50th Anniversary
Nutcracker Fundraising Campaign
We are thrilled to have reached a threshold moment in the evolution of our organization. Plans are underway for the 2024 Nutcracker as well as a celebration of Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s 50th Anniversary Nutcracker season at the historical Arlington Theatre in December 2025.
As a valued supporter of the arts, we invite you to partner with us on this extraordinary milestone. Your sponsorship will directly impact thousands of young dancers and audience members who benefit from our high-quality, professional training and artistry.
Please know you are making a vital difference at a pivotal time, following the most challenging period in Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s history. Join our legacy of making dance accessible to all and experience the joy of giving back to a community treasure. We can’t wait to celebrate with you at the 50th Anniversary performance!
Become a Sponsor!
Your financial contribution makes a difference in many ways:
- Professional symphony: Funding the renowned conductor Elise Unruh and the talented musicians.
- Costume restoration: Preserving and updating iconic costumes for the 50th anniversary.
- Guest artists: Bringing in internationally acclaimed dancers to inspire our community, especially our young dancers.
- Local youth dancers: Support aspiring young dancers as they perform in their tender years. They learn the technical and cultural joys of performing for a live audience, building last memories.
- Community outreach: Providing performance access to children who might not otherwise experience the magic of ballet and this professional production during the festive holiday season and beyond.
The Santa Barbara Festival Ballet’s mission is to enrich the community through the art of dance, providing exceptional training and performance opportunities for dancers of all ages, while creating a lifelong appreciation of the performing arts. Please join us in celebrating the classic holiday tradition of the 49th annual Nutcracker and help us reach our 50th anniversary milestone! Your tax-deductible contribution supports world-class performances, costumes, community outreach, and the future of dance in Santa Barbara.
All donations are 501(c)3 tax-deductible. Together, we can create an unforgettable Nutcracker season and a lasting legacy of dance in our community. Thank you for your support!
Thank You to our SBFB Founder's Circle
- The Adler Family
- Gloria Adler
- Eve Bernstein
- William and Deborah Buie
- Sarah Case and Jay Carlander
- Erin and Frederick Clark
- The Franka Family
- Eunice Lee and Alex Kaay
- Dean Noble
- The Ochoa Family
- Fritz and Gretchen Olenberger
- Mariana Oskey
- Dorothy and Andrew Poley
- Jimmy and Marion Rickard
- The Rochlitzer Family
- Elisa and Marc Stad
- The Villard Family
It Takes
A Village
Our mission to enrich the community through the art of dance, and to provide exceptional training and performance opportunities for dancers of all ages, requires extensive support. From our parent and community volunteers, to our financial donors both large and small, we offer our deepest gratitude. Thank you to all who continue to support us!
In Kind Contributions
SB Festival Ballet (a non-profit corporation) seeks 1000 square feet of donated storage space for costumes and sets. The space should be clean and dry with easy access. This will be recognized as an in-kind gift and is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Contact Denise Rinaldi – Email info@santabarbarafestivalballet.com