About Us: History

Destiny Arts Center has been serving Bay Area youth since 1988. Our programming began in local elementary schools, providing intensive martial arts and de-escalation training during after-school hours in a program called Project DESTINY. The school-based program then expanded into center-based programming that included classes in martial arts, dance, theater and youth leadership for youth ages 3-18. The programs trained all of the youth in self-defense and conflict resolution skills.

Destiny’s first Executive Director was Kate Hobbs. The founding Martial Arts Director, Sifu Anthony Daniels, is still an active instructor with Destiny Arts. The founding Performing Arts Director, Sarah Crowell, introduced hip-hop and modern dance to the youth programs. Sarah and Kate Hobbs co-created the Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company, which combines the signature movement disciplines of dance and martial arts with theater and spoken word. Along with the three founding directors, many dedicated volunteers helped to shape Destiny into the innovative youth development, arts education, violence prevention center it is today.

Currently, Destiny Arts Center runs after-school, weekend and summer programs that serve over 150 youth at the Center and another 450-500 youth through our Project DESTINY programs in over 20 pre-elementary, elementary, middle and high schools. Every year thousands of youth and adults attend classes, workshops, performances and events led by Destiny adult and youth instructors, students and performers.