Presidio Dance Theatre in San Francisco, CA 94129

Presidio Dance Theatre5526

in San Francisco, CA 94129

about Presidio Dance Theatre:

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best Artsy Class for Teens in the Bay Area, the Presidio Dance Theatre Academy is the official school of Presidio Dance Theatre and offers artistic and cultural education. The ballet-based international dance program is open to students of all skill levels with a choice of two distinct tracts of training.

The Academy Tract offers elementary aged students one weekly dance combination class (Ballet and International Folk) and an optional weekly corresponding performance class (if the student wishes to participate in Presidio Dance Theatre's Spring Recital at the Palace of Fine Arts). The Academy also offers popular electives. This tract is for children who wish to explore the world of dance and receive enrichment in performing arts.

Les Petites Etoiles - Preschool Twinkles: An award-winning Preschool program for children ages 2.5 years and older. Twice a week, preschoolers are given an introduction to ballet and international dance, enriched with music and dance history appreciation. The Twinkles learn steps from the repertoire of Presidio Dance Theatre's Dancing Across Cultures, signature production. Each spring, the Twinkles join Presidio Dance Theatre Academy's Recital and perform at the Palace of Fine Arts.

The Junior Company Tract: The Academy's Junior Company tract is a Pre-Professional Program for students ages seven to 17. All students must audition for placement in this tract. Junior Company members commit to attending dance classes three days per week and participating in seasonal theatrical performances, as well as national and local special event performances, television, and touring opportunities. Junior Company members work with a number of Presidio Dance Theatre's resident choreographers and perform with the Company and guest artists.

The training continues the traditions of Russia's Imperial Ballet School and the Mariinsky (Kirov) Theatre and are taught with the French vocabulary of ballet direction. Costumes are designed for the Junior Company (at no cost to parents), primarily by the costume artists of the Mariinsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg.

Presidio Dance Theatre Summer Camp program includes Orientation to Ballet and Folk (ages five to eight) and Beginning and Intermediate Ballet and Folk (ages eight to 17) from 10am-4pm in five weekly sessions. Kids explore the world through dance, drawing from a variety of international cultures and folk dances. Kids also learn dance history, costume and make-up for stage, health and nutrition, and do visual art projects. Students register by the week. Additional weekly Specialty Camps include: Hula Camp and Hip-Hop Camp. Extended care is available 8:30am-10am and 4pm-5:30pm.

Preschool Morning Summer Camp is offered to young children, three to five years of age. Classes include pre-ballet, folk, arts and crafts, arts enrichment, and creative dance theatre. (9am-12n, Mon-Fri in five weekly sessions).

My 2 daughters absolutely love PDT! Under the direction of Sherene Melania, the company and academy are truly amazing. If you're looking for high quality arts education and fun, search no more. I HIGHLY recommend all of their programs and am looking forward to their new space in fall 2011!

Sharzad-SF

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If you are looking for an outstanding dance program, look no further! Presidio Dance Theatre is a truly unique program. My 10 year old daughter has been studying at PDT for 5 years. She still looks forward to her "dance days" and remains in awe of Miss Sherene (Artistic Director) and loves her other teachers too.
I love the cultural perspective she's learning in addition to her dance technique.
The productions are amazing, choreography and costumes are unparalleled by anything in I've seen in SF.
I can't urge you enough....if you have a daughter or son, interested in dance, PDT is the place for you!

Nancy A.

Presidio Dance Theatre is a true SF jewel! Artistic Director, Sherene Melania, is an amazingly talented young woman. As a mother, I could not choose a better role model for my girls! My daughters (4 and 9) love their classes at PDT. Artistically the programs are of the highest quality. My husband and I are pleased with the combination of fun and discipline. Everyone that works at PDT really provides a very warm environment, it's a great community! I HIGHLY recommend this program to anyone interested in dance in the bay area!

Leyla S.

Living in Boston and teaching around the world, i can easily say that PDT is one of the best dance school there is. Great staff, wonderful studio. I love the attitude and the level of teaching. Professional yet fun.

