Santa Barbara Dance Arts
Class Descriptions

Show classes for:
Growth Program: Adv Hip Hop STEP

Classes focuses on choreography and style without the stress of a performance.

Growth Program: Ballet 2B/3 - Perf

Ballet is the key to impeccable technique and the foundation to many other dance styles. We offer classical movement in a contemporary environment. Ballet teaches alignment, placement, balance and elegance. 

Growth Program: Ballet 4/Adv Ballet Perf STEP

All the benefits of a ballet class, and this class performs in the May Recital

Growth Program: Pointe (NP)

We are excited to offer pointe classes by invitation to students who demonstrate the proper strength, body awareness, and technique. We look forward to watching this aspect of the program grow.

Growth Program: Contemp and Pre Adv Contemp STEP

Contemporary is a blend of contemporary ballet, jazz, and modern techniques. From quirky movements and gestures, to athletic elements, this highly technical form is abstract and emotional. Beginning dancers are not eligible to take this class.

Growth Program: Hip Hop 2 & 3 STEP

Hip Hop 2 - Hip Hop 3

Cardio Hip Hop Series - Monday

Classes are about having fun without the focus of a performance. Cardio Hip Hop is a non-stop power hour. Feel good about getting a great workout in any of these classes.

Growth Program: Jazz 2 and 2a STEP

Jazz builds a strong technical foundation which enables a dancer to focus on the stylistic and performance aspects of dance. It is essential for leaps, turns, and floor work and greatly aided by ballet. Jazz allows the freedom to develop their individuality to its fullest.

Growth Program: Jazz 2b/3 STEP (NP)

Class meets twice a week for an hour each class. Jazz builds a strong technical foundation which enables a dancer to focus on the stylistic and performance aspects of dance. It is essential for leaps, turns, and floor work and greatly aided by ballet. Jazz allows the freedom to develop their individuality to its fullest.

Growth Program: Jazz 4 STEP

Class meets twice a week for an hour & 15 minutes each class. Jazz builds a strong technical foundation which enables a dancer to focus on the stylistic and performance aspects of dance. It is essential for leaps, turns, and floor work and greatly aided by ballet. Jazz allows the freedom to develop their individuality to its fullest…just like you see on So You Think You Can Dance!

Growth Program: Adv Jazz STEP

Class meets twice a week for an hour and a half each class. Jazz builds a strong technical foundation which enables a dancer to focus on the stylistic and performance aspects of dance. It is essential for leaps, turns, and floor work and greatly aided by ballet. Jazz allows the freedom to develop their individuality to its fullest…just like you see on So You Think You Can Dance!

Mini Crew

Performance company for 6-9 year olds

Junior Crew

Performance company for 10-13 year olds

Company Audition

Audition for Dance Company. Company provides a pre-professional experience for serious dancers ages 9-20 years old and love to perform.

Company

Company provides a pre-professional experience for serious dancers ages 9-20 years old and love to perform. 

Choreography Workshop

choreography workshop

Peak Performer

Competition Team

Workshop

Workshop

Pop-Up Class

Pop-Up Class is non-performing.

Start and end dates vary.

Genre of dance varies.

Growth Program: Ballet 2 STEP - (NP)

Ballet is the key to impeccable technique and the foundation to many other dance styles. We offer classical movement in a contemporary environment. Ballet teaches alignment, placement, balance and elegance. 

Growth Program: Pre-Pointe (NP)

We are excited to offer pointe classes by invitation to students who demonstrate the proper strength, body awareness, and technique. We look forward to watching this aspect of the program grow.

SBDA Presents: Monta Vista Afterschool Hip Hop

Monta Vista After School Hip Hop with Santa Barbara Dance Arts!

9 weeks of Hip Hop Fun 

1st - 5th Graders!

 

Emerge

Emerge, Pre-Company Performance Group

Growth Program: Disney Dance

Growth Program

Disney Dance

Ages 3-5

This fun class explores movement and basics of jazz and ballet to your child's favorite Disney songs. From Frozen to Little Mermaid, the kids will have fun learning while preparing to perform. This class performs in the December Showcase and Inspire May Recital

Growth Program: Mini Ballet

Growth Program

 Mini Ballet

Ages 3-5

All Mini Classes introduce young dancers to a variety of dance styles in a safe environment, where students can have fun and explore their self-expression. Mini Ballet introduces ballet basics to little ones. This class performs in the December Showcase and Inspire May Recital

Growth Program: Ballet/Tap Combo

Growth Program

 Ballet/Tap Combo

Ballet/Tap Combo introduces dancers to ballet and tap dance styles in a safe environment, where students can have fun and explore their self-expression. This class performs in the December Showcase and Inspire May Recital

 

Growth Program: Pre Hip Hop

Growth Program

Pre-Hip Hop

 

Ages 4-6

Pre Hip Hop introduces young dancers to Hip Hop dance styles in a safe environment, where students can have fun and explore their self-expression. This class explores more advanced techniques than Mini Hip Hop.

This class performs in the December Showcase and Inspire May Recital

 

Growth Program: Youth Jazz

Growth Program

Youth Jazz

 

Ages 5-7

Our beginning classes are age-based and have a range of 3-4 years in each level, for children who are ready for structure and expanding their dance skills. A great beginning class for dancers 5-7 years old, Youth Jazz introduces a technical foundation for young dancers; alignment, strength, proper jazz placement and technique. 

This class performs in the December Showcase and Inspire May Recital

Growth Program: Beg Acro Class

Growth Program

 Beg Acro Class

 

Beginning Acro -  Ages 8+

These classes will focus on beginner acrobatic techniques for older Youth and Tween kids who are not quite ready for Intermediate Acro.  Acro/Tricks adds athleticism and gravity-defying elements to your dance skills, builds strength and flexibility, lends skills for cheer and dance teams. 

This class ONLY performs in December Showcase

Boppin' Tots: Fri/Sat

Boppin' Tots

2-3 years

Our curriculum is filled with opportunity for discovery and imagination! It allows students to learn consistency and develop skills they will use in their future and gives students the chance to build relationships and form bonds in a nurturing environment. Students will become comfortable in a group setting and grow confidence in themselves!

Growth Program: Youth Ballet

Growth Program

 Youth Ballet

Ages 5-7

Our beginning classes are age-based and have a range of 3-4 years in each level, for children who are ready for structure and expanding their dance skills.This is a beginning level ballet class for youth dancers. Ballet is the key to impeccable technique and the foundation to many other dance styles. We offer classical movement in a contemporary environment. Ballet teaches alignment, placement, balance and elegance. This class performs in the Decemebr and May recital.

 

Growth Program: Intermediate Acro

Growth Program

 Intermediate Acro 

 

Intermediate Acro - Ages 6+ - and safety and skills assessment placed by Acro Department Head

For those who have passed a safety and skills assessment to advance from YOUTH or BEGINNING Acro, this class will focus on intermediate acrobatic techniques.  Acro/Tricks adds athleticism and gravity-defying elements to your dance skills, builds strength and flexibility, lends skills for cheer and dance teams. Non-performing class.

 

Growth Program: Youth Hip Hop

Growth Program

Youth Hip Hop 

Our beginning classes are age-based and have a range of 3-4 years in each level, for children who are ready for structure and expanding their dance skills. A great beginning class for dancers 5-7 years old, Youth Hip-Hop focuses on age appropriate hip hop dancing, fundamentals and music that your kids will love. This class performs in both the December and May recital.

Growth Program: Hip Hop 1

Growth Program

Hip Hop 1

Eur beginning classes are age-based and have a range of 3-4 years in each level, for children who are ready for structure and expanding their dance skills. A great beginning class for dancers 6-9 years old, Youth Hip-Hop focuses on age appropriate hip hop dancing, slightly more advanced fundamentals than Youth Hip Hop,  and music that your kids will love. This class performs in the December and May recital.

 

Growth Program: Ballet 1

Growth Program

Ballet 1

Our beginning classes are age-based and have a range of 3-4 years in each level, for children who are ready for structure and expanding their dance skills. This is a beginning level ballet class for youth dancers. Ballet is the key to impeccable technique and the foundation to many other dance styles. We offer classical movement in a contemporary environment. Ballet teaches alignment, placement, balance and elegance. This class performs in the Decemebr and May recital.

Growth Program: Jazz 1

Growth Program

Jazz 1

Our beginning classes are age-based and have a range of 3-4 years in each level. Jazz 1 is for children who are ready for more structure in the classroom and expands their dance skills. Jazz 1 is a great beginning class for dancers 6-9 years old. Jazz 1 introduces a technical foundation for young dancers; alignment, strength, proper jazz placement and technique. This class is slightly more advanced than Youth Jazz and performs in botht the Decemebr and May recitals.

Growth Program: Hip Hop/Acro Combo

Growth Program

Hip Hop/Acro Combo

Our beginning classes are age-based and have a range of 3-4 years in each level. For children who are ready for structure and expanding their dance skills in multiple styles. A great beginning class for dancers 7-11 years old, this class will focus on fundamentals in both Hip Hop and Acro. This class is going to explore more advanced movements and techniques than the ages 5-7 level. This is performing in December only.

Growth Program: Tween Ballet Performance

Growth Program

 Tween Ballet Performance

 

Our beginning classes are aged based and have a range of 3-4 years in each level. Tween classes are for dancers ages 8-12 just getting started with dance, but want to be with peers. Ballet is the key to impeccable technique and the foundation to many other dance styles. We offer classical movement in a contemporary environment. Ballet teaches alignment, placement, balance and elegance. This is a performing class for the May Inspire recital.

