Fiesta Spirit Tryouts

Last August, 40 of Santa Barbara’s dancing youths showed their fancy footwork in hopes of winning a shot at the Fiesta 2012’s Spirit and Junior Spirit tryouts. Twenty gals and two fellows made the cut; they will dance their hearts out in open-to-the-public auditions Saturday, April 14. Since the late 1950s, area dance students (ages 16-21) have competed for the honor of Spirit of Fiesta, according to the book Old Spanish Days: Santa Barbara’s Local Legacy. “They are judged for their Spanish dancing ability, poise, and appearance. … In more recent years, a Junior Spirit of Fiesta selection has been made among the younger students of dance.” Auditions take place Saturday, April 14, 1 p.m., at La Cumbre Junior High (2255 Modoc Rd.). Tickets are $20 and are available at the Old Spanish Days office, 129 Castillo Street (inside the Carriage & Western Art Museum). Call (805) 962-8101 for info.