positive customer experience for the traveling public.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a way for visitors, travelers and the general public to connect with the airport and see it in a different way,\u201d Gleason said. \u201cIt\u2019s also a way for people to experience some of what San Diego happens to offer in terms of cultural uniqueness.\u201d<\/p>\n
Embracing the arts is not only a sign of the times but a way for our local airport to stand out among the others.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think San Diego International certainly aims to be a leader in terms of its customer service and in this aspect of customer service,\u201d Gleason said. \u201cThere are a growing number of arts programs at many airports around the country and we want to try to be a leader in this field.\u201d<\/p>\n
transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project will continue to perform at SDIA\u2019s Terminal 2 baggage claim area throughout 2017. Their next scheduled performance will take place on May 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information on transcenDANCE, visit tdarts.org<\/em><\/a>. To learn more about San Diego International Airport\u2019s Performing Arts Residency Program, visit arts.san.org\/performing-arts<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n