Barbara Crockett (In Memoriam)

Founding Artistic Director of the Sacramento Ballet
Barbara Crockett, dancer and teacher extraordinaire, joined the San Francisco Ballet, the first ballet company in the United States, in 1936. Her husband and two daughters also danced with the San Francisco Ballet. In 1945, the Crockett family moved to Sacramento to begin the Crockett Dance Studio, and Sacramento Civic Ballet Company, which laid the foundation for Sacramento Ballet in 1954.

Crockett is respected internationally for her legendary teaching prowess and was also awarded a California State Senate Resolution under Senator Darrell Steinberg for her achievements and contributions to the arts in Sacramento. Crockett was also instrumental in establishing the Regional Dance in America (RDA), Pacific Region. RDA provides pre-professional dancers and budding choreographers, including many in areas not served by professional dance companies, training and scholarship opportunities necessary to develop their talents into international stature.

Crockett’s students have gone on to dance in companies all over the world including The Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theater, San Francisco Ballet, Ballett Frankfurt/The Forsythe Company, Houston Ballet, and Sacramento Ballet. Crockett continues to remain an inspiration to dancers worldwide.