For Jocelyn, this year’s Nutcracker is more than a performance — it’s the culmination of a lifelong journey that began when she was just five years old. Stepping onstage as a tiny Cherub, she still remembers the bright lights, the excitement, and the feeling of entering a world she instantly wanted to return to again and again. That moment sparked a passion that has shaped her childhood, her artistry, and her identity.
Over the years, Jocelyn has grown up at San Jose Dance Theatre — in the studio, backstage, and in the wings — surrounded by a community that supported her every step of the way. “It always comes back to the teachers, families, and friends,” she reflects. “Teachers who believe in you, stage moms who guide you, families who return year after year, and the friends who become lifelong bonds.” Those relationships, she says, are at the heart of her favorite memories.
As she progressed through the school, The Nutcracker evolved with her.Becoming a Flower for the first time felt like a milestone: “I was dancing alongside older girls I always looked up to.” Last year, she performed her first Act II partnering role as Marzipan, sharing the stage with the little Lambs — a special full-circle moment, since she once danced as a Lamb too.
This season, Jocelyn takes on two extraordinary roles: Chocolate and Dew Drop Fairy. “Spanish Chocolate has always been one of my favorite parts — I love expressing myself with a little sass and flair,” she says. But Dew Drop is the dream she’s held closest. After years of dancing in Flowers, she knows every note of the music and now gets to breathe her own artistry into the role.
Some moments, though, remain timeless no matter how many Nutcrackers she performs. She admits she can’t choose a single meaningful scene — each one carries memories — but watching the iconic Sugar Plum pas de deux from the wings remains her personal favorite. “I enjoy every movement. I’ve seen it so many times yet it still feels magical.”
One special constant in her journey has been her mom, a former SJDT dancer and now the company’s Volunteer Chairperson. They once shared the stage together — Jocelyn as a Party Girl, her mom as her Party Mom — a cherished moment for them both. “She’s been by my side for every milestone, role, recovery, and celebration,” Jocelyn says.
Her time at SJDT has shaped her not only as a dancer but as a person. She speaks openly about overcoming two major injuries — setbacks that were physically and emotionally challenging. “Believe in yourself — it’s a mindset,” she says. “I chose to focus on getting stronger through ballet, physical therapy, Pilates, and weight training.” The resilience she developed shows in her confidence both onstage and in her everyday life.
To younger dancers, she offers the advice that guided her own growth: listen to your teachers, take in corrections, and keep refining the fundamentals. She shares that studying videos of professional ballets inspired her as a child — and still does.
As Jocelyn prepares to graduate, she’s considering a future that keeps her connected to dance, potentially through a medical field like physical therapy or nursing. Whatever path she takes, she’s certain of one thing: “Ballet is a part of me, and I know I’ll continue to dance.”
Reflecting on Nutcracker season, she speaks with deep affection. “SJDT is where I grew up. Every scene reminds me of a moment in time. It will always be a part of who I am.”
And how does it feel to perform during San Jose Dance Theatre’s 60th anniversary Nutcracker? “You never know — this may or may not be my final Nutcracker,” she says with a smile. “But it’s special to be part of history.”
As Jocelyn steps into the spotlight as Dew Drop Fairy this season, she carries with her the memories, lessons, and love that have shaped her journey — a beautiful tribute to the legacy of SJDT and the next generation of dancers who look up to her.
Catch Jocelyn on stage this December 13th-21st, 2025 The Nutcracker | The Original San Jose Nutcracker Ballet