Meet the Team
Hanna Persky, Programs & Outreach Director
A San Francisco native, Hanna Persky began her dance training at Presidio Dance Theatre in 2006 under Artistic Director, Sherene Melania. She has traveled internationally with the company to Turkey, Hungary, and Italy. Hanna was recognized as an advanced-level dancer and choreographer for multiple years in the pre-professional program at the San Francisco School of the Arts, where she was trained under directors Elvia Marta and Andrea Hinman. Hanna graduated as a member of the Marine Corps, with a B.A. from the University of Southern California. Hanna was thrilled to return to PDT and share her love of dance with the next generation. She also remains a company artist with Presidio Dance Theatre.
Sophie Grewell, Community Engagement & Special Events
From San Francisco, Sophie received her bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Cruz in Feminist Studies and Critical Race & Ethnic Studies. During her time at UC Santa Cruz, she held numerous research positions focusing on human rights and injustice against Native women. Previously, in 2019, she graduated from Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, where she played violin in the orchestra department and was assistant to the director. Sophie played violin since the age of four, touring internationally with San Francisco orchestra Villa Sinfonia, and knows the ins and outs of performance art. She is passionate about equitable access to the performing arts and is excited by the work of the Presidio Dance Theatre.
Alyssa Kwan, Health & Nutrition specialist
Alyssa Kwan is was born and raised in San Francisco. She received her B.S. in Clinical Nutrition from UC Davis, completed her Dietetic Internship at UCSF Medical Center, and graduated with a M.S. in Human Nutrition from Columbia University. She currently works as a Clinical Dietitian at Stanford Health Care.
Alyssa Kwan and her two sisters are DANCEOUT! alumni. They began their training in 2004. They traveled with the company to Russia and Hungary. Alyssa is grateful to PDT for having provided her with the opportunity dance, where she developed an appreciation for health and wellness. Alyssa also learned the importance of mentorship and community building, which prompted her to create her own mentorship program, the RD Route. Alyssa provides workshops for PDT students and the great PDT community.