San Jose Dance Theatre (SJDT) promotes the positive impact of dance in Silicon Valley through our training programs and professional ballet company. We seek to engage our surrounding communities in creative practices dedicated to opportunity, equity, inclusion, and collaboration in dance.
President: John Torrey
Treasurer: Barbi Hamilton
Secretary: Jennifer Joyce
Board Members: Kay Pettitt, Carmen Cook, Matt Duke, Melissa Brown
SJDT would like to sincerely thank former board members: Bronweyn Coleman, Brian Dougherty, Phylis Dougherty, Lee Forbes, Renee Forbes, Mike Howerton, Steve Kaplowitz, Willard Roit, Stino Tapia, Ann Timoney, Beau Watson, Miriam Watson, Michelle Yasuda, Elizabeth Sweeney, and all other former board members for their time, enormous talent, and devotion to keeping our legacy alive!
San Jose Dance Theatre was originally founded in 1964 as Paul E. Curtis Jr.’s Los Gatos Academy of Dance and the West Valley Ballet Foundation. The name was later changed to San Jose Dance Theatre in 1965 and was incorporated as a nonprofit educational organization. Across more than 60 years, San Jose Dance Theatre has trained beginning through advanced dancers. The School specializes in classical ballet training for children from 4 years of age to pre-professional level. Many of our alumni have gone on to professional careers in dance.
San Jose Dance Theatre has delighted local audiences for five decades with performances including Peter and the Wolf, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast. In December 2025, we will celebrate our 60th annual production of The Nutcracker at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. This will be in collaboration with the Cambrian Symphony Orchestra.
Thank you for joining us for our spring production of “The Wizard of Oz”. Without patrons like you, San Jose Dance Theatre and the arts in our beloved community wouldn’t exist. By purchasing a ticket for today’s show, you join a long history of patrons who’ve seen the dancers from the San Jose Dance Theatre take the stage.
All good things come from the efforts of those that you don’t always get to see. This production would not be possible without the tireless work of our staff, whose late night phone calls and countless meetings brought Oz from the page to the stage. Our amazing parents and volunteers who do something as small as fill up a dancer’s water bottle before a long rehearsal or as big as a barn raising so you can see Kansas on stage. And of course, our dancers who’ve worked very hard to make everything they do seem so effortlessly beautiful. Without all of these people, there is no San Jose Dance Theatre.
As we kickoff our 60th anniversary season, it’s a time to reflect on the past with one eye toward the future of San Jose Dance Theatre. Beyond just being the home of the Original Nutcracker in San Jose, our alumni have been and continue to be valuable members of the arts community in San Jose. To celebrate our 60th anniversary, we’ll be on stage again this holiday season at the Center for Performing Arts here in San Jose with a production of the Nutcracker that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
Our mission to serve the San Jose community is clear: we strive to be a place for all to celebrate the art of dance in a judgement-free environment. Everyone is included and invited to celebrate their love of dance whether they’re on pointe or just want to make it a point to allow dance to transport them to another place for a few hours.
In these difficult and divisive times, it’s not always easy to find common ground. But our barre is a place where everyone can find something just for them. Have a young person in your life that wants to dance? We invite them to come be a part of our dance school. Have a longing to fulfill that dance dream that you thought had passed you by? We’ve got adult classes for you as well, where you can unleash your inner ballerina if only for a few hours a week. Just as Dorothy desperately navigates her way through the trials and tribulations of Oz, making new friends along the way, we invite you to make the San Jose Dance Theatre a little piece of your home. Love dance but want to leave it to the trained dancers? Then please think about supporting us with a tax deductible donation so we can continue to provide all the benefits of ballet to new generations for years to come.
Now sit back, relax and let our dancers take you over the rainbow and back again, There’s no place like the ballet!
John Torrey President, Board of Directors
Dear Audience Members,
Welcome to San Jose Dance Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz! We are honored to present this incredible performance, brought to life by the dedication and artistry of our dancers.
A heartfelt thank you to Nicole Haskins for her extraordinary choreography and vision, as well as to all of our choreographers and instructors who have guided and shaped this production. Their creativity and commitment ensure that our dancers not only grow in their artistry but also continue the rich legacy of San Jose Dance Theatre.
