From the Director: All things eventually must come to an end.

I have been teaching dance and theatre arts for more than half a century, and I have loved every minute of seeing dancer after dancer take wing and fly under my tutelage. Literally thousands of little “birds” gaining self-confidence, esteem, empowerment, and joy through the art. From owning the San Jose Ballet School to 18 years coordinating the Evergreen Valley College Dance program and then starting Sterling Dance Theatre in 1989, it’s been a joy. For me, it has never been about creating “professional dancers” (although that has certainly happened), but rather about watching the magic as my students transform, defy gravity, and reach for their own personal stars and unique identities. In 2016, I began noticing that the stress of running a business was starting to pile up, and I began thinking about retirement. I had the means to do so, but I really didn’t want to. While no one could have predicted Covid, transitioning to Zoom for 15 months added to my stress. I want to make it very clear that my gratitude for all the families and staff who gladly transitioned to Zoom with me is boundless, and I know I did the right thing. Covid and those months made me think more about how I wanted my life to be going forward. My love for the students was still there, as was my love for the art of dance. Still, I realized that it was time to retire. All things eventually must come to an end, and we have almost 33 years of good memories to take with us. That’s a lot of memories! I am proud to be closing a healthy business that is still viable and can thrive, I just can’t lead it anymore in this stressful environment, nor do I wish to. I still love teaching, and I currently have a class in my rather expansive backyard for more advanced students (teens), so let me know if you are interested via the email on this site. I am immensely grateful to the families and the dancers, past and present, and I appreciate you more than I can ever put into words. Going forward, I am sure I will find ways to continue to be a positive resource to our community and a creative force to be reckoned with, as always. :) You all have my love and wishes for prosperity, good health, and happiness! Warm Regards, Darlene

Sterling Dance Theatre

A San Jose dance studio, Sterling stands for Strength, Technique, Energy, Rhythm, Love (of dance), Innovation, Nerve and Grace...qualities that identify the superb dancer. Sterling Dance Theatre is dedicated to developing those qualities in our students. We are not a dance factory where the main focus is on rehearsing all year for competitions at the expense of real technique training. We are a year-round school that emphasizes proper dance technique in Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap and Lyrical in a fun, imaginative forum. We recognize that many of our students may not become professional dancers and teach in an environment of encouragement that promotes self-esteem and confidence that will enhance whatever field of endeavor they eventually choose. We promote our dancers when we judge them to be ready emotionally, physically and technically and we do not hesitate to provide career direction for the serious and talented dancer. At Sterling the atmosphere is one of positive reinforcement for all of our students no matter the goal. Our dancers are encouraged to develop their own unique qualities and joy of dance in an age-appropriate venue. We believe that young dancers should be taught to respect their bodies and themselves as people. We encourage responsibility and teach our dancers how to work together as a team.

Founded in 1989, Sterling is based in San Jose, California in the lovely Almaden Valley. We showcase our dancers in an annual series of theme concerts at the Santa Clara Convention Center Theater, a modern 600 seat facility that is large enough, but not too large for an intimate setting. 

Dance is more than just a form of personal physical discipline; it lifts the spirits, raises self-esteem and enhances mental and physical agility in everyone., regardless of age. It teaches responsibility and self-discipline to our dancers in a way that is creative and fun and develops their cognitive abilities through the expression of their own unique movement qualities. For adults, it can open a whole new world of mental and physical well-being. It develops muscle-tone, relieves the stress of everyday life and provides a creative challenge that enhances self-awareness in a positive way that helps to overcome those negative feelings we all have about our bodies. It develops the grace and confidence achieved through the personal awareness of the body that only a dancer has...dance is simply the best gift you can give to yourself and your children.

At Sterling we believe that dance training is so much more than just becoming a dancer; it's a step toward being a successful adult and a person of integrity and self worth.

We have classes for ages 3 and up, all levels of experience.