Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James Brady Clouser
James Brady Clouser
Obituary
Guest Book
James Clouser Obituary
James B. Clouser 1/13/1935 - 7/31/2024 Born in Rochester, New York in 1935, James Clouser graced the world with his artistry as a choreographer, dancer and musician, and with his warmth as a loving teacher. A devoted family man, he leaves behind not only a legacy to dance, but a family he cherished and who cherished him as their patriarch. (details below)
Clouser's gifts to the dance field are immense, marked by a spirit of generosity and an abiding respect for the art form. And from beginning to end, the pathway he chose was full of surprises.
While studying Composition, Theory, and French Horn Performance at the Eastman School of Music, his passion for dance took over, and in a change of direction he joined American Ballet Theatre. In 1959 he joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, where for nine years he was a principal dancer. For the next decade he served as Ballet Master, Resident Choreographer and Acting Director of the Houston Ballet. Following his time with Houston Ballet he founded Space/Dance/Theater and later served as Artistic Director of the Dayton Ballet. He choreographed for numerous companies in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Noted works include Con Spirito, Carmina Burana, Rasputin, the Holy Devil (which starred Erik Bruhn), Ear to Stone (presented in 1999 at the Avignon Festival in France), and the Shakespeare inspired Caliban (this country's first full-length rock ballet to music by St. Elmo's Fire).
Clouser's pedagogical studies took him to the Royal Ballet Schools in London and Copenhagen and to the Bolshoi and Kirov Schools in Russia. His teaching in higher education included appointments to the faculties of the Juilliard School, Connecticut College, and the American Dance Festival. Those were followed by leadership appointments at Loretto Heights College in Denver, where he became Chair of the Programs in Fine Arts, and at Texas Christian University, where he served as Full Professor and Chair of the Department of Ballet and Modern Dance. A subsequent seven-year stint at the University of North Texas ended in retirement, but in another surprise twist, Jim came out of "retirement" when he was invited to join the dance faculty at the University of Arizona. There, for UA Dance, he served another 18 years! His lifelong dance studies in pedagogy, kinesiology/injury prevention, and history, positioned him to teach academic courses while continuing as a creative artist. While at Arizona he taught Ballet Technique, Men's Ballet, Dance History, Dance and Culture, and Looking at Dance, for which he authored a book by the same title. These courses, along with creating new choreography, staging classics, and re-mounting some of his earlier repertoire, led to his receiving, from the University of Arizona's College of Fine Arts, the James R. Anthony Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award.
More recognition followed when, in 2015, the organization CORPS de Ballet International selected Clouser for its Lifetime Achievement Award, as Jim joined the ranks of other awardees such as Alonzo King and Amanda McKerrow.
And then, as his final retirement neared, he was asked if he might consider doing one more thing... to which he said "yes, I can do it." So instead of a quiet exit, Jim, at the age of 84, took on the direction and choreography for Bernstein's Mass. This collaboration included artists from the Tucson Symphony, True Concord Voices and Orchestra, Tucson Boys Chorus, UA Dance, and special guest vocalist, Jubilant Sykes, and was the crowning performance of the Tucson Desert Song Festival in 2018.
While it is impossible to sum up Jim's life, it was indeed a "festival" -- filled with energy, adventure, magic, and joy. The countless thousands of people he touched and inspired will remember, with endless gratitude, his kindness and wisdom and the artistry of his life, and will pass on to future generations his gusto for forging a path...
July 31, 2024 marked the peaceful passing of James Brady Clouser of Tucson, Arizona. He is survived by son Mathew and Mathew's wife, Miranda, his sister Mary, his wife Sally Waldmann-Clouser and her daughters, Karen Waldmann and Kriste Brushaber. The legacy of Jim's life lives on through them along with the many friends, colleagues, and students whose lives he touched.
The family's wishes are that in honor of Jim's legacy, donations can be made to Dancing In the Streets AZ. Contributions can be mailed to 6411 East Brian Kent, Tucson, AZ 85710, or made online at www.ditsaz.org.
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
W Paul Blakey
August 20, 2025
I met Jim Clouser in 1966 at the Banff School of Fine Arts. I was 16, and I guess there was something he liked about me because he arranged for me to join the Royal Winnipeg Ballet the following year. I was thinking about him today when I was eating corn on the cob because he loved corn on the cob and would eat five or six at one sitting, which was pretty impressive. He was so helpful and encouraging as a teacher, my only regret is that by the time I joined the RWB he had gone to another company. Keep dancing Jim!
