Center, Center

A Funny, Sexy, Sad Almost-Memoir of a Boy in Ballet

De: James Whiteside

Narrado por: James Whiteside

“James Whiteside is an electrifying performer, an incredible athlete, and an artist, through and through. To know James is to love him; with Center Center, you are about to fall in love.” —Jennifer Garner

“A frank examination and celebration of queerness.”
—Good Morning America

A daring, joyous, and inspiring memoir-in-essays from the American Ballet Theatre principal dancer-slash-drag queen-slash-pop star who's redefining what it means to be a man in ballet

There's a mark on every stage around the world that signifies the center of its depth and width, called "center center." James Whiteside has dreamed of standing on that very mark as a principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre ever since he was a twelve-year-old blown away by watching the company's spring gala. The GLAMOUR. The VIRTUOSITY. The RIPPED MEN IN TIGHTS!

In this absurd and absurdist collection of essays, Whiteside tells us the story of how he got to be a primo ballerino—stopping along the way to muse about the tragically fated childhood pets who taught him how to feel, reminisce on ill-advised partying at summer dance camps, and imagine fantastical run-ins with Jesus on Grindr. Also in these pages are tales of the two alter egos he created to subvert the strict classical rigor of ballet: JbDubs, an out-and-proud pop musician, and Ühu Betch, an over-the-top drag queen named after Yoohoo chocolate milk.

Center Center is an exuberant behind-the-scenes tour of Whiteside’s triple life, both on- and offstage—a raunchy, curious, and unapologetic celebration of queerness, self-expression, friendship, sex, creativity, and pushing boundaries that will entertain you, shock you*, inspire you, embolden you . . . and maybe even make you cry.

*THIS IS NOT A BOOK FOR CHILDREN.

Must read

James Whiteside is an incredible story teller. The book is a must read/listen for dancers and dance fans. I listen to my audible books while I drive and there were a few times I had to turn this off because I was laughing too hard to drive safely.

Charming and Witty

This is NOT the memoir one might traditionally expect from a leading light in America’s leading ballet company. But because James Bruce Whiteside is so comfortable within his own skin, the reader rapidly grows comfortable with his tales of wonder, adventure, and burgeoning sexuality. His travails in returning to the States from London form a side-splittingly play within a memoir. The portrait of his mother is finely drawn, sparing few details despite possible embarrassment, and always told with love. I found myself wondering at times how he found the time for his many delightful escapades while maintaining the discipline so necessary for a dancer of his caliber and stature. But manage it he has obviously done to our dance and literary benefit. Bravo.

Delightful

I have been following James Whiteside on Instagram for a few years. He is not only a wonderful dancer but a brilliant choreographer and has a beautiful and creative mind. I knew that the best way to have this book was in audio form, and it did not disappoint!

Hilarious & Heartwarming

I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry. His perseverance and unapologetic attitude is inspiring and his vulnerability touched my heart.

Not was I was expecting

I was expecting the personal experience of an amazing dancer in the dance world, James shares that, he’s funny, honest and truly entertaining, then, at about half the book I started crying thinking about my own experience taking care of my mom and how I was never able to do it as I wish I had, it was for me an unexpected coincidence which I guess I needed though to be honest I was trying to get distracted with this book. This part and the part about his mom’s story is also honest and I love the hints social critique and personal reflection. This is not a book just about show business.