Baile de California was founded in May 2013 to preserve the unique cultural history of California through music and dance.  We are both a performing company and an educational institution.  We not only teach dance; we share the culture of the people of the time and place the dances were enjoyed.  Many of our current dances reflect Santa Barbara’s history of the California Rancho period.  However, we celebrate other Santa Barbara historic cultures which includes a Chinese fan dance, Japanese folk dances, dances inspired by San Francisco born- Isadora Duncan, and dances choreographed by our own Santa Barbara Fiesta legend- José Manero (1909-1973).

Baile de California has been a Teaching Artist with the Children’s Creative Project, (a program under the Santa Barbara County Education Office) since our inception.  We have offered informative and entertaining programs for many organizations including the Fielding Graduate Institute, Santa Barbara Woman’s Club, P.E.O. International (Santa Barbara chapter), the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (Santa Barbara chapter)  and the Goleta Women’s Service Club.  We regularly perform at two California State Historic Parks (SHP), El Presidio de Santa Bárbara and the Petaluma Adobe.  We have performed for private events as well, including a party at the Palomares Adobe in Pomona.  We have performed at multiple California Missions for a variety of annual events including the California Missions Conference, as well as many special events.

BdC celebrates both International Dance Day and National Dance Week.  Founder/Director Diana Replogle-Purinton is a member of the International Dance Council (CID- Conseil International de la Danse, UNESCO) and an ambassador with the National Dance Federation.  She firmly believes that dance is for everyone!  And WELCOMES YOU to join us!  If you are interested in becoming a performer or a supporter of Baile de California or are interested in having us perform at your event, please email us at Baile.de.California@live.com or enter your comments here.

*Baile de California’s inspiration was Las Fiesteras Dance Group of which Ms. Replogle was the director from 2007-2013.  Las Fiesteras was founded in 1934 by members of the Reina del Mar Parlor #126 of Native Daughters of the Golden West (NDGW), to preserve California’s historic dances and perform them for Old Spanish Days Fiesta.  LF performed at Fiesta and elsewhere until disbanding in 1987.  Ms. Replogle joined the Parlor in 2005 and was soon asked to resurrect the popular dance group.

We are excited to have you join us!  Viva!