Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to give dancers and choreographers an opportunity to express their talents and to cultivate ballet excellence within the Santa Cruz community.
Founded in 1978, Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre is comprised of a pre-professional company of dancers, ranging in ages from eight to twenty and chosen through open auditions annually. The company's Artistic Directors, Robert Kelley and Diane Cypher, have many years of experience as professional dancers, choreographers and directors. Their successful careers as dancers, both solo and together, make them enthusiastic teachers and inspired directors.

Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre is a member of Regional Dance America and has been awarded the most prestigious status of "Honor Company" since it joined in 1990. Through the 24 years at Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre, over 300 young dancers have learned the powerful role that dance plays in creating individual confidence and the discipline necessary for success as contributing members of society.

The objective in choice of repertoire is to expand and build the level of technique and range of ability of the company dancers: from classical and contemporary to dramatic and modern works. The repertoire includes "Swan Lake Act II," "The Nutcracker," "Giselle" and the works of Philip Jerry, Debra Pearse Rogo, Armando Duarte, Diana Law and Robert Kelley.