Growth Program: Tween Jazz

Growth Program

 Tween Jazz

Our beginning classes are aged based and have a range of 3-4 years in each level. Tween classes are for dancers ages 8-12 just getting started with dance, but want to be with peers. Tween Jazz classes build a strong technical foundation which enables a dancer to focus on the stylistic and performance aspects of dance. It is essential for leaps, turns, and floor work and greatly aided by ballet. Jazz allows the freedom to develop their individuality to its fullest. This is a performing class for the May Inspire recital. 

Growth Program: Tween & Teen Hip Hop

Growth Program

Tween & Teen Hip Hop 

 

Our beginning classes are aged based and have a range of 3-4 years in each level. Tween/Teen classes are for dancers ages 11-17 just getting started with dance, but want to be with peers. Hip-Hop has its roots in urban culture and percussive music. Tween/Teen Hip-Hop class  focuses on age appropriate hip hop dancing (with foundations in isolations, grooves and traditional moves) and music that your kids will love. This is a performing class for the December Showcase and May Inspire recital. 

Growth Program: Tween/Teen Ballet (NP)

Growth Program

 Tween/Teen Ballet

Our beginning classes are aged based and have a range of 3-4 years in each level. Tween/Teen classes are for dancers ages 11-17, newer to dance, and looking to dance with their peers. Ballet is the key to impeccable technique and the foundation to many other dance styles. We offer classical movement in a contemporary environment. Ballet teaches alignment, placement, balance and elegance. This is a non-performing class.

 

Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting

DANCE AT THE DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING

at The Arlington with Miss Hannah Wagster!

Friday, December 5, 2025

DATE STILL BEING FINALIZED BY THE SB DOWNTOWN COMMITTEE

Only Protege and Pre-Pro members are eligible (You must be taking at least two classes)

 

 

YOUTH/TWEEN/TEEN DANCERS

4-5 REHEARSALS

$205 tuition ($40 deposit due at sign up)

$25 costume*

*We will be using the same costumes as last year. If you still have your shirt and hat, we will not charge you a costume fee.

we will reach out before costume charges. 

 

 

YOUTH/TWEEN/TEEN SATURDAY REHEARSALS

Youth/tween/teen dancers MUST attend at least 3 of the following rehearsals:
October 4: 2pm-3pm
October 18: 2pm-3pm
November 8: 2pm-4pm (longer rehearsal)
November 15: 2pm-3pm

 

Dress Rehearsal: MANDATORY FOR ALL DANCERS

Friday, December 5: 5pm-6pm at the studo

 

Performance:

Friday, December 5 - day/time yet to be finalized by Downtown Committee

 

 

STEP DANCERS: Contact [email protected] to sign up

Become a star in the spectacle of the downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Tree Lighting! Join Miss Hannah Wagster as she leads a festive dance performance that will captivate the crowd and spread the holiday cheer!

To ensure a flawless performance, youth and tween/teen dancers are required to attend 4-5 Saturday rehearsals in the Fall leading up to the perormance. Rehearsal dates TBD soon!

This opportunity is open to all dancers taking 2 or more Growth Program classes this Fall: Protege and Pre-pro members.
YOUR DANCER MUST BE TAKING 2 OR MORE "Growth Program" CLASSES TO PARTICIPATE. Ages 6+
If you do not meet this requirement, a credit will be given to your account to use towards class or camp tuition only. 

COSTUME: Select below whether you will re-use your tree lighting costume from a previous year, or need one ordered. (we will use the shirt size you input at enrollment unless otherwise notified)

Emerge in Training

Emerge in Training

ISPE Full Season

Full Season ISPE

Leadership Academy

SBDA Leadership Academy

Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting STEP

STEP

Afterschool Program 10 Weeks

SBDA is at your school! Join us for the afterschool program!

Growth Program: Broadway Jazz

Wednesday

3:45-4:45pm

Growth Program: Hip Hop 4 STEP

Hip Hop 4

Growth Program: Ballet 2A STEP - Perf

Ballet 2a

Summer Master Class

Summer Master Classes

Cardio Hip Hop Series - Wednesday

Classes are about having fun without the focus of a performance. Cardio Hip Hop is a non-stop power hour. Feel good about getting a great workout in any of these classes.

Afterschool Program 16 Weeks

Afterschool dancing!

Fall Spring Master Class

Join us for Master Classes

Teen Crew

Low Commitment Hip Hop team for dancers 13yr old+

Teen Crew Class and Rehearsal

5:00-5:45 PM Thursday

 

Bootcamp

Bootcamp

Growth Program: Beginning Contemporary

Ages 7-11

Beginning Contemporary

TDA Senior

Team Dance Arts Senior Team

TDA Apprentice

Team Dance Arts Apprentice Team