$20,000 Worth of Costumes Stolen from San José Dance Theatre

Jan. 12, 2021—San José Dance Theatre Artistic Director Linda Hurkmans and Board President Ann Timoney announced today that one or more thieves had broken into their costume storage facility, stealing almost 100 costumes and costume pieces with a total worth of nearly $20,000.

The stolen items include head pieces, arm bands, fabric. Included in the theft were vintage and new Nutcracker costumes for the Sugar Plum, Ribbon Candy, Snowflakes, Spanish, Flowers, and other classic characters. Also stolen were all of the new tutus for upcoming digital performance of Sleeping Beauty and custom tutus from Swan Lake, La Bayadere, Paquita, and the Firebird.

A classical ballet performance company and academy, San José Dance Theatre was founded in 1965. "These stolen costumes are part of our collective 55 years of history" said Hurkmans and Timoney. "We are proud that Nutcracker costumes designed by cofounder Shawn Stuart are still used on stage, and those which must be retired are painstakingly recreated down to the last sequin to keep his vision alive. Our current costume director Renee Forbes had children in the show with Mr. Stuart and Mr. Curtis and has volunteered for 25 years with the original costumer to learn the techniques to create and care for each piece. She works to preserve your happy memories while creating new ones for next generations."

To replace the costumes so the Company can continue their season, Hurkmans and Timoney are asking the public to donate to the San Jose Dance Theatre Costume Fund.