It is with great sorrow that we share the news of the passing of James B. Clouser, a revered former Visiting Professor at the University of Arizona, and a world renowned artist, teacher, and choreographer. James’ profound impact on the dance community will be forever remembered. He dedicated his life to the art of ballet, teaching men’s class, Dance History, Dance and Culture, and Looking at Dance with unparalleled passion and expertise. James was not only an extraordinary educator but also a devoted supporter of Dancing In the Streets AZ. His presence at our performances, often accompanied by his beloved wife, brought joy and inspiration to us all. His commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in ballet was a testament to his generous spirit and unwavering dedication. 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. 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.
Those wishing to share reflections, stories, or to offer condolences to the family, are welcome to visit the online guestbook, legacy.com and type James Clouser in the “obituary search” window.
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. Your support will continue the work that James held so dear.
Our hearts go out to his family and all who were touched by his remarkable life and work. He will be deeply missed.