Our Story
Hi! We're Kathy Catalan and Tanya Hernandez,
Friends and co-founders of Growing Oaks Dance Academy. We've danced together since we were nine years old, growing up side by side in our church's dance ministry, and for the past eight years we've had the joy of leading that ministry together.
Growing Oaks Dance Academy began with a dream we believe God gave us, rooted in Isaiah 61:3 — that we would be oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of His splendor.
We’ve spent years dancing together and leading a worship dance ministry, and through those years, we discovered a shared passion that goes beyond movement: walking alongside girls and women as they grow—not only in confidence and technique, but also in their faith.
We believe dance can carry the gospel to people who may never step into a sanctuary — that a city can encounter God through beauty before it ever hears a sermon. Growing Oaks is our answer to that dream: a place where every dancer is planted, rooted, and grown for His glory.
Our Vision
Our vision is to establish a Christ-centered dance academy in San Francisco, inspired by Isaiah 61:3 and its calling to become oaks of righteousness—a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. We envision a space where dance becomes a path to knowing God more fully, forming dancers rooted in faith who reflect His glory to our community and beyond.
Our mission is to nurture faith, confidence, and artistry in girls, teens, and women through dance. We blend ballet principles, contemporary, and lyrical movement with intentional prayer and devotionals, creating a space for dancers to grow technically and spiritually. Each season culminates in an artistic showcase that brings the beauty of worship directly into our surrounding community.
What Inspires Us
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The Arts
We love the art of dance — the creativity, beauty, and artistry that transform movement into expression. We are captivated by its ability to communicate emotion, story, and meaning, often expressing what words cannot. There is something wonderful about seeing weeks of practice, creativity, and teamwork come to life in a shared work of art on stage.
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Discipleship
We feel called to do more than teach dance steps. We’re here to disciple, encourage, and walk alongside girls and women as they grow in faith, confidence, and artistry. We treasure the moments beyond technique — speaking truth over a teenager, praying with a woman, and watching a young girl discover her confidence through dance.
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The Good News
We are passionate about Christ and the message of salvation. We believe He is calling us to publicly declare His name — before an entire city, not just within the walls of a sanctuary — planted as oaks of righteousness to reveal His beauty and display His glory through captivating dance performances, as Isaiah 61:3 says.
Your Support Helps Us Grow!
Your Support Helps Us Grow!
How You Can Help Accelerate Our Mission
Growing Oaks is taking its first steps, and you can help us bring this vision to life. Whether you give or share your support helps us move closer to creating a place where girls, teens, and women can grow in faith, confidence, and excellence through dance.
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Donate
Your financial contribution helps us cover the essential startup costs —from studio expenses and equipment to insurance and business registration.
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Spread the Word
Share Growing Oaks with your friends, family, and church community.
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Follow Us
Follow us on social media, like, and share our posts.