Ahmet Luleci

This is an excellent performing arts program for kids and young adults. The dance training is exceptional, supportive, age-appropriate, and brings self-confidence, personal responsibility, performance skills and numerous on stage experiences. Students may sign up for dance workshops or join the junior company, where they will have outstanding opportunities to perform on professional stages. Training is in ballet technique and international/cultural dances representing over 30 nations. My middle school daughter has been with Presidio Dance Theatre for over five years and she still looks forward to every class and rehearsal. The performances have beautiful costumes and choreography - they are not to be missed! The dance studio is conveniently located in the Presidio of San Francisco - it's safe and easy for pick up and drop off.

ceh

I'm pleased that NICKELODEON PARENTS CONNECT has awarded Presidio Dance Theatre Academy its 2008 BEST ARTSY AWARD for the San Francisco Bay Area. My teenage daughter found Presidio Dance through her high school (BAY) and after a trimester program, joined the Junior Company. It's been so exciting for her, she's performed in the Opera House, Palace, Marin Center, New York!..and she's even traveled to Saint Petersburg, Russia and performed in the palaces and for Tsarskoye Selo's 300th birthday party....in front of 32,000 people! Presidio Dance Theatre builds confidence and gives the most fabulous education in the arts to its pupils. It is the best dance education program in SF.

Mrs. Baumgartner

My 4 year old daughter has been taking classes for the past year and LOVES it. She was able to preform this past spring at the Palace of Fine Arts with the other preschool aged students. The school teaches ballet and ballet based folk and cultural dances as well as many other kinds of dance. I would highly recommend Presidio Dance.

anonymous

My 3 year old grandchild had her very first recital at the Palace of Fine Arts in May with Presidio Dance Theatre. It was adorable! More than 100 little preschoolers joined her on stage. She was a little bumble bee. All the children were so well trained and danced with big smiles. I was touched by the fact that they had so much confidence at such a young age. Congratulations to Miss Sherene, Miss Rachel, Miss Tricia, and especially Mommy Chan (production manager) who while tireless, is simply charming....no wonder she's everyone's MOMMY!!!! It's no wonder that this organization is growing by leaps and bounds! For our family, there is no other program that is as comprehensive. I love how they have cut windows into the walls of the studio so we can view classes and rehearsals...it is a sharp contrast to the others.

Millie Lloyd

Two of my children are students of Miss Sherene at Presidio Dance Theatre. We enjoyed the great Spring Season of sensational stage performances at the SF Opera House, Marin Center, and Palace of Fine Arts....and now incredibly, the Junior Company is preparing to travel and perform in the White Nights Summer Festivals in Saint Petersburg, Russia. I only wished I would have had such opportunities when I was a child. My children are so happy and at the same time, learning so much! And guess what....so are my wife and I! You will not be disappointed.

ghb

...here when she was in preschool and started up again in 1st grade. She is now in 3rd grade and absolutely loves her dance classes and enjoys learning all of the different folk dances as well as performing in the beautiful costumes that they wear in the shows. We are very happy that she has the opportunity to work with Miss Sherene as well as the guest choreographers that come and work with the children. It is a very positive experience for her and for us!

Joan

My 8-year old twins love dance and have finally found "THE STUDIO". They enjoyed Young Artists Camp with Miss Connie for Ballet, Miss Sherene for Folk (she's the best!!! like everyone says---it's true), and an array of choreographers and artists who were awe inspiring. Especially, the twins enjoyed studying about Spain and Spanish dance with Alicia Adame (who danced with the Jose Greco Company--and teaches Classical Spanish at LINES), and Miss Caroline, who taught Greek Dancing. I understand that Presidio Dance Theatre Junior Company is preparing for a tour to Greece with Ms. Caroline's company over there..My husband and I enjoy watching the twins "perform" the elegant Persian movements, as demonstrated by Miss Sahar Hojat(of Ballet Afsaneh). The kids also attended HULA Camp with Miss Monica (of Hui Tama Nui) and look forward to HIP-HOP Camp with Miss Nicole (who danced with the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Theatre--it's her 3rd year at camp!). If you want your child to explore many dance forms, and work with top professionals....I recommend Presidio Dance Theatre. There is so much more going on there....besides dance! It's a highly educational program.

pmarinacool@aol.com

My girls have taken dance for the last five years at professional and local schools in the Bay Area--ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, you name it. We were thrilled to discover Presidio Dance Theatre. They teach girls and boys classical ballet and entertaining folk dances from dozens of cultures across the globe. There are many performance opportunities (Opera House, Palace of Fine Arts) where the girls wear costumes made by the costume designer for the Kirov Ballet! The girls and boys adore their teachers who instill a love of dance and an appreciation for different cultures. Even the most challenging dances are a thrill to learn--my girls and their friends can't stop dancing! It's an inclusive community where kids from many schools convene. THANK YOU PRESIDIO DANCE!!