This year marks an incredible milestone for our organization—the 60th annual production of The Nutcracker. For six decades, this cherished tradition has been a cornerstone of the arts in our community, touching the lives of generations of dancers and audiences alike. We invite you to be part of this historic celebration by joining us for this season’s performances.
As we reflect on our past and look toward the future, we ask for your support to help sustain and grow this legacy. In today’s changing landscape for the arts, your generosity—whether through attendance, donations, or spreading the word— ensures that San Jose Dance Theatre continues to inspire and uplift our community for generations to come.
We also look forward to bringing future innovative stories to life through ballet, such as 2024’s The Little Mermaid and The Wizard of Oz, expanding our repertoire while continuing to honor the classics that define our company.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We hope you enjoy The Wizard of Oz and look forward to celebrating The Nutcracker’s 60th anniversary with you!
With gratitude,
Elizabeth Sweeney Executive Director, San Jose Dance Theatre
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Thank you for joining us for the world premiere of San Jose Dance Theatre’s brand new production of Wizard of Oz. There has been so much heart and courage (and of course brains) put into this show, and I could not be more proud or grateful to everyone involved.
Our dancers have been working tirelessly for the past three months to bring this magical production to life. When we started in January there was only music. Since then every single step has been created on and for these dancers. This can be exciting but is not without its challenges. Choreography often has to be changed and adapted week to week as we fine tune what steps will best suit the dancers, what patterns are most pleasing to the eye, and how to best convey the emotional message. This means dancers have to remember miniscule changes, which can be difficult for even the most seasoned professional. These dancers not only rose to the challenge but took complete ownership of their roles. It has been truly awe-inspiring to watch and I am so excited you will get to enjoy their incredible dancing and artistry today.
One of my favorite messages of the Wizard of Oz is that you don’t have to be alone on your journey, it is the people we meet and rely upon that make it ever more sweet. The same has been true for this production. There are many people to thank for their help and support in bringing this production to life. This would never have been able to happen without them. From our faculty helping with our younger level dancers’ choreography, to rehearsal assistants making sure our dancers were comfortable and confident with their steps, to all of our parent volunteers who have stepped up to almost every part of this production.
Special thank yous are needed to Elizabeth Sweeney for helping out with everything imaginable and working tirelessly to help bring my vision to life in every way; Brooke Wertwijin for her initial help with storyboarding and music selection; CJ Cheng for organizing our amazing backstage crew (and even helping to organize a barn raising of sorts); Julie Tran for finding or building all the props you see on stage; Charlotte Cattivera for leading our parent volunteers with compassion and tenacity; and Kay Pettitt who was unbelievable at creating all of the amazing costumes you see on stage with love and care (and didn’t even bat an eyelash when I asked for 38 flying monkeys!)
The Performing Arts are not possible without audience members like you. Thank you so much for joining us and please enjoy The Wizard of Oz!
Sincerely,
Nicole Haskins Artistic Director and Choreographer of The Wizard of Oz
Antonin Dvorak
Charles Ives
Alexander Glazunov
Frantz Liszt
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Johann Strauss II
Modest Mussorgsky
Ludwig van Beethoven
Sergei Prokofiev
Dmitri Shostakovich
Alphonsis Czibulka
Niccolò Paganini
Charles Lecocq
Franz von Suppe
Franz Lehar
Choreography by Artistic Director Nicole Haskins
Additional Choreography: Brooke Wertwijn, Nicole Khoo, Rebecca Nugent, Sydney Strong, Elizabeth Sweeney
Performed by San Jose Dance Theater Academy Dancers and Guest Artists at the Hammer Theatre on March 29-30
The ballet begins on a simple Kansas farm, where Dorothy lives with her Uncle and Aunt. Farmers and chickens bring the rural scene to life. A neighborhood confrontation erupts when a disgruntled neighbor demands action against Dorothy’s beloved dog, Toto. Heartbroken, Dorothy longs for escape and expresses her dreams of adventure in a beautiful Rainbow Solo.
Suddenly, a violent Tornado sweeps across the stage, with Wind Dancers swirling in chaotic elegance, whisking Dorothy away to a far-off land.
Munchkin Land
Dorothy finds herself in a magical, vibrant world. The Munchkins joyously celebrate her arrival, dancing with youthful energy. The Mayor greets Dorothy, introducing her to the charming inhabitants of this whimsical world.
