Karla McClellan Obituary

Troy: no matter how long you were together it is never enough. Take comfort in all those that loved Karla. Praying you find peace. Eileen

Troy, we are so sorry for your loss. Your beautiful Karla, will be missed by so many. She is dancing through everyone that loves to dance. I shall plant the spring bulbs Eileen sent me in her honor. Please take the very best of care.

We will hold Karla, our friend and much admired fellow student of ballet, in our hearts. Such a beautiful dancer, such a beautiful soul. Dance on sweet Karla!

Karla was a beautiful and dedicated ballet dancer, and we miss her every day. Her artistry and musicality were exceptional and deeply appreciated by all of us who were graced to see her dance. She was so committed to her training and to becoming a better dancer, and it showed in everything she did.

Karla and I danced together for almost 30 years and she was my guiding light in class. I could always look to her for a smile or a nod when I needed encouragement. She never missed class unless there was a bad storm or she was fishing with Troy in the Sierras. Her constant support and friendship helped me through some difficult times.

Ballet is the study of details, nuance, and expression, and Karla was masterful at finding the meaning in each movement and making it her own. There was a lightness to her dancing that was so enjoyable to watch, and I know all the other dancers in class always looked to her as an example of how to become better artists and dancers.

Karla had a favorite place at the barre, and stood there each class. If someone new to class stood there before Karla arrived, I would gently let them know that they had taken Karla´s spot, and they would gladly leave it for her. Karla had to stop dancing with us in November of 2021. When she left, I let her know that each morning when I arrived to teach, I would look over at her spot and say good morning to her, and send her some love. I still do that every time I come into the space she and I shared for so long. I will always miss her.

Rest in Peace my beautiful ballet classmate Karla. In our many years of classes together, I often felt comforted by Karla´s gentle friendship. We were transformed into lithe spirits each lesson by Rebecca´s tough and excellent ballet choreography. Karla lit up the room with her elegant dancing, as I´m sure she is still doing, in whatever higher places she dances in now.

I took ballet class with Karla. I would stand behind her at the barre. Her presence and grace of body and spirit were always inspiring. When she learned that my mom was a knitter with an interest in spinning wool, she gave her a spinning wheel. I think of Karla often in ballet class and I miss her kind and generous presence.