Mom of 7 & 10 year old

My daughter has attended the summer camp and the dance classes. I was very disappointed with the camp program since it did not have much activities in terms of arts and field trips. The dance instruction was primarily focused on the girls in advanced levels that were going to perform in some show. The younger girls just spend their time sitting in the dance studio watching the rehearsals. The dance classes are better for the toddlers probably since the teacher is very nice. The show for the beginning levels was a huge disappointment as well. They performed for 1 minute in a large group and did not even see what dance steps they learned. My daughter who is 6 did not learn anything the past year.

Mom

...taking dance lessons with the Presidio Dance Theatre for the last two years, but she hasn't learned much at all. Often times, they let an 8-year-old girl teach the class. They just bounced around for an hour. I consider it a waste of time. We are leaving after this term is over.

Multicultural dance and traditional ballet instruction, amazing performances in the Opera House, City Hall, Palace of Fine Arts and many more places, outreach program to underserved schools, summer camps - the girls love the variety, the boys love the acrobatic and gymnastic moves - and they're learning about dozens of cultures in the world and different kids in their own city at the same time.

Greg Blaine

My 6 year old daughter started at Presidio Dance Theatre last year during Summer Camp and we're here to stay! She adores her dance teacher, Miss Sherene, and she has been fortunate enough to perform in their Winter performance and is looking forward to her performance at the War Memorial Opera House this month. Summer camp was also a wonderful experience -mixed with ballet, folk, and hip hop. We really enjoyed the repetoire and love the staffing at Presidio Dance.

A Satisfied Parent

I learned about the Presidio Dance Theatre through some very excited children -- the organization's best form of advertising and marketing. These kids happened to be teen age girls that loved to dance and felt a real sense of accomplishment from their invovlement with the group. My daughter is 5 1/2 and has been dancing for several weeks with them. She can't get enough and wishes she could go EVERY day. THey are professional and highly skilled and care deeply about the children. The teaching team is EXCEPTIONAL and they focus on giving the kids a real foundation in dance wrapped around a joy for music. The teachers are PROS! I am so happy to have found a dancing "home" for my daughter. Ask them to see their (DVD) of the performances from last year...it makes all the other dance schools look juvenile!

Mom of dancer!

Presidio Dance Theatre is one of the jewels of the city. The Dancing Across Cultures spring recital is as professional and moving as any dance performance I've seen anywhere. Our four year old began classes at Presidio Dance Theatre last year, and since then the school has become one of the focal points of our week, and we have watched her gain confidence, focus, and pride in her own abilities. Many toddler dance classes serve mainly as energy outlets, with the kids barely in control. In both her first and second terms at Presidio Dance Theatre, our daughter's teachers have been beautifully trained dancers, with a wonderful sensitivity to these tiny bodies and minds. Our two year-old can't wait to begin dancing!

My 3 year old daughter, Azita, never attended classes of any type before, and greatly enjoyed Presidio Dance Theatre Preschool Summer Camp. She was made to feel comfortable and enjoyed the international group of kids. In fact, we only planned on one week, but she had so much fun, we added an additional week. Azita enjoyed her energetic and well-trained teachers; and loved the art projects (she's still wearing her necklace and her tiara is hanging above her bed. When weather permitted, the little children were taken on field trips to Crissy Field and around exhibitions in the Presidio. Azita kept up and enjoyed all aspects of the program. She continues her dance classes this Fall. She loves her teacher, Miss Victoria and looks forward to her time at Presidio Dance Theatre.

CHristine Ghiai

My daughter who recently turned five sampled a couple of weeks of camp this summer at different spots but the mix of dance and arts and crafts at the Presidio Dance Theatre was her favorite. She has continued on with their program as school began and Tuesday's and Thursday's are her most special days of the week! Thanks so much to everyone at the camp for making the summer so memorable.

