Presidio Dance Theatre

- 2902 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123

Welcome to Presidio Dance Theatre (PDT), a distinguished dance company, school, and performing arts group based in San Francisco's historic Presidio. For families and dance enthusiasts across the Bay Area, PDT offers a unique blend of rigorous classical ballet training and a deep appreciation for global cultures. We are not just a dance studio; we are a vibrant center for cultural diplomacy, using the universal language of dance to build bridges and foster understanding. Since our founding, we have been committed to transforming communities and preserving cultural traditions through the arts. Our programming includes not only world-class live performances but also extensive dance education and youth development initiatives. We believe that dance is a powerful vehicle for creating compassionate global citizens, and our curriculum is designed to inspire the next generation to be both skilled artists and culturally literate individuals.

The Presidio Dance Theatre is a performance-based school, which means our students have the invaluable opportunity to take the stage multiple times throughout the year in some of the most prestigious venues in the Bay Area and beyond. This hands-on experience is crucial for a young performer's development, building their confidence and stage presence. Under the artistic direction of Sherene Melania, we have pioneered a unique style known as Ethno-Classical Ballet, which seamlessly blends the technical precision of classical ballet with the rich narrative and expressive power of ethnic and folk dances. This signature style sets us apart and offers our students a truly distinctive artistic education. We are dedicated to providing a supportive, body-positive, and inclusive environment where every student, regardless of gender or background, can thrive and reach their full potential.

Presidio Dance Theatre is now located at the Presidio Performing Arts Center, at 386 Moraga Avenue at Arguello Blvd., within the Presidio's Main Post. While our original address was 2902 Lyon St, please note the change for all in-person visits. Our new home is a beautifully renovated facility that offers an expanded space for arts education and performances. The Presidio's Main Post location provides a picturesque and inspiring backdrop for our work, surrounded by the natural beauty and historic significance of this national park site.

We are committed to making our programs and performances accessible to all members of our community. Our new facility features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all guests can attend our events and classes with ease. The Presidio itself offers convenient transportation options, including the free PresidiGo Shuttle system, which provides wheelchair ramps and bike racks, making it easy to access our location from various points in San Francisco. Our central location and dedication to accessibility ensure that everyone can experience the magic of dance at PDT.

As a multifaceted performing arts organization, Presidio Dance Theatre offers a wide range of services and programs, catering to a diverse audience and skill set. Our services include:

• The School: We provide rigorous, high-level dance training for youth ages 5-18 who wish to explore the world of dance. The curriculum combines the Vaganova ballet curriculum with classical character, folk, and ethnic dance, creating well-rounded performers.

• Youth Company: This performance-based program offers extensive local, national, and international performance opportunities, allowing students to apply their training in a professional setting.

• Professional Dance Company: Our professional company is widely recognized for its signature style of Ethno-Classical Ballet. They tour nationally and internationally, promoting cultural literacy and supporting humanitarian work through dance.

• Community Outreach: Our DANCEOUT! program provides free, culturally relevant dance-based enrichment education to local youth at various school and community sites throughout San Francisco.

• International Tours: PDT has a history of international tours, having performed in Russia, Turkey, Hungary, France, and Belgium, with a planned tour for Germany. These tours are a key component of our cultural diplomacy mission.

• Performance-Based Education: Students have the opportunity to perform in many venues, including being featured at the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, and in our own full-length storybook ballets, such as the premiere of "The Little Lantern."

Presidio Dance Theatre is set apart by its unique mission and exceptional features. Here are some of our key highlights:

• Cultural Diplomacy Through Dance: Our primary focus is on using dance as a tool for cross-cultural understanding. This unique mission enriches our students' education, helping them become compassionate global citizens.

• Ethno-Classical Ballet: We are pioneers of this signature style, offering a dance form that is both technically challenging and culturally significant. This curriculum provides a distinct advantage for students seeking a unique artistic identity.

• Professional Performance Opportunities: As a performance-based school, we offer unparalleled opportunities for students to perform in prestigious venues, building their confidence and real-world experience.

• Community Impact: Our DANCEOUT! program provides equitable arts opportunities to historically underserved communities, highlighting our commitment to social justice and youth development.

• Beautiful New Facilities: Our new home at the Presidio Performing Arts Center offers state-of-the-art facilities with expansion of arts education programs and performances.

• International Recognition: Our reputation for excellence is backed by five international tours and features at prestigious events like the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, showcasing the high caliber of our students and company members.

For all inquiries, registration information, or to learn more about our programs and performances, please contact us.

Address: 2902 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA (for contact purposes, physical location is 386 Moraga Avenue)

Phone: (415) 561-3958

What is worth choosing Presidio Dance Theatre? The answer lies in our comprehensive approach to arts education and our dedication to using dance for a greater purpose. A review from a satisfied parent perfectly encapsulates the value we provide, noting their daughter's development as a "true Triple Threat" due to the "high-quality instruction and mentorship." Our curriculum's emphasis on character, folk, and ethnic dance, in addition to classical ballet, ensures that students receive a well-rounded and culturally rich education. The opportunities for performance, both locally and internationally, are a testament to the level of training our students receive and our commitment to helping them share their art with the world.

Unlike many dance schools, we operate as a professional company with a school attached, providing a direct pipeline for students to experience the professional world of dance. This hands-on, performance-based model gives our students a unique advantage. Furthermore, our focus on cultural diplomacy through dance sets us apart, teaching students about empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for global communities. The fact that we have been featured three times at the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival speaks volumes about the authenticity and quality of our work. By choosing Presidio Dance Theatre, you are not just choosing a dance school; you are choosing an institution that is dedicated to building character, fostering artistic excellence, and creating compassionate, globally aware individuals.

Presidio Dance Theatre

2902 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA