How I See SF
Choreographer Sean Dorsey

Sean Dorsey, an award-winning and trailblazing San Francisco-based creator shares his favorite things about the City by the Bay.

See San Francisco through the eyes of Sean Dorsey, an award-winning San Francisco-based choreographer, dancer and writer. Dorsey has long been celebrated as the first acclaimed transgender contemporary dance choreographer in the nation, and is the Artistic Director of Sean Dorsey Dance. Dorsey is also the founder and Artistic Director of Fresh Meat Productions, a popular Bay Area non-profit that creates, commissions, and presents trans and queer arts events and programs, including the popular annual FRESH MEAT FESTIVAL. Don't miss their current season performances.

Describe Your Perfect Day in San Francisco

My perfect day would start with the (rare) opportunity to grab a delicious breakfast or bánh mì sandwich at Castro Tarts with my partner, transwoman singer-songwriter Shawna Virago. Then I would bring a picnic out to Fort Funston and watch for whales and dolphins (we’ve seen both there)! Dinner would have to be at our favorite friendly French restaurant Café Bastille (in magical little restaurant back street Belden Place). Finally, we would drive up to Twin Peaks and enjoy the nighttime lights from Twin Peaks.

What should every visitor to San Francisco do at least once?

Walk to the top of Bernal Hill and enjoy the views; take in some LGBTQ+ arts and culture (like the San Francisco Transgender Film Festival, the FRESH MEAT FESTIVAL of trans and queer performance, Queer Cultural Center's National Queer Arts Festival).

What’s your favorite place to take a photo?

Crissy Field or the Presidio —anywhere with that beautiful Golden Gate Bridge in the background. It’s such a gorgeous landmark!

Where do you indulge your artistic side in San Francisco?

As a professional choreographer and dancer, I indulge my artistic side a lot. As the nation’s first transgender choreographer, I’ve toured my work to more than 35 U.S. cities… but there is nothing like performing for my home audience in San Francisco. I perform my work at many Bay Area venues, including the gorgeous 13,000-square-foot historic theater Z Space in the Mission District.

What’s your favorite event that happens in San Francisco?

It’s a tie! My two favorites are the annual Fresh Meat Festival of Transgender & Queer Performance and the annual San Francisco Transgender Film Festival in November. Both present truly world-class transgender artistry, both have enormous sold-out audiences, and both are a TON of fun.

Where and what would you choose for your last meal in San Francisco?

I would choose one of the yummy vegetarian options from Max's Opera Plaza (while enjoying the great live piano and showtunes!) And a double espresso (or two) and one of their fabulous desserts!

Which restaurant is still on your list to dine at in San Francisco?

I still haven’t eaten at the amazing Brenda's French Soul Food. I must get there!

Any last final advice for travelers in San Francisco?

Do a mix of things on the beaten path AND off of it. It’s totally worth walking across the Golden Gate Bridge and doing those sorts of things – I enjoy them myself! But also make sure to get a picnic at Dolores Park, look up what locals love to do. This is a magical city with endless magical things to do!