Santa Barbara Festival Ballet

Share in the
Holiday Magic!

December 14th & 15th
The Arlington Theatre

Experience the wonder of Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s NUTCRACKER at the Arlington Theatre. The 49th Anniversary production of this timeless holiday classic blends the elegance of Tchaikovsky’s cherished score with innovative choreography and stunning performances from our internationally renowned guest artists, from Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alexandra Hutchinson and Kouadio Davis.

Children delight in the magical growing Christmas tree and the blizzard of dancing snowflakes. Accompanied by a live symphony orchestra, conducted by Elise Unruh, SBFB’s Nutcracker production will transport you to a whimsical realm of enchantment. It is truly an unforgettable holiday tradition.

December 14, 2:30pm & 7pm
December 15, 2:30pm

2 hours, including a 20 minute intermission.

December 14, 2:30pm & 7pm
December 15, 2:30pm

2 hours, including a 20 minute intermission.

Professional

Instruction

Our world-class faculty offer superior training and an individualized approach to nurturing unique and confident artists. Our Conservatory is dedicated to developing safe and correct technique, artistry and musicality, and providing professional performance opportunities for the growing dancer.

Community

Our studio offers more than just exceptional classical ballet training. We focus on growing community and fostering connections among our students and families that often last a lifetime. Additionally, SBFB works to integrate the art of dance and its culture into the local community of Santa Barbara and beyond through our Friends of Clara program and numerous community outreach programs throughout the year.

Tradition

For nearly 50 years our studio has been training dancers and collaborating with the Santa Barbara Symphony at the Arlington Theatre.

“Watching our children grow at Santa Barbara Festival Ballet has been a heartwarming journey. The studio offers exceptional ballet training and fosters a nurturing, supportive community. My 10-year-old son has learned so much in his classes and he particularly loves performing in the Nutcracker, finding joy and acceptance in an inclusive environment. My 12-year-old daughter has grown immensely as an apprentice in the Company, benefiting greatly from the guidance of skilled instructors and the support of older dancers. Her experience on the Ballet Alliance trip to Spokane, WA was particularly inspiring and transformative. The active parental involvement, dedicated Board of Directors, and parent-led Guild further enhance the sense of community. The cherished Nutcracker show at The Arlington every Christmastime is a highlight, bringing together dancers, families, and the broader community. I wholeheartedly recommend Santa Barbara Festival Ballet for its top-notch training and loving atmosphere, where all children can thrive and express their creativity through dance.”

"As a newer parent to Santa Barbara Festival of Ballet, I could not be more pleased by this wonderful community. The intimate setting has felt positive and encouraging for my daughter and myself. The community is diverse and inclusive and offers a sense of closeness that we have not found elsewhere. My daughter absolutely loves her ballet classes and is appropriately challenged. The performances are true testaments to the hard work on behalf of the instructors and dancers. My daughter has found a true passion within a wonderful community of dancers and we could not be more happy."

“My daughter has been dancing at Festival Ballet for 5 years. We love the focus on timeless, classic ballet, with structure and tradition, but also lots of fun and friendship. She loves the classes, the opportunities to perform, and inspiration from role models in the Festival Ballet community.”

“We have been commuting from Lompoc for the past six years so our daughter can attend Santa Barbara Festival Ballet. We had been searching for a studio that would provide a positive environment and experienced teachers to set our daughter up for success, should she choose to pursue ballet more seriously. We found all of that, and more, with Santa Barbara Festival Ballet. We found our daughter her studio, but she found her community -- a place where she truly belongs. Not only are the teachers highly accomplished and dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential, but the friendships, connections, and experiences our daughter has made will leave an indelible mark on her throughout her life. Our daughter's journey from Level 1 in the Conservatory to recently being promoted to apprentice in the SBFB Company, is a testament to the growth and potential available to every student at Santa Barbara Festival Ballet.”

“Every Saturday, my 5-yr old daughter wakes up and exclaims happily 'Today is ballet class!' The teachers are knowledgeable, energetic, cheerful, and give a lot of individualized attention to each young ballerina. She has learned so much of this art form while having fun doing what she loves – dancing!”