The Stage Rightside with James Whiteside

54. Conversations on Retirement

I join my friends from Conversations on Dance, Michael Sean Breeden and Rebecca King Ferraro, to discuss my retirement from American Ballet Theatre next summer, as well a

53. Management, Money, & the Long Game with Garen Scribner

In this episode of The Stage Rightside, James sits down with longtime friend and manager Garen Scribner for a candid conversation about life after dancing, career pivots,

52. Your Son is Probably Gay (and other news)

In this episode, I read my latest Substack essay aloud and share some of the DMs it sparked—thoughtful, funny, and occasionally surprising. I also talk about the feedback

51. Cats, Books, & Ballet Chaos

This week on The Stage Rightside, James checks in from rehearsal season—with a purring cat, a recovering back spasm, and plenty of opinions. As ABT prepares for tour with

50. Mid-Career Moves with Cassandra Trenary

In this episode, I talk with my dear friend and fellow dancer Cassandra Trenary about what it means to leave a dream — not because it’s broken, but because you’ve outgrow

49. Avatar Needs a Gay Focus Group

James talks about his upstate writer's retreat and why Avatar needs a gay focus group. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://re

48. Happy New Year! and a Short Story

James wishes Stage Rightside listeners a Happy New Year, tells tales of his Christmas, and reads a brand new kids' story called "Johnny Newcastle". Advertising Inquiries

47. Holiday Special with Isabella Boyston and a very Nutcracker Substack!

James does a post-show Nutcracker download with ABT Principal ballerina Isabella Boylston and reads his very first essay for Substack. Advertising Inquiries: https://red

46. Summer RECAP with James Whiteside

James talks about Met Season with ABT, Vail Dance Festival, and staging his ballet "New American Romance" in Mexico City. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/br

45. Giselle with Cassandra Trenary

James talks to ABT Principal dancer Cassandra Trenary about their performance of Giselle at the Metropolitan Opera House and her decision to leave ABT to join Vienna Stat

44. Swan Lake with Catherine Hurlin

James talks to ABT Principal Dancer Catherine Hurlin before and after their performance of Swan Lake at the Metropolitan Opera House. Advertising Inquiries: https://redc

43. Special Tour Episode with James, Reid, & Harriet

In this special episode, James recaps the Spring touring season, accompanied by costume designers Reid Bartelme and Harriet Jung. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircl

42. All About Training with James Whiteside

James talks about his early years in dance, his training, and his first years as an apprentice in a big ballet company. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/bran

41. Costumes, costumes, COSTUMES! With Reid & James

James and Reid talk about ballet costumes; faves, mishaps, and least faves! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com

40. Straight Guys at the Gym

James chats about which female roles he'd want to dance, what he did on his layoff from ABT, and why straight men at the gym annoy him. Advertising Inquiries: https://re

39. Tr*mp's Kennedy Center

James chats about Tr*mp's Kennedy Center, the WAP en pointe, and drunk gay people. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcir

38. How I Got Into ABT

James talks about a typical rehearsal day, what he eats, and... poop in the tiles?!?! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://red

37. Baby's First Solo Episode!!!

James chats with himself about Smile 2, Rose Gray, and being a gay gay gay person who only plays straight people. Big wahhhh! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.co

S07E02 - Reid Bartelme

James and Reid talk noodles, circle j*rks, Beyonce, and Alien Romulus. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/priv

S07E01 - Michael Breeden

Michael returns for the first episode of 2025! We chat about Sasha DeSola, resolutions, Darci Kistler's beautiful penche, Unity Phelan, the Nutcracker, and more! Adverti