Santa Barbara, California is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and vibrant arts scene. For aspiring dancers, the city offers a wealth of opportunities to study and perform ballet. In this guide, we'll explore some of the top ballet schools in the area and provide tips for choosing the right one for you.
1. State Street Ballet
State Street Ballet is a professional contemporary ballet company that also offers classes for all ages and levels. Their faculty includes experienced professionals who have performed with companies such as American Ballet Theatre and San Francisco Ballet. They offer a range of classes, from beginner to advanced, in a variety of styles, including classical ballet, contemporary, and jazz.
2. The Santa Barbara School of Ballet
The Santa Barbara School of Ballet is a pre-professional ballet academy that offers classes for students aged 3 to 18. Their faculty includes former professional dancers who have performed with companies such as the New York City Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet. They offer a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes classical ballet technique, as well as contemporary and character dance.
3. The School of American Ballet
The School of American Ballet is a prestigious ballet academy that offers classes for students aged 6 to 18. Their faculty includes former professional dancers who have performed with companies such as the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. They offer a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes classical ballet technique, as well as character dance and modern dance.
4. The Santa Barbara Dance Arts
The Santa Barbara Dance Arts is a dance studio that offers classes in a variety of styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary. Their faculty includes experienced professionals who have performed with companies such as the San Francisco Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet. They offer classes for all ages and levels, from beginner to advanced.
Tips for Choosing the Right Ballet School
When choosing a ballet school, it's important to consider your goals as a dancer. Are you looking for a pre-professional training program, or do you want to study ballet for fun and fitness? It's also important to consider the school's faculty and their credentials, as well as the curriculum and the school's reputation. Finally, don't be afraid to try out a few different schools to find the one that's the best fit for you.
Studying ballet in Santa Barbara offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant arts scene and learn from experienced professionals. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced dancer, there's a ballet school in the city that's the perfect fit for you.
