In every class, we get closer to realizing more of what ballet has to offer.
On stage, we get closer to realizing more of what we have to offer.
Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo was founded as a performing ballet company!
We perform several times in a season in different venues throughout the Central Coast. Under the artistic direction, choreography, and leadership of Theresa Slobodnik, Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo's Performing company has produced a wide range of original ballets and ballets from the classical repertoire. Our goal is to perfect what we present on the stage and remain true to the 300+ year tradition of telling stories on stage through dance.
Every production and show we produce is of professional quality. Our standards are high as we continuously strive to reach the next level of performance. We believe every detail is important: choreography, staging, sets, costumes, lighting... EVERYTHING counts in storytelling!
Our hallmark is telling stories on stage. Whether it is the medieval tale of Robin Hood (Robin Hood 2009, 2013), the heartwarming story of a toy rabbit coming to life (The Velveteen Rabbit, 2009, 2012), the mysterious worlds of water spirits (Undine, 2012), or the wintry world of The Snow Queen (2017, 2018) we have been able to capture the essence of a story, tell it on stage through dance, and connect with all ages in the audience.
BALLET PERFORMANCE GROUPS
PAST PRODUCTIONS
Our Performing Ballet Company has produced a wide range of original ballets and ballets from the classical repertoire.
Click on the images below to learn about some of our major works!
BALLET PERFORMANCE FAQS
We welcome all students of BT-SLO to join the cast of one of our productions! Below are a few common questions on how to begin.
How do I join a production as a dancer? How is casting done?
Join a Ballet Theatre SLO ballet class and let us know you’re interested in performing! Students at BT‐SLO attending classes are NOT REQUIRED to participate in performances. But ballet is a performance art and joining a performance is a natural extension of class that execrates your ballet technique. There is no formal auditioning is required. Our teachers know each of their student's skills and abilities. Your teacher along with Artistic Director, Theresa Slobodnik, will help you identify roles and pieces that fit your level and schedule. They work hard to ensure each student is casted in appropriate roles that are challenging, exciting, and that you will feel confident dancing in. Reach out to the BT-SLO Team to identify the best class level and Performing Group for you or your child.
Can I participate in a show if I’m new to ballet or performance? Or if I haven’t danced in a long time?
Yes! We are committed to providing children, youth, and adult dancers of ALL LEVELS the opportunity to perform and dance on stage throughout the year. We also welcome dancers from different dance backgrounds including ballroom, swing, jazz, and even theater. If dance or the theater is calling for you, we want to get you on stage!
What do rehearsals look like for adults and teens?
A typical rehearsal day looks like: 1) Take your scheduled class or arrive 15-30mins early for self-warm-up to avoid injuries 2) As you wait for your rehearsal time, find a spot in the studio where you can review your notes, self-run through your choreography, or work through choreography with a fellow cast mate 3) Run through your pieces with your cast mates and the Director 4) The cast will receive notes from the Director for continuous improvement 2.5 months before the show: Exepct rehearsals every Saturday + some Friday and Sunday depending on their role (call times and durations vary; start/end times typically between 12pm - 6pm) 1.5 months before the show: Expect reherasal Saturday and Sunday + Most Fridays (call times and durations vary; start/end times typically between 12pm - 6pm) Mandatory Tech Week 1 week before the performance: Expect 10pm+ end time for youth and adults, youngest kids to end earlier
What do rehearsals look like for kids (ages 6 - 14)?
For Youth Dancers (ages 8 - 14) - Weekday rehearsals occur during the Youth Performing Group class. 2.5 months before the show: Exepct rehearsals every Saturday + some Friday and Sunday depending on their role (call times and durations vary; start/end times typically between 12pm - 6pm) 1.5 months before the show: Expect reherasal Saturday and Sunday + Most Fridays (call times and durations vary; start/end times typically between 12pm - 6pm) Mandatory Tech Week 1 week before the performance: Expect 10pm+ end time for youth and adults, youngest kids to end earlier
What can we look forward to by participating in a major BT-SLO Production?
Being a part of a professional ballet production is a privilege and an exhilarating joy! It is an opportunity to develop characters, sharpen and test our dance technique, endure challenges with a passionate community, and experience the magic of performance. Major theatre productions have their various traditions! Cast members receive an official show shirt and a special invite to the post-show cast party. The holiday program includes invitations to join the San Luis Obispo Christmas Parade and Secret Santa in the theater amongst the entire cast.
What does it take to participate in a major BT-SLO Production?
As a professional production company, we dedicate significant time to preparing, training, and rehearsing for our shows. We want our dancers to feel confident when they reach the stage and produce the highest quality production! Rehearsals days, times, and duration depend on the Production and which roles you’re in. Typically each ballet class will rehearse their pieces after their class time each week. We conduct full show rehearsals on weekends and each piece will have a set call time. Dancers who choose to participate in a BT‐SLO Production (who are not part of the Professional Performing Company) will be charged a Production Fee. This fee covers a portion of the production costs including: choreography, costuming, and production management. The week before the show we have “Theater Week” where we load in and rehearse in the theater (super exciting times)!! These days are crucial to the success of the show and all dancers must be available every day of Theater Week. It is satisfying work done in camaraderie with passion for our community of dancers and creators!
From our Director
Be a part of our community!
Let's Dance!
Interested in joining our cast? Reach out to us!