Outreach
Each season, State Street Ballet treats over 10,000 elementary school students to interactive, in-theater performances in Santa Barbara, Fresno, and the numerous cities we tour. In addition to getting a preview of State Street Ballet’s family programming, students learn about the mechanics of a working theater, the many artists who collaborate to create a production, dance history, and more. Each experience includes mini-dance lessons for the audience and a hosted question-and-answer session. For many attending students, this marks their first time in a theater and seeing live professional dance.
Recent in-theater performances include The Jungle Book, Cinderella, Romeo & Juliet, and Don Quixote, presented to school children in grades K-12. Upcoming performances include The Little Mermaid in Santa Barbara and Fresno.
For information about upcoming outreach events and how to attend, contact our Director of Education Meredith Ventura at meredith@statestreetballet.com.
The Little Mermaid:
Inspiring Young Minds Through Dance and Education
State Street Ballet proudly presents The Little Mermaid, a captivating retelling of a timeless tale. Alongside this enchanting performance, we are excited to offer outreach programming designed to engage and inspire students before they step into the theater.
Our outreach program includes:
Instructional Dance Videos
Students can explore the magic of movement with our professionally crafted instructional dance videos. These engaging tutorials introduce basic dance techniques and themes from The Little Mermaid, encouraging creativity, physical activity, and a deeper appreciation of the art of ballet.
More Music for Little Mermaid-inspired dances
Educational Study Guide
Our comprehensive study guide is tailored for students and educators, offering an enriching learning experience. It includes:
Story Themes and Background: Learn about the origins of The Little Mermaid and its transition from literature to the stage.
Ballet Basics: Discover the language of dance, key ballet positions, and fun facts about the art form.
Interactive Activities: Creative exercises and thought-provoking questions designed to connect the themes of the performance to broader life lessons.
By blending the artistry of ballet with interactive educational tools, our outreach program ensures that students will not only enjoy the performance but also gain an appreciation for storytelling through dance. Let’s spark curiosity and creativity in the next generation of art enthusiasts!
Click here for our Little Mermaid Study Guide in English
Click here for our Little Mermaid Study Guide in Spanish
For more details on our outreach programming, please get in touch with our Director of Education at meredith@statestreetballet.com. We look forward to sharing the wonder of The Little Mermaid with your students!
What Students Are Saying about State Street Ballet
“Dear State Street Ballet, thank you for the free tickets and bus. My favorite part was when everyone danced together. The performers are the best at dancing. You guys are awesome. I love the peacocks.”
— Jocelyn, student at El Camino Elementary School
Funding for our outreach programming is generously provided by
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