Darren Johnston

My 4 year old daughter did a week of summer camp, 9am- noon in August 2006. I dropped by on Wed. to watch the dance class portion of the camp. The teacher was a high school student, clearly overwhelmed and exasperated by trying to lead a class of 12 or so young children. The class was simply chaotic. One other high school student also taught the camp on Mon. and Tues., but I was told finished her community service and would not be coming back. Another young man sat on the side attending to a couple of children who did look like they wanted to participate. I asked another parent watching if this was normal. She told me she was also very disappointed in the class and had considered writing the PPAF Board. She also said her friend stopped bringing her daughter to the class (she already paid for), because she thought the quality of the dance class was so poor. The art and craft portion of the camp on the first two days consisted of coloring a banner with the words "we love ballet" and "we love camp". Another day it was a coloring page of a dancer. There was only one art project of I would consider creative art -- one day the children decorated headpieces made from paper plates. We paid $200 for the camp and a $50 registration fee for the week. The children did not do kite-flying or field trips in the Presidio that were advertised as part of the camp. I would NOT recommend Presidio Dance Theater to anyone.

SF Mom

My daughters and I were fortunate enough to stumble onto Presidio Dance Theatre when I was looking for dance classes for my daughters (then ages 7 and 6). We went to our first class in September 2003 and have been with PPAF since. My two daughters take classes three times a week because they adore their dance instructor and choreographer Sherene Melania. Miss Sherene, who danced and trained since the age of 8 at San Francisco Ballet School, Kirov Academy of Ballet (Washington DC), and Saint Petersburg State Conservatory in Russia, makes the classes fun and the children absolutely adore her. The school focuses on Vaganova classical ballet, international dance training across cultures, and performance exposure. In the past 2 ½ years that we have been with Presidio Dance Theatre, my girls have been in many wonderful stage performances including the school's annual Spring Showcase at the Palace of Fine Art, the annual Yerba Buena Gardens Youth Arts Fair, the Asian Business League, and many various prestigious events including for the United Nations and Presidio Trust. My children have also enjoyed the curriculum during their Summer Camp sessions for the past two years. The camp was from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. where the kids danced about two hours a day but also went on fieldtrips, made crafts and jewelry, participated in puppet theatre, etc. As a parent, I have seen the classes transform my daughters who have had no previous dance experience to girls who now have had stage experience, classical ballet technique training, and International folk and character exposure. The culture is very family oriented. It has been wonderful watching the all of the children flourish and blossom into wonderful, elegant, and dynamic dancers. I feel extremely fortunate to have found Presidio Dance Theatre because they have now become a second family for us. We have absolutely enjoyed ourselves and my children look forward to working with the new expanding professional faculty (including San Francisco Ballerina Wendy Van Dyck) and guest choreographers to create the 2006 showcase.

Ada Kwan

My daughter is 11 and my son is 9. Presidio Dance Theatre is their first dance school and they are in their 3rd year now. I cannot tell you how much my kids enjoy the place. At first, we were like testing the water to see how the kids enjoy dancing. But then, their talents were instantly spotted. All along, they are given high quality and interesting folk and ballet classes. There are also lots of performance opportunities through out the years from relaxed style home studio winter production to elegant spring performances at the Palace of Fine Arts. My kids have learned and developed a lot of different skills over these years. Among those are time management, independence, discipline, interpersonal skills and most of all to respect others and appreciate different art forms. I love this school so much that I'm now trying the adult ballet, pilate and yoga class. It has the best to offer since I love yoga and on top of that I can also learn the basics of ballet. I started to know what my kids are learning in class. Ms. Wendy Van Dyke, who had been the prima ballerina of San Francisco Ballet for years, is one of the best teachers in town. We all love her clear and gentle teaching. Her love for the art and the students is what makes the class special. I will also consider taking some folk classes as Ms. Sherene is so creative, loving all the children and full of energy. Last but not the least, I like the positive and warm atmosphere. It's a non-profit organization which needs volunteer help from time to time. Everyone I met there is so warm and ready to help. I think this is the best place to nurture my kids! I'm glad that we found this school!

Christine Chan

I'm so excited to offer this class...my friends little sons & daughters and I take "class" together with Mommies! Starting at 12 months-2.5 years. BABY DANCE & DISCO is a new class, offered at Presidio Dance Theatre. It's a fun, wonderful time for bonding, exercising, and its never too early to start building a love for the arts. Moms really enjoy each other and babies. Everyone loves the setting.... Lots of free parking! The class is open for enrollment currently, meeting on Mondays 1-1:45pm

sherene bretschneider

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