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Santa Barbara Dance Arts
4.7 ★★★★★ 29 Google reviews · Ballet school in Santa Barbara, California
Dance classes for all ages & abilities, with jazz, aerial, ballet, hip-hop, master classes & more.
Plan your first class
- Free trial / first class new students can usually try a class free or at a discount — call ahead or check their schedule to book your first one
- Ages classes for ages 1–18 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
- Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
- Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (805) 970-4422
- Website & schedule sbdancearts.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30–11:30 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“My daughter has been dancing here for 5 years and has grown as a dancer, made great friends, and has become part of the Dance Arts community.”
What families & students say
“My daughter danced at SBDA for 12 years and loved every minute of it.”
“They do a great job no only with teaching dancing, but also teaching kindness and showing the older dancers so the young ones see what they could be after continued practice.”
“My daughter dances here 5 days a week and is in company and she's loves it so much!”
“Not only do my children have fun learning and preforming dance, they have gained confidence, self assurance, and feel a part of team.”
From the reviews
SB Dance Arts is the best studio we’ve ever been a part of. We moved here 3 years ago to interview studios and see them All. She was so welcoming and quickly assigned a mentor family who are now our bestest of friend. She’s been amazing and so have the teachers do our daughter.
Santa Barbara Dance Arts is an amazing studio and they truly accomplish their goal of being "more than just dance". It is a place of community, belonging and inclusion. It not only teaches dance skills and teamwork but also kindness and consideration for others.
This is our second year attending Mini Camp sessions at SB Dance Arts and we highly recommend it! Anyone that wants to try out dancing for their little one, this is the perfect environment.
We LOVE this dance studio so much! It has such a positive culture that encourages strong girls (and boys), healthy body image and teamwork. The instructors are encouraging and professional. I love that when I call the studio there is always a staff person I can talk to and they are so helpful.
Adult ballet at Santa Barbara Dance Arts
Santa Barbara Dance Arts runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.
Your first ballet class at Santa Barbara Dance Arts
Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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