Naomi Rhodes
May 11, 2025
I took Professor Clouser´s DNC100 class and was introduced to the art, athleticism, and story of dance. There are many courses I took across my college career, but this is one that helped me develop as a person and not just as a professional. I went on to help others with nonverbal communication and did ballroom dance for several years. Professor Clouser taught me how to appreciate movement and find expression without words within my body and others. Last night, I saw my first live ballet, not a performance on the internet, and thought of reaching out to email him to tell him I remember how he taught us about the different styles of ballet and how this one blended them. I could appreciate so much in the layers of the characters by their movement and gain insight into the mind of the choreographer. I´m so sorry to hear of his passing. I did not know him beyond taking this class, but even these few interactions influenced my perspective on art forever and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be one of his students.
Priscilla M Murphy
September 18, 2024
It has taken me a long time to put some words together and add to the wonderful legacy of Jim Clouser. I gather it is because I am grieving his loss and it is not an easy task to put in brevity all that I want to say about this wonderful man, artistic director, and educator and one that I desired to learn more from.
And to Jim's family my heartfelt condolences. I hope your hearts will find some peace in time.
My sharing: Fresh out of Singapore, I was alerted to a Pas de Deux class that he was offering at the old Bissonnet studios in Houston. I wanted to expand my experience and pushed my timid self to sign up for the class. After the first class, he asked me to come in and participate in a technique class during the day. Unbeknownst to me, I was auditioning for SDT. A whole new world opened up then for me.
I remember being terrified and blown away by the class and the concepts of modern dance being interjected and thrown at me. But through it, he was kind and encouraging. I have always acknowledged Jim for opening up a new dimension of movement expression and vulnerability to me. I have always considered myself fortunate to be in SDT, my first company in the U.S., and to experience the family of company dancers with him at the helm. He cared about each of us. Watching his ideas being explored and the excitement he had was a magical zone.
He was the root of my delving into modern dance, as well as incorporating and realizing how these two genres supported each other. He expanded my approach to movement. He gave me the tools to be a better performer and later as a teacher and choreographer. He gave so much to me. I often bring his words and concepts into my classroom to share with my students. He shared an exercise to help support my hyper-extended legs that I still go to and share with my students. How marvelous!
It is a common statement to hear that we wish we could have spent more time and learned more from someone who has left this earth. And indeed I echo the same. However, I will relish what I did have and the special reconnection with him at UA in his later years. I hope your spirit will linger close to all who loved you.
Denise Smokoski Williams
August 24, 2024
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Jim Clauser. Jim´s creative talents were always an inspiration to me. I appreciated his confidence in me when allowing me to perform various roles in the Houston ballet under his directorship. (particularly the role of Miranda in his rock ballet - Caliban). It was great to have spent some time with him at the Houston Ballet reunion and I am inspired by his most fruitful years since the Houston Ballet days so long ago. I will always remember him with great fondness and appreciation. Much peace to Jim as I know he´s just dancing somewhere else right now. Denise Smokoski Williams
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Kim Hasrde Hansen
August 20, 2024
Worked with him at Garden State Ballet and Houston Ballet. My favorite work of his was Yo Ho Ho
Always thought it should be performed in Galveston
Soleste Lupu & Joseph Rodgers Dancing In the Streets AZ
August 19, 2024
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of James Clouser. He was not only an extraordinarily talented artist but also a truly kind and humble individual. His warm smile and genuine nature touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We were honored every time he came to see our performances at Dancing In The Streets AZ. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. His legacy, of students lives and his work will continue to inspire and his memory will forever be cherished. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
Jeanne Doornbos
August 18, 2024
I´ve often thought how lucky I was to join Houston Ballet when Jim Clouser was making choreography there. Shuffling around with a swayed back and flapping wrists to the Anvil Chorus in Through A Glass Lightly, joining the Wheel of Fortune in Carmina Burana, polkaing merrily in Con Spirito, galumphing through our paces in the Corri´s Theatre section of Allen´s Landing, being tossed about in You Can´t Tell By Looking, all were wonderful experiences at the time, and even more cool in retrospect. I´m glad that dance and ballet offered Jim such a long and fruitful life. I remember his smile being so welcoming and inspiring, and he was always so eager to share his breadth of knowledge.
Brian Andrew
August 17, 2024
I met Jim 50yrs ago as a first-year professional dancer. He started choreographing "Carmina Burana" right after the Houson Ballet Nutcracker run ended. This was my first experience being part of the creation of a new work and became the standard I would measure all the other ballet premieres I was lucky enough to be a part of. Jim was just so sure of what he was doing every day we came in to learn. There was no hesitation or uncertainty, the vision was all there in his head. "Carmina" has a full range of characters and Jim cast and choreographed to the individual soloists´ strengths. Even at the time, I remember thinking that these roles were gifts Jim gave to those dancers.