Two distinct groups perform in her honor: the delicate Sweet Harmony League presents a lullaby, while the lively Whimsy Whirlers offer a playful dance. But the celebration is cut short when the Wicked Witch appears, threatening danger.
Before harm can come to Dorothy, Glinda, the Good Witch, arrives and guides Dorothy on a quest to find the Wizard, who may help her return home.
Dorothy embarks on her journey, meeting unforgettable companions along the way. First, the Scarecrow joins her, accompanied by playful dancing crows. Then, the Tin Man appears, with graceful birds fluttering around him. Lastly, the brave but timid Lion joins the group, surrounded by dancing butterflies.
Their path is interrupted by the Wicked Witch, who casts a spell with her Poppy Dancers, putting Dorothy and her friends into a deep sleep. Once again, Glinda comes to the rescue, waking them with her magic.
The Emerald City of
Dorothy and her companions arrive at the magnificent city of Oz, where the Oz Dancers welcome them with grand choreography. They are finally introduced to the Wizard. He agrees to help her get back home, but only if Dorothy brings him the Wicked Witch’s broomstick.
In a dark and foreboding part of Oz, Dorothy and her friends enter the Wicked Witch’s domain. The Witch commands her Flying Monkeys in a powerful display. A dramatic battle ensues as Dorothy and her companions face the Witch, ultimately defeating her and claiming the broomstick.
Triumphant, Dorothy returns to Oz with the broomstick. The Oz Dancers celebrate her success in a dazzling display of joy, as she presents the broomstick to the Wizard.
After completing her quest, Glinda casts a gentle spell to send Dorothy back to Kansas. As Dorothy falls asleep, the magic fades, and she awakens in her familiar surroundings, back at home with her Uncle, Aunt, and Toto. Yet, her heart is forever changed by the journey, and a soft rainbow lingers in the sky.
Dorothy Aunt Uncle Farmers
Neighbor
Chickens
Ashley Xu
Beth Avon
Iris Pettitt
Aliyah Benedek, Ranya Farooque, Sofi Figueroa, Jocelyn Gacia, Niina Kobayashi, Anika Sison
Nanami Cheng
Sofia Cheng, Evelyn Choi, Kailani Cretella, Violet
Elam, Leonie Lau, Lucy Meadows, Jax Moral, Zarya
Puneet, Erina Sho, Jacqueline Vo, Maya YamamotoKuwano
Witch
Wind Dancers
Munchkins
The Sweet Harmony League
The Whimsy Whirlers
Mayor Glinda
Scarecrow Crows
Tin Man
Blue Birds Lion
Butterflies
Poppy Princesses
Sunset Court
Emerald Reverie
Emerald Ballerinas
Emerald Waltzers
Wizard of Oz Flying Monkeys
Nanami Cheng
Sloan Arora, Zoe Brasil, Sofia Cumbo, Lucie Lau,
Arabel Perez, Emily Sanchez, Mari Torosyan
Lauren Corn, Elizabeth Lindberg, Lara Ramírez, Rori
Valentine, Victoria Viloria, Tesla Vulvoic, Olivia Wu
Caterina Boscan, Shelby Luu, Soleil Khanna, Nina
O’Brien, Tiffani Tran, Valeria Viloria
Aliana Acosta, Tatiana Campbell, Arabella Do, Mila
Kadah
Kaji Cheng
Jocelyn Garcia
Ranya Farooque
Sloan Arora, Zoe Brasil, Sofia Cumbo, Lucie Lau, Arabel Perez, Emily Sanchez, Mari Torosyan
Aliyah Benedek
Lauren Corn, Elizabeth Lindberg, Lara Ramírez, Rori
Valentine, Victoria Viloria, Tesla Vulvoic, Olivia Wu
Sofi Figueroa
Octavia Harrington, Ke Wei Ow Yong
Niina Kobayashi, Anika Sison
Ava Forde, Jocelyn Hsieh, Elyse Huynh, Lorelei
Vienne, Ellie Wong, Elizabeth Yu
Aliana Acosta, Tatiana Campbell, Kaji Cheng, Arabella Do, Octavia Harrington, Mila Kadah, Ke Wei Ow Yong
Niina Kobayashi, Anika Sison
Ava Forde, Jocelyn Hsieh, Elyse Huynh, Lorelei
Vienne, Ellie Wong, Elizabeth Yu
Michael Hazinski
Aliana Acosta, Sloan Arora, Zoe Brasil, Caterina Boscan, Tatiana Campbell, Kaji Cheng, Sofia
Cheng, Evelyn Choi, Lauren Corn, Kailani Cretella, Sofia Cumbo, Arabella Do, Violet Elam, Octavia Harrington, Leonie Lau, Lucie Lau, Elizabeth Lindberg, Shelby Luu, Mila Kadah, Soleil Khanna, Lucy Meadows, Jax Moral, Nina O’Brien, Arabel
Perez, Zarya Puneet, Lara Ramírez, Emily Sanchez, Erina Sho, Mari Torosyan, Tiffani Tran, Rori
Valentine, Valeria Viloria, Victoria Viloria, Jacqueline Vo, Tesla Vulvoic, Ke Wei Ow Yong, Olivia Wu, Maya Yamamoto-Kuwano
Summer Classes: June 2-27
Pre Ballet through Advanced
Summer Intensive: June 30-July 18 | Level 5 to Advanced July 7-18 | Level 3 & 4
Adult Intensive: June 2-6 & July 21-25
This is the list of Committee Chairs, Media Personnel, Board Members, and Administrative staff that make our production possible. We can’t thank you enough!
