James Whiteside
James Whiteside is a principal dancer and choreographer with the American Ballet Theatre. His alter-egos include pop musician JbDubs, drag queen Ühu Betch, and author of his upcoming memoir “Center Center,” due out on August 17th.
Did you always know you wanted to be a dancer, and how did you come into it? When did you start practicing dance and ballet?
My mom threw me a phone book at age nine and said, “Dammit, James. Pick an activity. You’re driving me nuts!” I found an ad for a local dance studio and the rest is truly history. I was immediately obsessed with dance: the music, the energy, the self-expression.
Was it difficult being a ballet dancer when you were young? Did it impact how and when you came out?
I was bullied like mad for being a young dancer. Kids can be so cruel. They honed in on what made me different (being gay) and taunted me for doing what I love (dancing). They understood that dancing was supposed to be “for girls” and that my doing it made me too different for them to appropriately understand. Coming out didn’t have much impact on the bullying, honestly. They smelled my otherness like a shark smells blood in the water.
Do you prefer dancing to choreographing, or the other way? Why? How do they differ in what they mean to you?
There’s no feeling in the world like sharing my energy with a big audience as a dancer. It’s all in my hands. It’s my fault if the performance is subpar because I’m the one out there on stage. As a choreographer, I hand the reins over to the dancers in my work. I’ve done everything I can to make a good dance, but it’s truly their burden to bring it to life. It’s a strange feeling, relinquishing control. It’s exhilarating and I look forward to more, more, more.
How has the pandemic affected your dancing career? Are you able to dance as much as you used to? Have you discovered any new hobbies because of this?
The pandemic has halted live performances in a catastrophic way. In pre-pandemic times, I’d be dancing from 10am to 7pm, rehearsing for upcoming shows. I’d be touring the world, performing for diverse and excited audiences. I’d be dancing at Lincoln Center during ABT’s grueling Fall and Spring seasons. I’ve tried to remain active, dancing at home. Now that dance studios are reopening, I’ve been taking ballet classes in-studio nearly every day. My favorite new hobby that I’ve picked up is surfing. My friend has been teaching me at New York’s Rockaway Beach.
What skills do you have or have used that helped you become as successful as you are today?
Ballet teaches discipline and work ethic, both of which have helped me stay focused on things I’m interested in doing. I always tell parents, “If you want to teach your child how to focus and understand the value in working hard, put them in ballet classes.” No one has disagreed with me yet.
You have so many talents, when and how did you discover music and writing?
My interest in music goes back to childhood. I loved taking the train into New York City from Connecticut and spending hours at the now-closed Virgin Megastore in Times Square. I studied the way pop music was put together and while I was on the train, I wrote poetry and lyrics. Music has always been something I’ve been very connected to, as it is the reason I dance.
Your book, Center Center, is coming out in August, how do you think it will affect society? Why did you decide to write this book and who do you want it to most reach?
Center Center is perhaps my favorite creation I’ve ever made. I know that my book will reach many people who feel like me, either at one point in their lives, or now. If, as a young professional, I had something like my book to read, I wouldn’t have felt so confused or alone. This book is an absurd and funny look at what it’s like to come out in the year 2000 and hustle your way up to the rank of principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre. I can’t wait for people to read it this summer. It is now available for preorder.
Do you have any plans to write any other books in the future?
Absolutely. This is just the beginning of my career as an author.
You seem to know exactly who you are. What advice do you have for someone who is trying to discover himself/herself?
I try to know exactly who I am, but it takes time. I’m curious about my nature and try to be self-aware. I read a lot of books, which helps me learn more about myself and my behaviors. I’ve also started therapy this year, which I highly recommend.
What is your motto in life?
My motto is BE EVERYTHING. DO EVERYTHING.
What are your socials?
My Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are @JamesBWhiteside
CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director, Photographer & Producer: Mike Ruiz
Model: James Whiteside
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Agency Gerard Artists
Hair: Luis Guillermo Duque using Oribe
BTS Video: Angelina Arena
Assistant Stylist: Maya Wilson
Tearsheets: Caitriona Moran, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Sarah Tota, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Studio: YourSpaceNJ