I only crossed paths with Jim twice after we both left Houston Ballet. Both times he was excited to hear what I was doing and was full of the stories of both the past and his plans for the future. The last time was almost 40yrs after our time in Houston. I watched him teach a class at U of A. It was almost exhausting to watch him at 78 having so much fun just creating steps. With a twinkle in his eye, he came up to me at one point and asked if the pattern looked familiar. It turned out to be a section of "Con Spirito", choreographed 40yrs earlier.
What a privilege for me to be a small part of such a full life. My best wishes to all his friends and family as we say goodbye.
Jane Hayes Andrew
August 17, 2024
It was so many years ago (50!) I worked as Company Manager with Houston Ballet and knew James Clouser. At first he was resident choreographer when Nina Popova was Artistic Director, then he took over as Acting Artistic Director himself the following year. In 3 years there were 3 Artistic Directors - Nina, James, and then Ben Stevenson. A time of hustle and bustle.
Jim (I'm pretty sure I never called him James??) fully recognized these were tumultuous times of change. The Board was super motivated in charting new courses. No matter the external pressures, he was always optimistic and buoyed everyone up. He even teasingly suggested that several of the principal dancers should acquire exotic dogs to enhance their artistic aplomb.
It was the Bicentennial Year so special commissions were created. It was a busy wonderful time - and we were all so much younger.
Many years later (40?), Brian and I visited our son Kevin in Tucson and were able to attend a dance performance and meet up with Jory and Melissa and the following day to meet up with Jim and watch one of his classes. He was the same Jim and seemed thrilled to see us again. Of course, he happily commented on his memory of how shocking and unbelievable our engagement news was to all and sundry way back then. And, as the ever cheerful and delightful Jim, he seemed genuinely happy to see that we were still together.
So many thanks for the memories, Jim. A very special person.
Danielle Lydia Sheather
August 17, 2024
Mr. C is what many of us affectionately called him at the University of Arizona. I attended the masters program from 2014-2016 and cannot begin to express all of the many lessons I learned from him throughout my time there.
Taking his ballet class and being a TA for his Looking at Dance course were experiences that I remember fondly. We shared times in class where he would ask the direct translation of a French word and then we would often distinguish between the various ballet techniques. The passion with which he lectured to non-majors in his Looking at Dance class fascinated me. He seemed to make dance a part of living and advocated for its mandatory study, even if it wasn't to become a professional or engage in a performance career. He was the first person to teach me the value of dance beyond the career. I am deeply indebted to him for that.
That said, he also taught, "take every opportunity to dance - take every chance you can. Try everything, (and) if there is something you like better than dance, don't dance." I think he understood that dance was a calling, something that was not easy and something that you worked on daily - in and out of the studio. When I was offered the opportunity to study in Europe for 90 days between my first and second year of graduate school, he, perhaps without knowing it, led my journey. I went across the floor in ballet class having just realized the financial possibility right before his class, he noticed something was different. He asked what I was thinking about after class and I told him. Without a hesitation, he wrapped his arms around me, released, and clapped his hands in front of his heart and said, "Well done!"
I remember the day he asked me to be his rehearsal assistant for "The Visit," I was honored but also felt imposter syndrome. He taught me the value of sitting in that discomfort. We met in his office once I had edited the score with thunderstorm sound effects. I hit play on my laptop feeling it was an "ok enough" rough draft, he paused, looked up to the sky and said, "this is perfect, don't change anything, I know where to go now."
During my candidacy project where live harp music was used, he said, "if the harpist is going to be on stage with the dancers, the relationship has to be mutual." I understood the assignment and, "knew where to go."
My thesis included a moment where the dancers spoke on stage, unscripted. He asked, "how did you get the dancers to reveal themselves in that very moment?" I told him, trust." He simply smiled and nodded his headed in the affirmative, and with that single look, I knew he was telling me to trust my own self.
I am deeply sorry for the family. I imagine it is a difficult time for everyone. Sending all love and healing during this difficult time and I hope these memories serve as a reminder of the kind of dance giant he was!
Tracy Puddy
August 15, 2024
I remember sitting in Mr. C´s office talking about a piece I had choreographed. He was one of the first mentors I had who really made me question every move, intention, and staging choice that I made. We got into a deep conversation about Dance and how as a choreographer, Dance cannot be your therapy. He said it can heal you in ways you´ll never imagine, but you cannot make it your therapy. We talked deeply about the effects of selfish choreography taking the stage and not thinking about the audience or their take away. It is one of many conversations I will always remember with him. So much of my teaching today is influenced by things he said or did. He was an incredible man. He will be missed.
