James Whiteside Takes Center Stage: An Evening of Dance, Conversation, and Creativity at The Hermitage  Artist Retreat in Sarasota

The Hermitage Artist Retreat, nestled in Sarasota County, Florida, is thrilled to unveil its latest program featuring the return of Hermitage Fellow and distinguished American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, James Whiteside. Embark on an enchanting journey with Whiteside as he graces the Hermitage Palm House Studio on Monday, March 4th at 5:30 pm, offering an exclusive hour-long program filled with candid revelations and captivating insights into his life as a renowned dancer, choreographer, playwright, and entertainment luminary.

Whiteside, a maverick in his own right, transcends conventional labels, redefining the essence of versatility as he seamlessly navigates roles as a principal dancer and choreographer for American Ballet Theatre, a magnetic pop music performer, a captivating podcast host, and the author behind “Center Center,” a work he ingeniously adapted into the acclaimed play “Dead Center” during a previous residency at the Hermitage. His illustrious journey commenced at the age of nine, leading him to become a principal dancer with the prestigious Boston Ballet until 2012. Since 2013, Whiteside has graced the stage as a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, showcasing his virtuosity in iconic productions such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, and Giselle, among others. Not confining his creativity to the world of ballet, Whiteside has choreographed for luminaries including Mariah Carey and Taylor Swift, captivating audiences with his dynamic pop performances under the alias JdDubs. His prowess extends to crafting digital performances and music videos, garnering millions of views and solidifying his status as a multifaceted entertainer.

Andy Sandberg, the Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage, expresses boundless excitement about Whiteside’s return, stating, “In addition to being one of the nation’s premier dancers, he has taken the entertainment and media world by storm with his many talents and irresistible personality. This promises to be an unpredictable and unforgettable program that Gulf Coast audiences will not want to miss.”

Beyond his stellar dance career, Whiteside’s ascendancy as a playwright, podcast host, and captivating performer has propelled him to celebrity status, captivating millions with his infectious charisma and innovative content. Join Whiteside as he engages with the Hermitage audience, embarking on a creative odyssey and engaging in candid conversations about his myriad roles, arts entrepreneurship, and the transformative power of dance.

Experience “Dancing through Life with James Whiteside” at the Hermitage on Monday, March 4th at 5:30 pm. Admission to this extraordinary event is free, with a nominal $5 per person registration fee. Registration is mandatory at Hermitage Artist Retreat, with limited capacity available on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.

As a premier arts incubator on the national stage, the Hermitage remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering the development of new works across diverse artistic realms. Through its multi-week residencies, the Hermitage provides a nurturing environment for accomplished artists from across the globe to innovate and create in theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, film, and beyond. With its array of free community programs, the Hermitage extends a warm invitation to Gulf Coast audiences, offering an unparalleled opportunity to engage with visionary artists and gain insight into their extraordinary projects before they grace major galleries, concert halls, theaters, and museums worldwide.

Photos from the Hermitage Artist Retreat