The Youth Company

The Youth Company of Presidio Dance Theatre

Presidio Dance Theatre (PDT) brings the world of dance to your child. PDT classes emphasize artistry, elegance, precision and versatility. Our program is unique, as students study both exquisite classical ballet and danse de charactere, drawing from a variety of international cultures and folk traditions shared from generation to generation.  Our classes are exciting, lively, and highly educational in content.

The Youth Company of Presidio Dance Theatre was launched in 2006 by Sherene Melania, and today receives international attention. An internationally recognized faculty train aspiring young dancers in a pedagogy based on that of the Vaganova Ballet School and the performance aesthetic of dance theatre.  The training is sequential and builds technique each year. Such training has produced many of this century's most exceptional dancers, including Pavlova, Nijinsky, Nureyev, Baryshnikov, Makarova, and Sizova.

The Youth Company of Presidio Dance Theatre has provided its young artists with an unprecedented opportunity for artistic and cultural exchange.

Youth Company Classical Ballet Program

For the 2010-2011 school year, the Classical Ballet Program is taught by Master Teacher, Nikolai Kabanaiev, former artist of the Kirov Ballet, Saint Petersburg, Russia.  Mr. Kabanaiev studied at the famed Vagonova Ballet School and later at the Saint Petersburg State Conservatory. In America, he taught at San Francisco Ballet School for six years and then served as Assistant Artistic Director of the Diablo Ballet, receiving critical acclaim for his artistic endeavors. 

Ballet Classes will be offered 4 times per week and students may chose which day/s they will attend, adding flexibility when homework projects/tests are upcoming. (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat)

Youth Company Folk & Charactere Dance Program

Master Teacher Norberto Martinez will lead the international folk and danse de character program.  Mr. Martinez  graduated from Instituto Mexicano de Artes and Instituto de las Bellas Artes of Mérida, Yucatán in Mexico, trained in classical ballet, folk, and character dance.  He is a popular choreographer and performer, a favorite of our students.  (Weds)

Youth Company Performance Program

During the 2010-2011 school year, a rotation of prominent choreographers will be creating new repertoire for Presidio Dance Theatre YouthCompany's Winter and Spring Seasons, under the supervision of Artistic Director Sherene Melania.

Youth Company Workshops

Artistic Director Sherene Melania will conduct two weekend workshops. Two other workshops will include instruction on drama and theater, musical theatre, and stagecraft.  As our students technique grows, so must their artistic expression on stage.     

INTERNATIONAL TOUR 2011 & 2012

Youth Company members who are 8 years old and up, may begin touring internationally with appropriate parental supervision.   Our tours include performances as guests of government officials, ministries of culture, and outstanding performing artists.

With great success our Youth Company performed in the prestigious White Nights Festival in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 2008 and Turkey's International Children's Festival in 2010, Youth Company members are offered opportunities to perform internationally. 

A repeat tour to Istanbul and Izmir is offered for April 2011.  In 2012, the Youth Company has received an invitation to perform in Budapest, Hungary and in Paris, France. 

ABOUT THE YOUTH COMPANY: For young Artists-in-Training

The Youth Company is a pre-professional program which combines classical ballet technique, danse de charactere, and the study of international dances with cultural appreciation. Junior Company members receive opportunities to perform with Presidio Dance Theatre Company locally and internationally working with acclaimed choreographers, becoming inspired to develop their artistry and personal expression from studio to stage. Entrance into the Youth Company is by audition for placement.

PARENT COMMITMENT:

All parents commit to supporting his/her student to participate in all rehearsals and spring productions at the SF War Memorial Opera House and Palace of Fine Arts. It is important for students and their parents to understand that honoring the time commitment of attending classes and rehearsals directly relates to performance opportunities.

WHAT ARE THE LEVELS OF THE YOUTH COMPANY?

Levels: Intermediate A/Advanced Levels attend classes 3-4 times per week. Students, not ready to audition or make the time commitment for entrance into the Youth Company may take classes with the Youth Company, and are considered TRAINEES of the Youth Company. *Trainees will have performances opportunities at the Palace of Fine Arts on May 21 during 2010 DANCING ACROSS CULTURES^TMif attending a minimum of 2 classes per week and all production rehearsals.

Levels: Beginning/Intermediate B attend classes 2 times per week. Students, not ready to audition or make the time commitment for entrance into the Youth Company may take classes with the Youth Company, and are considered TRAINEES of the Youth Company. *Trainees will have performances opportunities at the Palace of Fine Arts on May 21 during the Spring Recital, not necessarily 2010 DANCING ACROSS CULTURES^TM

WHAT IS DANCING ACROSS CULTURES^TM

DANCING ACROSS CULTURES^TM is the signature production of Presidio Dance Theatre. It is a full-length performance of national dances which reflect diverse cultural and folkloric traditions which have been preserved and passed down through the generations. Our Artistic Director Sherene Melania is the Principal Choreographer for this production.
Participation in DANCING ACROSS CULTURES^TM is a year-long endeavor. Miss Melania invites guest choreographers to come to our studios during the school year to create 4 dance workshops to set new pieces for the upcoming spring season. During these CHOREOGRAPHERS WORKSHOPS, members of the Junior Company and their parents (who attend the first 30 minutes of each workshop) are introduced to the Choreographers and the dances, costumes, and traditions about his/her particular culture. Each year, the Junior Company performs with Presidio Dance Theatre (Our professional adult company of 18 international dancers) in the two Spring concerts.

For Dance Classes in San Francisco

For the second year, PDT has received Nickelodeon Television's PARENTS CHOICE national award for offering the best dance classes and artsy programs in the San Francisco Bay Area. We invite you to come our tour our facilities, observe a class, and join the fun!