the training ground sf

Help us finish out the fiscal year strong.

There are just a few days left to support HOLD THE GROUND, our ambitious fundraising campaign to raise $25,000 by July 1. These funds will root us where we stand as we move into year two: maintaining fair compensation for artists and faculty, supporting scholarships to keep the program accessible, and building the operational infrastructure that makes everything else possible.

Link in bio to donate today!

Every donation counts, and no amount is too small. Donations are tax-deductible through our fiscal sponsor, Dancers’ Group, and every donor will be entered to win a ttgsf t-shirt.

🎥 “Black Moon Lilith” choreographed by Rena Butler, performed at Breaking Ground (December 2025, Dance Mission Theater)

Babatunji’s HATCHERY workshop is only a few weeks away!

Investigate site-responsive creation with a renowned artist whose hybrid movement language spans stage, film, and public space. Over the course of his HATCHERY workshop, participants will develop choreography with Babatunji, culminating in a live performance at Roar Shack Live.

🔔 July 19-23 at City Dance and Roar Shack, San Francisco. Options for complete workshop, full-day drop-in, and morning class drop-in.

🔗 Link in bio for details and registration!

🌱 About the artist: Babatunji Johnson grew up breaking and popping on street corners in Hilo, Hawai’i, before formal training brought him to LINES Ballet, where he spent over a decade originating roles under Alonzo King. Now an Oakland-based choreographer and solo artist, his work blends ballet, contemporary, breaking, and hip hop — seen on film (Blindspotting, Flower at Tribeca 2023), stages internationally, and in public spaces across the Bay Area. He’s a Princess Grace Fdn. Award recipient and has been featured in dancemagazine’s “Dancer Spotlight.”

🎥 Babatunji and Charmaine performing at our “Playground”showcase this past March.

A look back at a remarkable year in The Training Ground with inaugural class member Emerson, who reflects:

“My experience at ttgsf has been beneficial to my growth as an artist. The faculty truly invests in each student, supporting their growth by leading each class with complete dedication, knowledge, and mentorship. The staff is committed to the development of their students and supportive of their growth, not only as dancers but as individuals.

ttgsf cultivates an open environment where students are able to express themselves authentically, develop personal ideas, and deepen their love of the craft. Through my time in The Training Ground, I met artists who inspired me daily through their genuine talent and vulnerability. These artists challenged me physically and creatively, believed in me, and accepted who I was in each moment.

I am grateful to be a part of the inaugural class and the community that became my family throughout the process. This was a transformative year that created memories, friendships, and ideas that I will cherish forever.”

🎥 by Emerson Tait (Emerson Tait)

One week until Moscleyne’s HATCHERY workshop!

Bay Area folks might recognize Moscelyne for her work as the Resident Choreographer for Post:ballet where she most recently created this masterpiece, Magma. Lauded as “hot and dangerous” (SFClassical Voice), “wildly ambitious”(SFChronicle), and a “modern day masterpiece” (SF Arts), the evening-length work featured nine dancers of Post:ballet, live music by dj.ari.b, choreography and text by Moscelyne ParkeHarrison, and projections by Shana ParkeHarrison.

Magma was the result of a two-year creative process similar to the structure of her upcoming HATCHERY workshop. You’re invited to join her next week for an incubation process for her latest project, sleeper hit!

This workshop is ideal for dancers interested in embodied research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and deepening their personal virtuosity through character, style, and self-expression.

June 22-26 at C I T Y D A N C E L I V E.C I T Y D A N C E L I V E

The HATCHERY has officially begun!

All summer long, The HATCHERY by ttgsf brings an incredible line-up of artists to . Experience week-long workshops that each dig into a specific area of focus: FoCo Technique™, fashion x dance theater, site-specific performance, and much more!

Designed for advanced to professional-level dancers, ages 18+. No audition needed. Visit our website for details and the complete schedule.

Footage: HATCHERY faculty member Nat Wilson, Moscleyne ParkeHarrison, Babatunji, Maurya Kerr, Ja’Moon Jones, Laja Field, and Jessie Lee Thorne.