State Street Ballet: Events & Performances
2023-24 Season Performances
THE NUTCRACKER

State Street Ballet's The Nutcracker serves up holiday tradition with all of the grandeur Santa Barbarans have come to cherish. Over 150 professional dancers, musicians, and ballet students join forces to bring this annual celebration to the stage for three magical performances.
“charming, fresh, and a delight to the eye and ear”
- Noozhawk
In each new iteration of this popular work, the company blends fresh insight and ideas with their classical interpretation of the story, while staying true to the familiar plot and characters. With its opulent sets and costumes, and brilliant comedic moments, the beloved tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince continues to delight audiences of all ages, year after year.
“Gustafson’s Nutcracker is, well, innocently curvaceous, its choreographic narrative clean and clear to the eye.”
-Voice
Share your holiday cheer at this unforgettable live entertainment event!
Featuring State Street Ballet, Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra, and State Street Ballet Academy
Choreography by Rodney Gustafson
Additional Choreography by Marina Fliagina, Cecily MacDougall, Gary McKenzie, Chauncey Parsons, Megan Philipp
Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conducted by Brian Asher Alhadeff
Saturday, December 16, 2023; 3:00 pm
Saturday, December 16, 2023; 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 17, 2023; 3:00 pm
The Granada Theatre
Buy Tickets Now!
2023-24 Season Performances
CINDERELLA

A favorite fairytale comes to life with crowd-pleasing contemporary choreography and music by Prokofiev. The vivid detail is captivating, from the stepsisters dancing lessons and Cinderella’s beautiful transformation, to the eerily staged ballroom scene and tolling of the midnight hour. As the magical encounters and plot twists of Cinderella unfold on stage, the charm of classical ballet cannot be denied.
“get lost in beautiful moment after beautiful moment”
- Santa Barbara Independent
Sit back, relax, and feel the love.
Choreography by Rodney Gustafson
Additional Choreography by Marina Fliagina
Music by Sergei Prokofiev
Saturday, March 23, 2024; 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 24, 2024; 3:00 pm
The Lobero Theatre
Buy Tickets Now!
2023-24 Season Performances
OTHER VOICES

This contemporary rep program is a highlight of State Street Ballet’s season. A production of short works that range from classical to experimental idioms, Other Voices showcases the talents of choreographers who push boundaries, redefining the art of dance.
“a powerful, eclectic evening”
- Santa Barbara Independent
The repertoire features pieces from audience favorites Laurie Eisenhower (choreographer of the company’s popular Bubbles) and Edgar Zendejas (one of the choreographers of the groundbreaking Chaplin production).
Niki Powell, a dancer with Santa Barbara Dance Theater, debuts new work, setting a piece on the ensemble for the first time. Internationally noted choreographer and dance educator Royce Zachary rounds out the talent mix in a sweeping panorama of innovation.
Expect a fun and thought-provoking evening.
Friday, May 10, 2024; 7:30 pm
Saturday, May 11, 2024; 7:30 pm
The Lobero Theatre
Buy Tickets Now!