two dancers lifting one dancer

Santa Barbara Dance Theater (SBDT) stepped off the stage and onto the steps this summer, bringing contemporary dance to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art with As if in a Dream. Led by Artistic Director Brandon Whited, the company’s performance invited audiences to experience dance in a new setting—connecting movement, art, and the creative community of Santa Barbara.

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group of dancers

Photo courtesy: Samuel Victoria

The performance offered a glimpse of what makes SBDT a vital part of the local and contemporary dance landscape: bold physicality, artistic experimentation, and a commitment to creating work that engages audiences beyond the UCSB campus stage.

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two dancers on front steps of museum

Photo courtesy: Samuel Victoria

And this is only the beginning. As SBDT looks ahead to its 50th anniversary this winter, the company is preparing to celebrate five decades of performance, innovation, and artistic exploration. The milestone season will honor the company’s rich history while looking toward its future—and promises to be a special moment for the dancers, artists, alumni, and audiences who have helped shape SBDT over the past 50 years.

Stay tuned. SBDT’s 50th anniversary celebration is coming this winter!

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two dancers on stair railing

Photo courtesy: Samuel Victoria