Front Row with James Whiteside

Episode 21: Jun 07, 2023

On this episode of Front Row, Jennifer and I talk about her beginnings in dance and how it’s shaped her career as an actor. We also talk about the origin of our unlikely friendship, which has been such a joy to explore. Jen talks about managing expectations, outside criticism, and navigating celebrity. She is truly a joy to interview and an angel of a person. Enjoy this episode of Front Row, with my guest, Jennifer Garner.

Jennifer Garner is an American actor, known for roles such as Sidney Bristow in the TV smash, Alias, Jenna Rink in the classic comedy 13 Going on 30, and Alison Torres in Netflix’s Yes Day, among countless others. Jennifer works as an activist for early childhood education and is a board member of Save the Children USA. She is the co-founder and chief brand officer of the organic baby food company Once Upon a Farm. She is also an advocate for anti-paparazzi campaigns among children of celebrities. Jennifer is an avid ballet and dance fan and has been a champion of her favorite dancers and dance companies.

Host: James Whiteside @jamesbwhiteside

Guest: Jennifer Garner @jennifergarner

Produced by: RedCircle @getredcircle

Edited by: Nate Gwatney @nateleeg

Art by: Javier Rivets @rivets_art

Theme: "A-Flat" by Black Violin @blackviolin

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Episode 20: Markaholic Jun 01, 2023

Markaholic and I have worked together on my own music under the name JbDubs for years, from I Hate My Job to Wallflower and Bodega Bouquet. In this episode we talk about his work with the legendary RuPaul as well as his work with other Drag Race superstars. We talk about how music producers use social media and how different equipment affects how music sounds. I find Mark’s work so fascinating and I think you will too, here in the Front Row.

Markaholic aka Mark Byers is a Los Angeles-based songwriter & producer who has created pop songs for drag superstars such as RuPaul, Trixie Mattel, Alaska, Willam, Nina West, and many more. He is responsible for the updated version of the Rupaul’s Drag Race theme that notoriously changes the lyric “may the best woman win” to “may the best drag queen win”, opening the competition to people who may not identify as cisgender. Mark is the go-to music producer for queer entertainers on TV, in film, and on the internet.

Host: James Whiteside @jamesbwhiteside

Guest: Mark Byers aka Markaholic @markaholic

Produced by: RedCircle @getredcircle

Edited by: Nate Gwatney @nateleeg

Art by: Javier Rivets @rivets_art

Theme: "A-Flat" by Black Violin @blackviolin

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Episode 19: Isabella Boylston May 24, 2023

Not only is Isabella Boylston my best friend and frequent dance partner, she is an international ballet star. She was born Hildur Isabella Boylston, but now goes simply by Bella. She has been a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre since 2014 and has danced nearly all the leading roles in the company’s classical repertoire. Bella has been a guest star with the Paris Opera Ballet, The Royal Danish Ballet, The Mariinsky Ballet, and more. She has hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok and partners with Nike, Bobbi Brown, Olay, Clarins, Chanel, and more on sponsored content as an influencer. Bella is a bonafide hustler, let’s find out how she does it all!

In this candid convo with Bella, we talk about what’s in a name, about the pressures and pitfalls of social media, and about her favorite moments from her career as a professional ballerina.

Host: James Whiteside @jamesbwhiteside

Guest: Isabella Boylston @isabellaboylston

Produced by: RedCircle @getredcircle

Edited by: Nate Gwatney @nateleeg

Art by: Javier Rivets @rivets_art

Theme: "A-Flat" by Black Violin @blackviolin

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Episode 18: Emil Cohen May 17, 2023

I have been lucky enough to work with Emil on a number of occasions and he actually did my headshot for American Ballet Theatre. In this interview, he tells me about his side jobs to make money, how he used social media to create a buzzing portrait business, and which dead celebrity he’d like to photograph most. I’m such a fan of Emil’s work, and I hope you will be too, after listening to this episode of Front Row.

Emil Cohen is a New York-based artist and photographer. His photographs have been featured in group and solo exhibitions across the United States. His work has been published in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, People Magazine, Esquire, and Rolling Stone.

Host: James Whiteside @jamesbwhiteside

Guest: Emil Cohen @emilcohen

Produced by: RedCircle @getredcircle

Edited by: Nate Gwatney @nateleeg

Art by: Javier Rivets @rivets_art

Theme: "A-Flat" by Black Violin @blackviolin

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Episode 17: Robin Preiss Glasser May 11, 2023

Robin Preiss Glasser is the national bestselling illustrator of many books for children, including the Fancy Nancy series, written by Jane O’Connor; Lambslide and Escape Goat, written by Ann Patchett; and Grand Jeté and Me by ballerina Allegra Kent. Robin is an alumna of the American Ballet Theatre School scholarship program under Patricia Wilde and later danced professionally with the Pennsylvania Ballet, now called Philadelphia Ballet. She lives in California with her husband.

