James Whiteside
Explore the incredible career of James Whiteside, American Ballet Theatre Principal, known for his talent in ballet, choreography, music, and education.
James Whiteside: American Ballet Theatre Principal
James Whiteside is a renowned ballet dancer born in 1984 in Fairfield, Connecticut. He began his artistic journey at the age of nine at the D’Valda & Sirico Dance and Music Centre in Fairfield, CT, where he received training in various dance forms, such as jazz, tap, and acrobatic dance.
During his teenage years, Whiteside immersed himself in classical ballet and further refined his skills at the Virginia School of the Arts under the guidance of Petrus Bosman and David Keener.
Ballet: The Beginning of His Artistic Journey
Whiteside's professional ballet career commenced in 2002 when he joined Boston Ballet II. A year later, he joined the corps de ballet of Boston Ballet. His exceptional talent paved the way for his promotion to soloist in 2006, first soloist in 2008, and ultimately principal dancer in 2009.
Achievements in Ballet
In 2012, Whiteside joined the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) as a soloist, and within a year, he was promoted to principal dancer. He has since performed principal roles in acclaimed ballets like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, and Giselle, among others. Whiteside's exceptional performances have earned him recognition and accolades from audiences and critics.
Whiteside's Choreographic Prowess
In addition to being a remarkable dancer, Whiteside is also an accomplished choreographer. He has done contemporary choreography for pop icons like Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, and Fischerspooner.
His choreographic ventures extend beyond music videos to commercials, films, and ballet. His ballet choreographies include "New American Romance" and "City of Women" for the American Ballet Theatre, "Past Present Future" for Boston Ballet, and "Marilyn’s Funeral" for The Juilliard School.
Whiteside as JbDubs: Exploring the Music Industry
Outside the ballet stage, Whiteside explores his passion for music under the stage name JbDubs. He is not only a performer but also a music writer and producer. His self-choreographed music videos have gained millions of views, and he has amassed nearly a million followers on his social media channels.
Whiteside's Ballet Repertoire
Whiteside's ballet repertoire showcases his versatility as a dancer, spanning both classical and contemporary works. Noteworthy performances include: "Theme and Variations," "Coppélia," "Rubies," "Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux," "Serenade," "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," "La Valse," "Giselle," "The Nutcracker," "Swan Lake," "Romeo and Juliet," "The Sleeping Beauty," "Bella Figura," "Petite Mort," and "Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes," among others.
An Extensive Legacy
In addition to his multifaceted career, Whiteside also devotes his time to educating aspiring dancers. His instructional videos, such as the Pique Fouette Balance Exercise, ballet turn variations, and pirouette combinations serve as valuable resources for dance students and teachers alike.
James Whiteside, with his diverse talents and relentless dedication, has carved a unique niche for himself in the world of performing arts. His journey serves as an inspiration for many, proving that with passion and perseverance, one can break boundaries and redefine norms.
His contributions to the ballet world, his prowess in choreography, his ventures into music and modeling, and his impact as an educator, all demonstrate his commitment to his craft and his ability to inspire others and make ballet fun for everyone.