Rebecca Whittington Ross
August 14, 2024
Thinking of the countless lives touched by Mr. Clouser is awe-inspiring. I'm grateful to have known him and to have been his student. Learning from him at the U of A is a gift I cherish. Thinking of his family during this difficult time. What an amazing legacy left in all of his students and colleagues and those who loved him.
Stephanie Brooks Martin
August 14, 2024
Mr. Clouser always made his students feel like there was no other place he would rather be than there with us. He led by example with passion, dedication, and joy, which made us want to do everything with excellence and try to match his zeal. I try to pass on everything I learned from him. This week I shared his impact on my life with my students and we "lifted, turned, and inclined" our heads in his honor.
Melissa Lowe
August 13, 2024
Melissa Lowe
August 13, 2024
Melissa Lowe
August 13, 2024
Melissa Lowe
August 13, 2024
Sweet Jim, beginning the new reality of missing you dearly and sorting through my flood of memories, these few candid photos stand out. They capture moments that I know were extremely significant to you:
2018 your meeting and getting to know Tamara Nijinsky, (Vaslav Nijinsky's youngest daughter) at Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, home to the dance program at the University of Arizona
2019 as we traveled together to attend Houston Ballet's 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration, which included a standing ovation for you on the Wortham stage alongside Ben Stevenson and Stanton Welch...three generations of that company's leadership!
With so much love and immeasurable gratitude always and forever,
Melissa Lowe
Claire Hancock
August 13, 2024
Claire Hancock
August 13, 2024
Claire Hancock
August 13, 2024
Claire Hancock
August 13, 2024
Claire Hancock
August 13, 2024
Claire Hancock
August 13, 2024
Claire Hancock
August 13, 2024
Claire Hancock
August 13, 2024
Claire Hancock
August 13, 2024
Claire Hancock
August 13, 2024
Claire Hancock
August 13, 2024
"There is no death, only a change of worlds." -Chief Seattle
Sending love to all of Jim´s family, people who´s lives he touched, and feeling grateful to have experienced his greatness on earth.
Michael Job
August 13, 2024
For 25 years, whenever the opportunity existed, I would seek out that situation. Where is Jim? What is he doing? It's happening? Let´s go! Houston Ballet, Chicago Ballet, Dallas Ballet, Space/Dance/Theater, Ft Worth, Galveston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, three years as his Ballet Master in Dayton. To be working with Jim Clouser was to be on the cutting edge. You knew that you were making art. That´s what made it worth it. In the studio, he was cheerful, supportive and lucid in his vision of what he wanted. He would compose an original evening length story-filled ballet without backtracking and on schedule and blow minds with it. Caliban - the world´s first rock ballet, Rasputin, The Holy Devil starring Eric Bruhn, Gulistan, The Saga of Jean Lafitte, The Bermuda Triangle, Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, Merlin, The Vampire Follies, Carmina Burana. Oh my god, Carmina Burana! Jim Clouser and Carl Orff. I´ve lost count of how many productions of Clouser´s Carmina I´ve been involved in. Nothing beat my very first performance with Houston Ballet 1975 at Miller Outdoor Theater with full orchestra in front and chorus and soloists right behind you... 15,000 people up on that hill under the full moon. That stuff will change you. So many wonderful dances... performances... late night stories. Oh!, the beautiful duets... full of love and tension! Just like life... real life.
For me, his legacy is all around me, touchstones throughout the last 49 years. Priceless memories shared through priceless friendships with colleagues all over who shared his magical way with dance and dancers. I am forever grateful and forever blessed to have known and worked with Him. I´ll miss him so much. Thank you for everything, Jim. I´ll see you when I see you.
As Mat said... "Long live James Clouser!"
Michael Job
August 12, 2024
In 1974, a DanceMagazine article was published featuring the company I was then dancing with, The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. After taking in the thrill of my first picture in the then respected publication, I turned the pages to an adjacent article on the fledgling Houston Ballet. That article had a photograph of a young, bearded, long-haired hippy looking guy who was, I gathered, really rocking that city with amazing choreography. Late in that season, while on tour with PBT in Louisiana, I conspired with two new friends, Jory Hancock and Melissa Lowe, to sneak away on a free day, probably driving with them though the night, to audition for James Clouser. He offered me a job immediately after that class, which was a bit of a shock, knowing the carrot and the stick culture in ballet companies that usually governed an offer like that. I was 18. For the rest of my professional life as a dancer, I worked with and adored James Clouser.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in James Clouser's name
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Clouser's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