Book description: GLORIA’S PROMISE: A Ballet Dancer’s First Step (Random House Studio and American Ballet Theatre | On Sale March 21, 2023 | Ages 4–7) is the first book in the series, which introduces readers to a young ballet dancer whose boundless determination drives her dream of being accepted to the renowned ABT Summer Intensive Training program. Glasser, an alumna of American Ballet Theatre’s training program and former soloist with Pennsylvania Ballet, draws from personal experience to bring exquisite and authentic detail to every illustration in this inspiring and heartwarming story.

Host: James Whiteside @jamesbwhiteside

Guest: Robin Preiss Glasser @robinglasser

Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman

Produced by: RedCircle @getredcircle

Edited by: Nate Gwatney @nateleeg

Art by: Javier Rivets @rivets_art

Theme: "A-Flat" by Black Violin @blackviolin

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Episode 16: Sascha Radetsky May 03, 2023

This episode is fascinating. I talk to Sascha about his long career with ABT, his starring roles in Center Stage and Flesh and Bone, as well as his literary aspirations and fears. We try to figure out the definition of the word pedagogy and if “gogue” can be used as a verb as in “You’ve got to be goguing me!” I hope you enjoy this candid conversation with Sascha. This is Front Row.

Sascha Radetsky has had the career of a creative vagabond. Not only was he a soloist with American Ballet Theatre and a principal with Dutch National Ballet, he was the star of 2000s “Center Stage” and 2015s “Flesh and Bone” among other film and television projects. Sascha is now the artistic director of American Ballet Theatre’s Studio Company, which is a pipeline for the world’s best talent into the main company. 80% of all current members of ABT are former Studio Company alumni.

Host: James Whiteside @jamesbwhiteside

Guest: Sascha Radetsky @sascharadetsky

Produced by: RedCircle @getredcircle

Edited by: Nate Gwatney @nateleeg

Art by: Javier Rivets @rivets_art

Theme: "A-Flat" by Black Violin @blackviolin

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Episode 15: Eric Winterling Apr 26, 2023

Eric and I talk about beads, beads, and more beads. He tells me about atelier morale and what it takes to go from costume design sketch to screen and stage ready. This is honestly a world I don’t know much about and i loved learning the ins and out of this mysterious industry with one of the world’s best. Enjoy this episode of Front Row with my guest, Eric Winterling!

Eric Winterling, founded his atelier over 30 years ago and it is one of New York City’s premier custom costume studios. Working together with costume designers, he transforms their visions into one-of-a-kind costumes for stage and screen. His studio has made costumes for Wicked, Funny Girl, and Frozen on broadway, among countless others, as well as costumes for screen, such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Gilded Age, and Respect, the Aretha Franklin biopic.

Host: James Whiteside @jamesbwhiteside

Guest: Eric Winterling @ericwinterlinginc

Produced by: RedCircle @getredcircle

Edited by: Nate Gwatney @nateleeg

Art by: Javier Rivets @rivets_art

Theme: "A-Flat" by Black Violin @blackviolin

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Episode 14: Daytripper Apr 19, 2023

Okay, here’s the sitch. This special episode of Front Row is split into two parts. In part one, I interview my codirector slash coproducer, Kylie Juggert, as well as Megan Eleanor Clark, the director of photography for the Fire Island portion of the film. In part two, you will hear an episode of Conversations on Dance, a podcast hosted by my friends Michael Sean Breeden and Rebecca King Ferraro, during which they grill me about the creation of “Daytripper”, plus other fascinating tidbits. Make sure to subscribe to their podcast. They’re fabulous! I hope you enjoy this certified fresh episode of Front Row and don’t forget to watch Daytripper, this Sunday night at 10:55pm Eastern on TV, web, or the AllArtsTV app. And tell your friends and fam to watch too!

This is a special episode of Front Row focusing on “Daytripper”, a modern silent film that I wrote, directed, produced, and choreographed. The 30 minute film premieres April 23 at 10:55 p.m. Eastern on the ALL ARTS broadcast channel, site and app and follow my socials @jamesbwhiteside for exclusive behind the scenes content on the making of the film. Here’s the official preview: American Ballet Theatre (ABT) principal dancer and choreographer James Whiteside created this lyrical modern silent film that tells the story of two men serendipitously meeting and falling in love on a beautiful summer day in Fire Island Pines. Created by Whiteside and Korean American filmmaker Kylie Juggert, “Daytripper” features performances by Lloyd Knight, principal dancer with Martha Graham Dance Company, and Jake Tribus, artistic associate with Gibney Company.

Host: James Whiteside @jamesbwhiteside

Guest: Kylie Juggert & Megan Eleanor Clark @InCommonFilms Michael Sean Breeden & Rebecca King Ferraro @conversationsondance

Produced by: RedCircle @getredcircle

Edited by: Nate Gwatney @nateleeg

Art by: Javier Rivets @rivets_art

Theme: "A-Flat" by Black Violin @blackviolin

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Episode 13: Susan Jaffe Apr 12, 2023

In this episode, I speak to my new boss! Susan Jaffe is the new Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre, the company I have been dancing with since 2012. We talk about her dreams for the company, its repertoire, as well as her rich history with ABT and ballet in general. It's a good one! Don't miss it.

