Founded August 2015
Inspire Dance Santa Barbara is a school of dance offering a positive, well-rounded program for young dancers and performers, from beginners to pre-professionals. IDSB provides the highest level of instruction in a nurturing environment and continually strives to build self-confidence while instilling the rigorous standards of technique and artistry.
Ballet is the foundation upon which all forms of dance are developed at IDSB. Cecchetti and Royal Academy of Dance certified teachers provide the most informed training, and delight in cultivating dancers capable of reaching their fullest potential as artists.
Performing opportunities are offered throughout the year to help develop qualities in our dancers that enable them to perform with confidence and allow them to dance naturally from the heart. Through IDSB’s Community Engagement Program our students have many opportunities to share their love of dance and help enrich the young arts community, exposing all generations to the discipline and beauty of dance. IDSB’s upcoming performances will be Clara in the Land of Sweets with Special Guest Rosal Ortega Flamenco on Saturday December 13th, 2025 at 3:00 pm at the Center Stage Theater.
IDSB is dedicated to the careful development and healthy progression of each dancer and places a high priority on proper form and technique, ensuring that dancers develop the strength and knowledge necessary before moving up to the next level. Once a year an outside Cecchetti examiner from Cecchetti USA reviews each dancer to ensure that he or she has mastered the skills of each level.
At IDSB we understand that not every dancer may be interested in a professional dance career, but each of our dancers still receives the same high standard of training in a caring and supportive environment. Our faculty prides itself on teaching the whole child, not just the dancer. Co-founders, Ms. Emmy Lou Crawford and Ms. Sean Crawford have been highly regarded dance instructors totaling over five decades. Teaching children is one of their greatest gifts, and teaching children the art of dance is one of their greatest joys.
IDSB currently offers Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Pre-Ballet, Creative Dance, Tap, Lyrical, Musical Theater and Baby & Me classes. IDSB’s Adult Dance Program in Ballet and Tap is emerging to be a wonderful outlet for the community because it is never too late to dance!
IDSB strives to offer Character, Modern, Jazz, Classical Spanish and Social Dance for those who would like to learn or expand their dance repertoire, simply for the joy of it. We welcome all levels of dance.
IDSB is proud to be offering scholarship opportunities for the 2026-2027 year. Applications and placement will be available upon request.
Winter Enrollment begins January 1st, 2026.
Spring Enrollment begins April 1st, 2026
Thank you for considering Inspire Dance Santa Barbara. If you have any questions or if you would like to observe a class, please give us a call (805)770- 5295 or email us at info@inspiredancesb.com. We look forward to welcoming you and your dancer into the Inspire Dance Santa Barbara community.
Mission Statement
“Inspire Dance Santa Barbara (IDSB) is a subsidiary of the Children’s Montessori School Performing Arts Program a Non-Profit 501 (c)(3) Youth Dance Program that provides technique, training and performance opportunities for young dancers aged 5+ to 18+. IDSB provides a strong Community Engagement program with the Santa Barbara Public Libraries and Schools to enrich the young arts community and expose all generations to the discipline and beauty of dance.”
Our School
Classes are located in the El Mercado Plaza at 4141 State Street, Suite # F-6. Inspire Dance Santa Barbara offers a well rounded foundation for young dancers and performers. Cecchetti and Royal Academy of Dance certified teachers will provide the most informed training . Ballet and Tap are the beginning dance forms at IDSB. They will further develop their program to offer Character, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Classical Spanish, Musical Theater and Social Dance. Performing is offered throughout the year providing opportunities to consistently develop the performance qualities needed in today’s competitive dance world. IDSB is working towards providing a strong Adult dance program and welcomes those who want to dance for the joy of it. Don’t hesitate to ask for a class you would like!