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.
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.
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.
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.
For nearly 50 years our studio has been training dancers and collaborating with the Santa Barbara Symphony at the Arlington Theatre.
We are so thrilled to be building our way to the 50th Anniversary of the Nutcracker at the Arlington in 2025, and we would love to connect with our many wonderful alumni to share the magic! Please click the button below to share your information so we can stay in touch!
If you are an alumnus of Santa Barbara Festival Ballet or the Goleta Civic Ballet, and have a story to share, please email us with your SBFB history!
| Dancer | Years With SBFB | Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|
| Cady Huffman | 1973-1982 | Actor-Broadway, film and television. Won 2001 Tony Award for playing “Ulla” in “The Producers”. Nominated for an Outer Critics’ Circle Award for best featured actress in a play for “The Nance”. Nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for “The Will Rogers Follies”. |
| Hank Underwood | 1977-1978 | Actor- Film and television. Among many character roles- Whit Whitaker in “General Hospital” 1980-1981. |
| Anne Westwick | 1972-1976 | Dancer- Martha Graham Dance Co., Bay Area Repertory Dance, co-founder with Christopher Dolder of “Christopher Dolder and Friends.” Guest Faculty Martha Graham Technique and Repertory. |
| Jennet Zerbe | 1984-1986 | Dancer- American Ballet Theatre, appeared in movies, “The Turning Pointe” and “Dancers.” |
| Daniel (Dowker) Harris | Retired Principal Dancer- Ballet Florida | |
| Janine (Cherry) Harris | retired Dancer- Ballet Florida, professional dance photographer, teacher- Paris Ballet and Dance, Jupiter, Florida. | |
| Chauncey Hildestad | Principal Dancer, Oregon Ballet Theatre | |
| Katherine Ullom | Dancer, Sarasota Ballet of Florida | |
| Melissa Ullom | Dancer, Parsons Dance Company | |
| Mariko Crane | Dancer,U.S. “Ballet” postage stamp 1998, first place winner National Margot Fonteyn Competition | |
| Austin McCormick | Artistic Director- Company XIV | |
| Marisol Cabrera | Dancer- Company XIV, Education & Outreach Programs Manager,Ballet Hispánico | |
| Faith Pilger | Juilliard, Mark Morris Dance Group, Pilobolus Dance Theater | |
| Colby Parsons | Dancer, Alberta Ballet Company, currently Principal Dancer with Oregon Ballet Theater |
|
| Maureen Kelly | Faculty, Boston Ballet | |
| Chelsea Cambron | Trainee, Louisville Ballet, Cruise Line, and now teaching Barre Method, First Place Winner-Contemporary, Cecchetti International Ballet Competition, Enrico Cecchetti Diploma (fewer than 20 recipients internationally) | |
| Cecily Stewart | State Street Ballet | |
| Aimee Lopez | Faculty Santa Barbara Festival Ballet. Qualified Cecchetti USA teacher holding an Associate CUSA, ABT® Certified Teacher in Pre Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. |
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