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Dance

Santa Barbara Dance Arts, Dancing with Meaning, Movement, and Purpose

The 25th anniversary 'Configuration' show spotlights student companies at Center Stage Theater.

Santa Barbara Dance Arts, Dancing with Meaning, Movement, and Purpose

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Santa Barbara Dance Arts’ newest Configuration show — where each of their student dance companies performs for two straight weekends at Center Stage Theater — premiered last weekend. The show highlights company dances and competition team pieces, as well as student choreography.

The combination of the intimate theater and youthful energy, along with colorful costumes and lighting, creates a truly unique dance experience. You do need to plan ahead to catch this show since it’s a traditional sell-out.

In addition to a fast-paced combination of jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and tap, this year's show included a special alumni showcase piece choreographed by alumni Emily Stokes. A standout moment in the show was a stunning piece featuring the senior competition team called “End of Love.”