As San Jose Dance Theatre celebrates the 60th Anniversary of The Original San José
Nutcracker, we honor the generations of dancers, families, and community members
who have built this remarkable legacy. Among them is alumna, former company dancer,
and returning performer Sarah Clish, whose lifelong connection to SJDT beautifully
reflects the heart of this organization.
Sarah trained directly under SJDT founders Paul Curtis and Shawn Stuart—an
experience that shaped both her artistry and her identity. Their instruction extended
beyond ballet technique; they inspired curiosity, emphasized the history of dance and
music, and taught discipline, perseverance, and self-belief. Their influence nurtured her
growth on and off the stage. And like any true SJDT alumna, Sarah still remembers one
essential detail: the snowflake jump always lands on three.
Ballet quickly became a grounding force in Sarah’s life. The rigor of training
strengthened her time management, body awareness, and academic focus. The
confidence she gained in the studio carried into leadership roles, including serving as
the dancer liaison on the board of directors. Years later, when she stepped center stage
at Carnegie Hall to deliver a spoken line with her chorus, she did so without
fear—because the foundation Paul and Shawn built in her remained strong.
Though it has been decades since she last took a ballet class, Sarah says those 12
formative years are “imprinted into her being.” The commitment, curiosity, and resilience
she learned at SJDT continue to guide her daily life.
When Sarah looks at SJDT today, she still sees the roots of the founders’ vision thriving:
exceptional training, meaningful performance opportunities, and a deep commitment to
sharing the magic of ballet with the community. Being part of an organization with such
a long, meaningful history in San Jose fills her with joy. Like so many alumni, she
remembers every role she danced and every moment that shaped her as a young artist.
The legacy of Paul and Shawn—and countless dedicated volunteers—remains alive in
every rehearsal and performance.
Returning to perform with SJDT brings all of that history rushing back. Sarah first
stepped back into The Nutcracker in 2023, playing Grandma alongside longtime friend
and Drosselmeyer, Michael Howerton. The experience reignited her love for performing
and inspired her to return again for the milestone 60th anniversary.
Stepping into the studio today brings back a flood of memories from her company
days—the long rehearsals, the camaraderie, and the shared excitement of bringing the
story to life. She still tears up every time the overture begins, especially when she’s
backstage in the theater. The magic of The Nutcracker, she says, never fades.
What excites Sarah most now is helping create that same magic for today’s dancers.
She loves watching them grow, gain confidence, and cherish the traditions she once
held close. The dancers who played her wards last year are now performing as dolls,
snowflakes, and marzipan—a transformation that fills her with pride.
She knows most young dancers will not pursue ballet professionally, but she hopes
each will carry these lessons with them throughout their lives, just as she has.
To today’s SJDT dancers, Sarah offers heartfelt advice:
“Continue to pursue your dreams both in the studio and outside the studio. Support one
another. Find the joy in the routine of class, and the magic will unfold.”
For Sarah, SJDT is more than an arts organization; it is a vital thread woven into the
fabric of her life. The intergenerational traditions—alumni returning, families staying
involved, dancers growing into new roles—help keep the spirit of the organization alive.
“If you don’t know your history,” she says, “you do not understand the value of
maintaining it.”
When asked to capture what San Jose Dance Theatre means to her in one sentence,
Sarah answered:
“SJDT is an integral part of my being that helped shape the person I am today.” As we
celebrate 60 years of The Original San José Nutcracker, we honor the dancers like
Sarah who carry the legacy forward—and inspire the generations yet to come.