Presidio Performing Arts Foundation (PPAF) has a 27 year history of advancing justice through dance. Since its inception, PPAF has continuously engaged and uplifted historically and systemically excluded and erased artists, cultural practitioners, and arts and cultural practices.

In partnership with SFUSD and the YMCA, 280,000 students have benefitted from our free public performances, lectures, workforce development opportunities, and community classes.

PPAF annually presents Children’s Day at the SF War Memorial Opera House, providing an opportunity for 6,200 Bay Area students and families to enjoy free multicultural dance presentations, highlighting the diversity and inclusive spirit of California.

DANCEOUT!’s nationally recognized youth development program, provides culturally informed and responsive arts education, resulting in positive life paths. 85% of our DANCEOUT! students are the first in their families to attend a university; 99% of our graduates pursue a college education.

PPAF partnerships include a broad range of local, national and international arts, cultural, and educational entities, including: the United Nations; International Red Cross; UNESCO’s International Dance Council; European Parliament; U.S. Department of State; City of San Francisco; SF Symphony; SFMOMA; SF Opera; SF Unified School District; YMCA; Smithsonian Institute.

Presidio Dance Theatre, widely recognized for its signature style of Ethno-Classical Ballet, has received numerous accolades, including the U.S. State Department’s award for “Excellence in Cultural Diplomacy & Dance.” PDT employs and highlights native artists and those from underrepresented cultures, celebrating the rich tapestry of human heritage. PDT’s New Works Series focuses on women’s empowerment and putting women’s stories back into history, while examining gender roles through the ages.

PDT has engaged in 13 international tours, representing the U.S. and 5 official SF Sister City Exchanges, supporting global humanitarian causes, while promoting social justice. Global audiences have exceeded 12 million.