About Us

At Sterling we encourage creativity and stimulate the imagination through our heavy emphasis on thematic dance and the use of drama both in the classroom and onstage. Our annual Fall Showcases are always based on a theme that threads it's way through the performance. Not only does this provide a cohesiveness for the show, but it encourages our dancers to be creative and it makes the whole experience more fun for everyone! Sterling Dance Theatre is committed to producing a Dance Showcase reflective of the high standards and professional theatrical expectations of the professional dance world.

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 Drama 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. We hold summer workshops in Drama and Dance and schedule Master Classes and field trips in addition to our regular classes.