James B. Whiteside

Whiteside was born in Fairfield, Connecticut. He grew up in Fairfield and in Bridgeport. He began his dance training at the D’Valda & Sirico Dance and Music Centre when he was nine years old. He began training in jazz, tap, and acrobatic dance and did not begin studying classical ballet until he was a teenager. He later attended the Virginia School of the Arts and trained under the direction of Petrus Bosman and David Keener.

In 2019, his choreographed work New American Romance debuted in 2019.

He performed with the National Ballet of Canada as a guest artist and was featured in Justin Peck's short film Early Sunday Morning, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. In 2018, he starred in Arthur Pita’s dance/theater work The Tenant at The Joyce Theater in New York City.

Whiteside released his debut album Free To Love in 2011. His second album, titled Oink, was released in 2012. In 2013 he released an extended play titled Hey JB!

In 2002 he joined Boston Ballet II, eventually joining the corps de ballet of Boston Ballet in 2003. He was promoted to soloist in 2006, first soloist in 2008, and principal dancer with Boston Ballet in 2009. Whiteside left Boston Ballet and joined American Ballet Theatre as a soloist in September 2012. He was promoted to principal dancer in October 2013.

James B. Whiteside, also known by the stage names JbDubs and Ühu Betch, (born 1984) is an American ballet dancer, choreographer, model, drag queen, and recording artist. He is a former principal dancer with Boston Ballet and is currently a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre.