Not many of us can claim we are experiencing a dream come true. But Sherene Melania, the artistic director of the Presidio Dance Theatre Company and School, says that’s exactly what’s happening to her right now.

Sherene and executive director Judy Bretschneider have found a home for their school in the Presidio.

Not only is dance a life-long passion for Sherene, but passing it along to young people is just as important. She’s selected some underprivileged kids as students.

 “Dance is the answer to a lot of our problems in society,” she says. “These young people can’t find a way to express themselves. The way I see it, dance is the way.”

Sherene, a classically trained ballet dancer, says dance is not just for the youngsters.

 “Dance is for everyone,” she says. “I see it in the lady who walks down the street. She’s dancing inside somehow. I want everyone in the world to dance.”

I’m not sure I can dance, but after talking to Sherene Melania for a few minutes, even I start to believe it. I’m not the only one who is convinced. Ms. Melania and Ms. Bretschneider have engaged many young people in their Dance Out! outreach program. The company has been noticed not only in San Francisco, but by many around the world. They have danced at the Catherine Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, and traveled to Turkey earlier this year to represent the U.S. at the International Children’s Festival. Next year they will perform at the Trocadero Theatre in Paris and visit Budapest. Heady stuff for young people who may have had the blues in their life but not the rhythm.

Sherene offers free dance classes to young people in San Francisco public schools. Her work caught the attention of former Mayor Gavin Newsom, who wisely appointed her to the S.F. Arts Commission.

Soon to be located near the Officer’s Club on the Parade Grounds, the dance school’s new digs will be called the Presidio Performing Arts Center. It’s on the best real estate in the world, a good place for a class act. It seems Robert Redford wanted the venue for his own project. He lost out to the irrepressible Sherene Melania. But I can’t imagine he’s bitter about it. Mr. Redford is a smart man. Not since Isadora Duncan was born in downtown San Francisco has our city seen a social activist who can also take dance to a whole new level.

Bruce Bellingham is the arts and entertainment editor for Northside San Francisco. E-mail: [email protected]