Clyde Nantais, born on September 4, 1951, passed away on October 23, 2025, in Hull, Massachusetts. A figure of immense passion and accomplishment in the world of dance and performing arts, Clyde's life was marked by extraordinary dedication, profound creativity, and an unwavering commitment to his artistic community.

From a young age, Clyde demonstrated remarkable talent and discipline. He graduated from Tolman High School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, before continuing his studies at the Boston Conservatory, where he earned his BFA. Clyde furthered his academic accomplishments with a Master of Education degree from Temple University, solidifying his foundation for a truly distinguished career in dance and performance education.

Clyde’s early professional work included performing chorus and leading roles in Equity summer stock and dinner theatre productions of iconic Broadway musicals such as West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and Guys and Dolls between 1971 and 1974. His versatility, presence, and dedication to the stage defined these formative years.

He then joined the Boston Ballet, where he danced for seven years and taught in the school for an impressive seventeen years. Clyde's influence extended onto the faculty of the Boston Conservatory from 1980 to 1988, where he served as Ballet Master for the Boston Conservatory Dance Theatre. His expertise and generosity as a teacher continued to shape generations of dancers.

Throughout the 1980s, Clyde was sought after as a Guest Artist, Choreographer, Ballet Master, and Master Teacher with such revered institutions as Ballet Santo Domingo, Berkshire Ballet, Festival Ballet of Rhode Island, Pioneer Valley Ballet, Ithaca Ballet, and Ballet Arkansas. His artistry and leadership flourished not only in local communities but also on international stages.

From 1990 to 1992, Clyde was Principal Ballet Teacher for the National Institute of the Arts in Taipei, Taiwan, expanding his influence to aspiring dancers worldwide. Returning to Boston in 1992, he co-founded the Boston Dance Company with James Reardon, a lasting contribution to the artistic landscape of the city. His dedication to teaching enriched students at the Boston Dance Company, Charlotte Klein Dance Centers, New Art Center in Newton, and the Franklin School of the Performing Arts, where he choreographed over 25 Broadway shows.

Clyde brought his expertise to the faculty of Dean College from 2000 to 2004 and returned to the Boston Ballet faculty in 2001. Most recently, he inspired students as a member of the Boston Conservatory's Musical Theatre Faculty, teaching Advanced Ballet. Clyde’s influence was not confined to the classroom—he was an accomplished costume and set designer and lent his choreography and staging talents to over 50 ballets for more than 30 colleges, schools, and companies internationally.

His breadth of knowledge encompassed all levels of Ballet, Pointe, Partnering, Variations, Men’s Ballet, Jazz, and Yoga. The legacy of his teaching, artistry, and creativity is gratefully held by all who had the privilege of working alongside him, learning from his expertise, and witnessing his passion for the art of dance.

Clyde was predeceased by his beloved mother, Beatrice Taylor (Goulart), and father, Henry Nantais. He also mourned the loss of Kim Nantais, Steven Bell, his brother Alexander Wood, niece Jenna Getty, and nephews Levi Getty, Lucas Getty, and Alexander Wood Jr.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Clyde Nantais will be held on September 13, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Dance Complex, located at 536 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139. All who knew Clyde and wish to pay tribute to his extraordinary spirit and enduring legacy are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Alex Wood, alexwood7984@gmail.com

Clyde's passion for dance and his unwavering commitment to nurturing young artists will continue to inspire and uplift countless lives. His enduring legacy within the dance community remains a testament to a life lived with grace, intellect, artistry, and deep humanity.