La Boheme Solstice 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions

💃 Do I need dance experience to join?

No experience is necessary.
La Boheme welcomes dancers of all backgrounds, bodies, ages, and experience levels. What matters most is your desire, commitment, openness, and willingness to move and grow as part of a group.

🌈 Who is La Boheme for?

All are welcome. La Boheme is for anyone who feels called to:

  • Move their body in a creative, expressive way

  • Be part of a supportive and inclusive dance community

  • Commit to a group performance experience

  • Perform in the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade

📅 When is the Solstice Parade?

The Solstice Parade is Saturday, June 20, starting at noon. Please plan to devote your entire day to the parade experience.

🩰 When and where are rehearsals?

Rehearsals begin Monday, April 27.

  • Mondays & Wednesdays | 7:00–8:30 PM

  • 📍 State Street Ballet Studio, 2285 Las Positas Road

  • Rehearsals continue twice weekly through the parade

Additional details:

  • No rehearsal on Monday of Memorial Day

  • Possible ‘fun field trip’ rehearsal at Carrillo Rec Center and outdoor parade-practice locations (details TBA)

🚨 Are all rehearsals mandatory?

Yes… please.
La Boheme is a committed performance group, and consistent attendance is essential for safety, confidence, and group cohesion.

  • Dancers are encouraged to miss no more than two rehearsals

  • Attendance during the final two weeks is especially important

  • If you must miss a rehearsal, please notify a La Boheme Board Member at least 24 hours in advance (Karen Lehman, Susie Subject, or Judith Smith-Meyer - not Teresa)

🥁 Is there a mandatory SATURDAY parade rehearsal?

No. Not this year!
We will hold at least two outdoor parade-practices in the evenings. You will be ready for parade and no need for Saturday rehearsal this year.

💸 How much does it cost to participate?

Registration Fee: $595
Early bird discount was $575 for registrations received and paid by midnight March 31 - this discount has expired.

Klarna Skoop! Example: If you select Klarna as a payment option, you can make 4 payments of $148.75 every 2 weeks, interest-free.

DURING CHECKOUT: 1) If your credit card is auto-filled, click “CHANGE” --> 2) Select “NEW PAYMENT METHOD” --> 3) Select "KLARNA" option --> 4) Checkout through Klarna --> **If you do not click “Change” - the Klarna button will not appear.**

No Venmo or Cash accepted. All payments processed via website.

The fee to participate includes:

  • High-quality costume packet

  • All mandatory rehearsals

  • Optional/extra rehearsals (times TBA)

  • Parade-day hydration

  • Post-parade La Boheme picnic

  • Studio rentals, float construction, and production costs

❗What is NOT included in the registration fee?

  • Base costume items (such as shoes, bras, shorts, etc.)

  • $20 Solstice Festival participation fee (Paid directly to the Santa Barbara Solstice Celebration and is required for all parade performers)

🎉 Are there discounts available?

Yes!

  • Bring-Your-Friends Discount:
    Receive $50 off for each new dancer you recruit - someone who has not danced with La Boheme previously
    (Discounts received in the form of a refund to you after your referred dancer registers and pays in full.)

  • Need-based partial scholarships are available in limited numbers. Deadline to apply is Monday, April 20.

  • Early bird discount was $575 for registrations received and paid by midnight March 31 - this discount has expired.

👉 More scholarship information available here. Please complete a Registration form even if you are applying for scholarship.

👗 Do I have to make my own costume?

Yes - but don’t worry!

  • Costume packets are included in your registration

  • You’ll receive clear instructions, videos, and support

  • Sewing is minimal and beginner-friendly

  • Group costume-making parties make it fun and social 🎉

Foundation items purchased separately (details provided later):

  • Bra, shorts, corset, shoes, fishnets

🔒 Can I try a class before committing?

No.
To protect the integrity and safety of the group, we do not allow drop-ins or trial classes.

All dancers must:

  • Be fully registered

  • Have paid in full

  • Complete all required paperwork before the first rehearsal

⏳ Can I join late?

No late joiners are allowed.
All registration, payment, and paperwork must be completed by Sunday, April 26.

📝 What paperwork is required?

Before attending your first rehearsal, you must complete:

  1. La Boheme Solstice Registration Form & Contract - LINK

  2. Solstice Organization Parade Registration Form

  3. Solstice Organization Fee = $20 participation fee

❗do i need to have a facebook account?

Yes.

Our private Facebook group page is where our dancers keep up to date with important announcements and information about classes and costumes, etc. Be on the lookout for an invitation to join the group: La Boheme Solstice 2026 - The Wave
If you don’t have a Facebook account, we ask that you create one for this Solstice experience.

🌊 Where can I learn more about the Solstice Festival?

For full details about the event itself, visit the Santa Barbara Solstice Festival website.

✨ Still have questions?

We’re happy to help.
Please reach out to a La Boheme Board Member for additional questions or clarification.

🌈 Ready to Join?

If this speaks to you, trust the call.

⬇️ Hit this link to pay ⬇️

✨ We can’t wait to dance the WAVE with you. ✨