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Santa Barbara Festival Ballet
5 ★★★★★ 14 Google reviews · Ballet school in Santa Barbara, California
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
- 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
- Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (805) 899-2901
- Website & schedule santabarbarafestivalballet.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Thursday | 3:30–8 PM |
| Friday | 3:30–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“I now own a Pilates studio in SB and have recently started taking the adult ballet classes at SBFB!”
“As a parent, I have been commuting to Santa Barbara with my daughter for the past five years, and my experience with SBFB has been nothing short of exceptional.”
How they train
“The Cecchetti grade progression gives her a sense of accomplishment each year and she lives for performing in their Nutcracker at the Arlington each December.”
What families & students say
“The instruction and level of technique of the dancers is unrivaled in Santa Barbara.”
“The studio is welcoming and warm, and even when its a mixed level/age class it's still a great time.”
“The atmosphere is warm and encouraging and serious.”
“The Cecchetti grade progression gives her a sense of accomplishment each year and she lives for performing in their Nutcracker at the Arlington each December.”
“Professional teaching, personalized guidance with students, performance experience with company members.”
“I now own a Pilates studio in SB and have recently started taking the adult ballet classes at SBFB!”
From the reviews
I’m so happy we found this school they have a good environment for the students and excellent teachers who take their time to explain everything to students and parents
Awesome studio and really great, professionally trained dance instructors! My daughter has been there for 10 years now and loves it. The Cecchetti grade progression gives her a sense of accomplishment each year and she lives for performing in their Nutcracker at the Arlington each December.
SBFB has been a wonderful place for my kids to learn ballet! We have been so happy with the detailed instruction that they receive. There is also a wonderful sense of community that we appreciate. The performances, costumes, venues, and entire experience are absolutely magical!
Professional teaching, personalized guidance with students, performance experience with company members. Smaller classes and love of dance! Best ballet school in the area. Denise is wonderful. They could have a better online presence to get the word out. Best nutcracker
Adult ballet at Santa Barbara Festival Ballet
Santa Barbara Festival Ballet runs classes for grown-ups, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 Festival Ballet
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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🩰 Free trial class — check their site
Dance classes for all ages & abilities, with jazz, aerial, ballet, hip-hop, master classes & more.