The Goleta School of Ballet has been selected for the city’s Business Recognition Program, honoring the school’s nearly four decades of service to the community, and its success as a woman-owned enterprise.

Lisa Abshere, center, Goleta School of Ballet artistic director, is joined by Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin; lead dance students Aaron Kamps, Madelyn Ito and Charlotte Costello; Mayor Paula Perotte; and City Councilmembers Jennifer Smith and Luz Reyes-Martín. (Courtesy photo)
Lisa Abshere, center, Goleta School of Ballet artistic director, is joined by Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin; lead dance students Aaron Kamps, Madelyn Ito and Charlotte Costello; Mayor Paula Perotte; and City Councilmembers Jennifer Smith and Luz Reyes-Martín. (Courtesy photo)

An award certificate was presented to the school and its artistic director Lisa Abshere at the Oct. 21 City Council meeting.

The program recognizes establishments that shape Goleta’s identity, strengthen its economy, and enrich the community, the city said.

“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,” said Mayor Paula Perotte. “We are lucky to have so many great businesses right here in Goleta.

“If you know of one worthy of receiving a Business Recognition Award, please reach out. We can’t wait to see who is next.”

“I am honored and grateful to have the Ballet School in Goleta for 40 years,” Abshere said. “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 Goleta School of Ballet has strong roots in the community, having opened in 1986 when it took over a small ballet program at the Goleta Community Center.

Over the years the program grew, and in 2011, the school moved into its custom-designed studios on Magnolia Avenue in Old Town Goleta.

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

For more, visit the Goleta School of Ballet’s website.

Nominations are open to the community for Goleta’s Business Recognition Program, and self-nominations are encouraged.

Nominations may be submitted at any time through an online form and are intended to be given on a quarterly basis, depending on nominations.

Award recipients are selected by Goleta city staff in consultation with the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about the program here.