SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The sound of tapping heels, rhythmic clapping and lively music is filling dance studios across Santa Barbara as performers make their final preparations for Old Spanish Days Fiesta.
From flamenco to folklórico, dancers are spending hours rehearsing routines that celebrate generations of culture and tradition before taking the stage during one of Santa Barbara's most beloved annual celebrations.
Leading this year's performances are 2026 Spirit of Fiesta Jenna Ramirez and Junior Spirit of Fiesta Penny Hernandez, who have spent months learning choreography and building the endurance needed for a busy week of Fiesta appearances.
"I've never learned so many dances in the time I was announced Spirit until now," Ramirez said.
As rehearsals have continued, she says each performance has helped build her confidence and stamina.
"The more we get to perform these dances, I could feel in my body that it's a lot more easy to do, and eventually the endurance just kind of builds up," Ramirez said.
For Hernandez, dancing is about sharing the joy she feels with the audience.
"When I dance, I wish to make people feel my joy that I feel on stage, and a lot of people do, which makes me really happy," Hernandez said.
Behind every performance is a team of instructors dedicated to preparing the next generation of Fiesta dancers.
"When it comes to training the little ones, it's not just about teaching the technique—it's about building confidence," said Daniela Zermeño, owner of Zermeño Dance Academy and one of the coaches helping prepare this year's Spirit of Fiesta.
Zermeño says the focus shifts as Fiesta approaches.
"We are so judgmental and so hard on ourselves, and sometimes it's just going in and saying, 'I got this. I know what I'm doing. Enjoy it and be confident,'" she said.
Professional flamenco dancer Timo Nuñez says dance creates a special connection between performers and the audience.
"To dance is such a gift," Nuñez said. "You feel like it's an exchange. The people are supporting you and they're giving you love from their seats, and you're also pouring out a piece of your soul and getting them to feel something."
While Fiesta audiences will see polished performances that last only minutes, those moments are the result of months of rehearsals, mentorship and dedication. Behind every graceful step is a tradition being passed from one generation to the next as dancers prepare to celebrate Santa Barbara's rich cultural heritage during Old Spanish Days Fiesta.
Santa Barbara dancers make final Fiesta preparations as Spirit and Junior Spirit rehearse for Old Spanish Days News Channel 3-12.
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