About Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre is a leader in the creation and presentation of artistic works as well as community recognition for excellence, including:

• Founded as a non-profit organization in 1982. 
• Our annual Nutcracker performed with Maestro John Larry Granger and the 55-piece Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Orchestra, as well as alumni principal dancers Lucien Postlewaite (Pacific Northwest Ballet) and Melody Mennite (Houston Ballet). Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre is one of the only pre-professional ballet companies to perform The Nutcracker with a live orchestra.
• Our Co-Executive Artistic Directors Robert Kelley and Diane Cypher received a Gail Rich Award for their contribution to the arts in our community. In 2010, the Santa Cruz County Arts Commision recognized Robert Kelley as Artist of the Year.
• We have annually been awarded the most prestigious status of “Honor Company” since joining Regional Dance America in 1990.
• Awarded the Aptos Chamber of Commerce Organization of the Year in 2010.
• An exceptionally high number of Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre students are awarded scholarships to the most prestigious ballet institutions in the country. Every year graduating seniors go on to professional careers.

In addition to excellent ballet training, Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre builds leaders by teaching work ethics, organization, self-confidence and social skills that will serve these dancers all of their lives.