Carrying Forward a Legacy. Building a New Future.

In 2025, Alonzo King LINES Ballet brought its Training Program to a close after more than two decades of cultivating young artists. Rather than let that legacy fade, longtime director Karah Abiog chose to carry its spirit forward into a new chapter.

Today, the training ground sf (ttgsf) stands as an independent evolution: a space for serious young dancers to train, explore, and forge bold futures in the arts.

the training ground sf empowers dancers to move boldly, think critically, and build lasting artistic lives. Through a balance of rigorous work and creative play, we guide dancers to expand their technical range, deepen their artistic voices, and build resilience for a dynamic professional world.

Artistry thrives in diverse communities. We are committed to creating an environment where artists of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences are seen, valued, and encouraged to grow.

our mission

Rooted in classical ballet and informed by contemporary practices, our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that reflects the evolving landscape of dance today. Students train in:

  • Ballet

  • Contemporary

  • Modern

  • Repertoire

  • Improvisation

  • Composition

  • Choreography

  • GYROTONIC® 

  • Critical Perspectives in Dance

our approach

“I refound my love of ballet because the program allowed my values to align with my training”

— Katie Roy, LBTP alum and ttgsf faculty

Our faculty brings decades of professional experience and passionate teaching, offering individualized guidance alongside technical rigor. Throughout the year, we invite guest artists from diverse backgrounds to engage with students, connecting them to a living, breathing dance community that spans disciplines, geographies, and generations.

our staff

ttgsf classes take place in the beautiful City Dance Studios at 60 Brady Street in San Francisco, California. Bright and airy with extra-tall ceilings, the large main studio is an inspiring blank canvas that can be transformed into a performance space. Students also have access to observation balconies, a lounge, a kitchenette, and more. With nearby BART and Muni transit options, City Dance SF’s central location makes commuting easy from both San Francisco and the East Bay.

our location