About GSB

The Goleta School of Ballet was founded in 1986 by Artistic Director, Lisa Abshere. The school has grown considerably over the last 38 years but its fundamental goal has remained the same: to offer a solid foundation in classical ballet and is dedicated to teaching, at all levels, an appreciation, interest, and genuine fondness for music and dance. We believe ballet not only teaches discipline, coordination and commitment, but also delivers creative expression and accomplishment.

In Fall 2011, the Goleta School of Ballet opened its doors at a newly renovated location in Old Town Goleta. The studios at 303 Magnolia were built and designed for ballet with a lobby and two studios with sprung dance floors.

At Goleta School of Ballet students get both the benefit of classroom technique and performance experience. Performing is an important part of ballet and the Goleta School of Ballet places an emphasis on annual performances as part of the student's experience. With a strong classical ballet base, students perform in either The Nutcracker or The Nutcracker Tutu Suite in December, The Mixed Repertory Gala Program in February, a full-length ballet classic in the Spring or one of our Summer Workshop offerings. 

Goleta School of Ballet is home to Goleta Ballet Theatre, a junior training company for young dancers. Students are invited on an individual basis to join the company. Students get a company-like atmosphere that prepares them to move into a professional school, company or college dance program. 

Students in Goleta Ballet Theatre have been accepted into the following ballet programs: Pacific Northwest Ballet School, School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive, Boston Ballet School, The Royal Ballet School, Houston Ballet Academy, San Francisco Ballet School, The Joffrey Ballet School, Pittsburg Ballet Theatre Trainee Program, Milwaukee Ballet School, Atlanta Ballet School, The Rock School, North Carolina School of the Arts, Charleston Ballet Theatre, DanceAspen Summer School, UC Irvine Dance Department, University of Utah Dance Department, UC Berkeley Dance Department, Barnard College

Lisa Abshere
Artistic Director