Lighting Designer: Anthony Sutton
Stage Manager: Jordan Michelena
Costume Director: Kay Pettitt
Prop Master: Julie Tran
Marketing & Boutique: Elizabeth Sweeney, Melissa Brown, John Torrey
Accounting: Barbi Hamilton
Girl Scout Chair: Jennifer Mandson & Gilbert Sanchez
Stage Crew Chair: CJ Cheng
VIP: Sahin Akhtar
Graphics: Jacqui Culler
Photography: Kyle Adler, Bo Xu
Videographer: Jenny Miller of Joe Bandy
Videography
Flowers: Ani Cumbo
Security: Cathe Huynh-Sison
Dressing Rooms: Crystal Campbell and Gabriela Gonzalez-Do
Makeup Application: Trang Le
Volunteer Coordinator: Charlotte Cattivera
A BIG thank you to our dancers, parents, and our wonderful volunteers for making this production possible!
Aimee Forde
Akari Sho
Alia Kadah
Alvaro Viloria
Amandine Gagniere
Andrew Campbell
Anthony Acosta
Bang Feng Wang
Boris Vulovic
Catherine Vien
Chiali Chiang
Cimen Moral
Claudia Carrola
David Huynh
Ella Sciamma-O’Brien
Ellie Chou
Emma Valentine
Esmee Obenza
Eva Sandoval
Flora Soghoyan
Grace Qiu
Jean Yi
Jeanne Moral
Jeff Kuwano
Jenn Cretella
Jhoanna Moral
Johana Medina
Jordan Arora
Joseira Malledo
Julius Moral
Khushboo Puneet
Kimberly Yu
Kiyomi Yamamoto
Lia Huynh
Mabel Rada
Maki Kobayashi
Max De Arayjo
Melanie Acosta
Mindy Harrington
Monique Figueroa
Natsumi Cheng
Natasa Vulovic
Néstor Boscán
Nick Lindberg
Olivia Brasil
Puneet Rastogi
Rachel Wang
Ruey Jie Ow
Ryan Brasil
Ryan Harrington
Sameer Khanna
Shane Luu
Shiauyeng Lai
Siury Pulgar
Steve Meadows
Tina Hwang
Tu Le
Yessika Labrador
Interested in becoming a donor?
Consider making a donation to San Jose Dance Theatre and keep the magic of the arts alive in San Jose!
Silver Sponsors:
Krisen & Tim Pettitt
Benefactors:
Sean Tyan
Kayvon & Laura Gahrahmat
Cheung Jen Cheng
Melinda Harrington
Elyse Huynh
Paul & Ann Summers
Ron Lamica
Marilyn Sefchovich
Michael Howerton
Lee & Renee Forbes
Devin Wikke
Thien Do & Gabriela Gonzalez-Do
Patrons:
Shin Chen
Alexander Hayes
Jennifer Joyce
Boris & Natasa Vulovic
Rui Zhu
Friends:
Claudia & Anthony Cheng
Chuan Foo
Amandine Gagniere
Joan Lamica
Bob Ng
Courtney O’Hagan
Barbara Orth
Raimond Sinivee
Ann Timoney
Vanessa Wallace
Ben Wilson
