Goleta School of Ballet Honored in Business Recognition Program

Goleta School of Ballet Honored for Nearly Four Decades of Community Service

Goleta, CA – The Goleta School of Ballet has been recognized as a standout establishment in the city’s Business Recognition Program, celebrating its nearly 40 years of dedication to the community and its success as a woman-owned enterprise. The award was presented to the school’s artistic director, Lisa Abshere, during the City Council meeting on October 21.

Mayor Paula Perotte praised the ballet school for its significant contributions to Goleta’s identity and economy. “I am pleased to present the Goleta School of Ballet with its award certificate not only for its longstanding years of service but also as an inspiring example of a female-led business thriving in Goleta,” she stated. “We are lucky to have so many great businesses right here in Goleta.”

The Goleta School of Ballet has deep roots in the community, having opened its doors in 1986 after taking over a small ballet program at the Goleta Community Center. Over the years, the program has flourished, culminating in a move to custom-designed studios on Magnolia Avenue in Old Town Goleta in 2011.

Abshere expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I am honored and grateful to have the Ballet School in Goleta for 40 years. The best part of this journey has been seeing the students I teach as children grow up to become wonderful students and mentors for the next generation. Thank you for this amazing recognition.”

The school’s mission emphasizes both classroom instruction and performance experience for students of all ages and skill levels. Each year, students participate in classic productions such as “The Nutcracker,” a February mixed repertory program, and a full-length classical ballet in the spring.

The Business Recognition Program aims to honor establishments that shape Goleta’s identity, strengthen its economy, and enrich the community. Nominations are open to the public, and self-nominations are encouraged. Award recipients are selected by Goleta city staff in collaboration with the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about the Goleta School of Ballet and its programs, visit their website. If you know of a business deserving of recognition, the city invites you to submit a nomination through their online form.

As Goleta continues to celebrate its local businesses, the Goleta School of Ballet stands as a shining example of community spirit and resilience, inspiring future generations of dancers.