PUSH Dance Company
The Verdict
"A small SoMa dance studio that hosts performances and workshops in contemporary and modern dance. Shows are intimate and the dancers are skilled. Tickets are usually under $20. A good pick if you want to see cutting-edge dance without the formality of a big theater."
What you need to know
PUSH Dance Company works out of a studio on Minna Street in SoMa, creating contemporary dance that is athletic, emotionally direct, and hard to forget. Founded by Raissa Simpson, the company has been producing work in San Francisco since 2001.
What to Expect
PUSH performs in their own intimate studio space and at other venues around the city. The studio shows put you close enough to hear the dancers breathing, which changes how you experience the work. The choreography tends to be physically intense and thematically personal, often exploring identity, relationships, and social dynamics.
The company also collaborates with musicians and visual artists, so performances sometimes include live sound or projected visuals layered into the dance. If you have never seen contemporary dance in a small space, this is a good place to start. The proximity makes the athleticism and emotion impossible to ignore.
Visiting
Studio: Minna Street, SoMa
Performances: Studio shows plus appearances at ODC Theater, CounterPulse, and other Bay Area venues
Season: Several productions per year
Cost: $20 to $40 depending on venue
Tickets: Available through the company website
Getting There
The SoMa studio is walkable from Powell or Montgomery BART stations, about ten minutes on foot. Muni lines along Mission or Market Street get you close. Street parking in SoMa is metered during the day and generally available evenings.
Skip this if you are looking for traditional dance or a large theater experience. This is close range contemporary work in small spaces.
📍 Location: This activity is in SoMa. Explore the neighborhood →
