State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara
State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara's History
State Street Ballet, based in Santa Barbara, California, is a renowned professional ballet company known worldwide for its talented artists, powerful performances, extensive repertory, and a commitment to providing access to high-quality dance for all. With more than two decades of history, it continues to captivate audiences with its dynamic blend of contemporary and classical ballet, offering an array of live theater events and shows that are a must-see for dance enthusiasts and novices alike.
Founded in 1994 by former American Ballet Theatre dancer Rodney Gustafson, State Street Ballet began with the mission to reflect the rich diversity and creativity of the local community while cultivating and promoting a broader understanding and appreciation of ballet. The company soon gained attention for its ambitious productions, innovative choreography, and the brilliant technique of its dancers.
The ballet company initially performed locally, offering a strong lineup of performances from the timeless classics to fresh, innovative works. Over time, the distinctive style of the State Street Ballet emerged, combining the grace and precision of classical ballet with the freedom and athleticism of contemporary dance. This unique style has brought widespread acclaim and significantly broadened the company's audience base.
In addition to its home productions in Santa Barbara, State Street Ballet also tours both nationally and internationally, bringing its elegant and entertaining productions to a wider audience. The company has performed in numerous cities across the U.S from New York City to Honolulu, as well as in international venues in China, Taiwan, and Europe, enhancing its reputation for world-class performances.
Live theater events have always been at the core of what State Street Ballet does. The company regularly stages a variety of performances, from full-length ballets such as "Cinderella" and "The Nutcracker" to mixed repertory shows featuring both classical and contemporary works. In addition to their main season performances, the company also offers special events and gala performances, providing audiences with a diverse range of opportunities to enjoy and engage with ballet.
With a strong emphasis on accessibility, State Street Ballet also works to make professional ballet performances and training accessible to all. One of the ways they achieve this is through their tickets and pricing structure. Affordable even on a budget, tickets to State Street Ballet performances provide an opportunity for anyone interested in ballet to experience the thrill of live dance performance. Their well-structured website makes it convenient for patrons to buy tickets online or learn about upcoming events.
State Street Ballet also contributes to the community in Santa Barbara and beyond through extensive educational and outreach programs. The company's commitment to fostering a love of dance extends to offering scholarships, hosting master classes, and providing opportunities for young dancers to perform alongside the company’s professional artists.
In all these ways and more, State Street Ballet continues to make a significant impact on the dance scene, both in Santa Barbara and around the world. By championing ballet in all its forms and making it accessible to as many people as possible, the company embodies the power of dance to inspire, uplift, and bring people together. As live theater slowly regains momentum in the wake of the pandemic, audiences can look forward to more breathtaking performances from State Street Ballet, both at home and on tour.
More About State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara
One of the company’s most popular performances is "The Nutcracker." This classic ballet is performed annually during the Christmas season and is set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score. The performances feature mesmerizing choreography, outstanding dancers, and remarkable sets and costumes, resulting in a magical and festive atmosphere. Each year, the tickets for "The Nutcracker" are highly sought after, as audiences of all ages enjoy this annual holiday tradition.
Another popular live event is the "Cinderella" ballet. This widely acclaimed performance is an enchanting, visually stunning interpretation of the classic fairytale. Set to Sergei Prokofiev's beautiful score, the ballet showcases the company's strong technical abilities, engaging storytelling, and creative choreography. Cinderella is often performed to sold-out audiences, making securing tickets a possibly competitive process.
The company's original productions are also incredibly popular. For example, the world premiere of "An American Tango" was a spectacular showcase of the company’s innovation and talent. It tells the story of famed American tango dancers Veloz and Yolanda, set against a backdrop of popular songs of their era. The unique blending of ballet and tango creates an emotionally engaging and visually dazzling performance that resonates with audiences. Tickets for these original productions are particularly coveted because they offer audiences a chance to see something completely new and exciting.
State Street Ballet's performances of "Romeo and Juliet" have been another hit. This tragic love story is brought to life with passionate choreography and Sergei Prokofiev's gripping score. The performances are filled with dramatic moments, graceful ballet sequences, and memorable scenes that never fail to captivate audiences.
State Street Ballet has a reputation for delivering high-quality and entertaining performances that appeal to a broad spectrum of audiences. Whether it's the classic holiday cheer of "The Nutcracker," the enchantment of "Cinderella," the innovativeness of original works such as "An American Tango," or the romance and tragedy of "Romeo and Juliet," there's a vibrant demand for tickets for their live events.
Every performance by State Street Ballet guarantees an evening filled with exceptional artistry, beautiful music, and captivating storytelling. While their performances are not “songs” in the traditional sense, each ballet is a rich performance that brings a particular score to life, making every event a must-see. With the popularity of their live events, ensuring you have tickets in hand means you're in for an unforgettable live ballet experience that will indeed leave you in awe of their artistry.