James Whiteside

James B. Whiteside was born on July 27, 1984, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He began his dance training at the D’Valda & Sirico Dance and Music Centre at age nine, initially focusing on jazz, tap, and acrobatic dance before specializing in classical ballet in his teenage years. He attended the Virginia School of Arts, training under Petrus Bosman and David Keener. At fifteen, he was offered a spot in the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Studio Company after attending their summer program. In 2002, he joined Boston Ballet II, progressing through the ranks to Corps de Ballet in 2003, soloist in 2006, first soloist in 2008, and principal dancer in 2009. His tenure at Boston Ballet lasted ten years.

In September 2012, Whiteside joined American Ballet Theatre as a soloist, and by October 2013, he was promoted to principal dancer. His career at ABT has seen him perform numerous principal roles, including those in “Swan Lake,” “The Nutcracker,” “Romeo & Juliet,” and “Giselle.” Beyond ballet, Whiteside has expanded his artistic endeavors significantly. He choreographs for ballets, music videos, commercials, and film. Notable choreographic works include “On the Water” for Indianapolis City Ballet in 2015, “City of Women” for ABT Incubator, “New American Romance” which debuted at the 2019 Vail Dance Festival, and “Danzón No. 2” for ABT’s 2023 Fall Gala. He also choreographed “More Than Anything” for the Youth America Grand Prix 25th Anniversary Gala in 2024. His works often blend classical ballet with contemporary elements and popular music, collaborating with artists like Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, and FKA twigs.

Whiteside is also known for his career as a recording artist under the stage name JbDubs, producing electronic pop, rap, and dance hall music with music videos. He released his debut album “Free To Love” in 2011 and a second album titled “Oink” in 2012, followed by an EP “Hey JB!” in 2013. He maintains a drag persona, Ühu Betch, as part of The Dairy Queens collective, performing at various club nights and parties. As a model represented by Wilhelmina Models, he has worked with brands such as Marc Jacobs and Capezio. He is the author of “Center Center: A Funny, Sexy, Sad Almost-Memoir of a Boy in Ballet” (2022) and hosts a podcast, “The Stage Rightside with James Whiteside.” His diverse career reflects a commitment to exploring multiple facets of artistic expression.