Susan Jaffe (born 1962) is an American ballet dancer and arts administrator. She is currently the artistic director of the American Ballet Theatre, where she had danced for 22 years and held the rank of principal dancer. She previously served as the dean of the School of Dance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the artistic director of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.^[1]^[2] and the American Ballet Theatre.^[3]

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Episode 12: Arthur Pita Mar 29, 2023

I adore Arthur. In this episode, he and I talk about his current project, an expansion of the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations”, his work with ballet’s biggest stars, and the challenges of creating during times of social change. I appreciate his candor as we discuss difficult and necessary topics. Arthur is a fascinating creator and I can’t wait for you to hear his interview in this episode of Front Row.

Arthur Pita is an award winning choreographer and director. He has created for The Royal Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, and many more. Arthur has created works for ballet stars Edward Watson, Natalia Osipova, Ivan Vasiliev, Sergei Polunin, Maria Kowroski, Sarah Lamb, and Robbie Fairchild. His own company, Ballo Arthur Pita, has created evening length works and performed and toured all over the world. He is an Olivier award nominee and he has choreographed for films such as Ex Machina, Jupiter Ascending, and Charlie’s Angels.

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Episode 11: Ari Shapiro Mar 22, 2023

Unsurprisingly, Ari is a fantastic interview. He tells me about his very first book, as well as hilarious listener hate mail, and whether he’ll ever do television journalism in this very fabulous episode of Front Row, with my friend Ari Shapiro. Thank you for listening! And enjoy!

Ari Shapiro is known for many things. He is a longtime host of NPR’s “All Things Considered”, a Yale graduate, a guest performer with Pink Martini, the band that bridges the gaps between jazz, classical, and pop, and if that wasn’t enough, Ari tours as a cabaret performer with Alan Cumming in their original show, “Och and Oy”. Ari’s first book, The Best Strangers In The World, out March 21st 2023, takes us around the globe to reveal the stories behind narratives that are sometimes heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, but always poignant.

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Episode 10: Dree Hemingway Mar 15, 2023

In this episode of Front Row, I chat with Dree about her work in film, including a new movie with Uma Thurman, whether or not she’d work on a Marvel film, and her time strutting down the runway. We chat about the funny way we met, on a scavenger hunt in Venice and we even talk about her time as a student at the School of American Ballet here in New York City.

Dree Hemingway is an American model and actor. Her first lead in a feature length film in 2012’s “Starlet” landed her and the ensemble cast a Robert Altman Award at the Independent Spirit Awards. She appears predominantly in independent films and models for fashion giants when she’s not making films. Dree has walked and modeled for Givenchy, Calvin Klein, Thom Browne, Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier, and more. She has appeared in print many times for Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, V Magazine, W Magazine, Numero, and iD, to name a few. She is the daughter of actress Mariel Hemingway and the great granddaughter of famed author Ernest Hemingway.

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Episode 9: Christopher Wheeldon Mar 08, 2023

This episode is fantastic, if I do say so myself. Chris is open and honest and frankly, very easy to talk to. I’m a huge fan of his work and we chat about much of it in this episode. From his time as a dancer, then as a ballet choreographer, and now as a broadway director and choreographer. I ask him some pretty tough questions about his newest show, MJ the musical, so take a seat and hang out for a bit, in the front row.

Christopher Wheeldon is a world-renowned choreographer of contemporary ballet. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2016 for “promoting the interests and reputation of British classical and theatrical dance worldwide” Christopher is the winner of not one, but two Tony awards for best choreography for the broadway shows “An American In Paris” and “MJ: The Musical”. Other notable works include the ballets “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, “Polyphonia”, “The Winter’s Tale”, and many more. He is also the recipient of an Olivier Award.

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Episode 8: Laura Kim Mar 01, 2023

Prepare to be charmed by Laura Kim. She and I talk about everything from her favorite Korean restaurant in New York City, to the working culture of fashion, and the steps needed to start your very own fashion house. If you’ve ever wondered what to wear…then I think you’re gonna like this interview with the talented and exceedingly fabulous Laura Kim.

Laura Kim is a creative director of Oscar de la Renta alongside Fernando Garcia. The design directors first met at the premier fashion label in 2009 and continue to shape the industry. Kim graduated with a BFA from Pratt in 2004, and had worked at the New York-based house from 2003, eventually serving as design director. In May 2015 the duo launched Monse. Today, the brand is stocked at a number of high-profile boutiques and department stores worldwide, including Bergdorf Goodman, Net-a-Porter, Selfridges, Lane Crawford and Moda Operandi.

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Episode 7: Misty Copeland Feb 22, 2023

Misty isn’t just a world renowned ballet dancer and entrepreneur, she is my colleague and my friend. I’ve had the great opportunity to work with her on the daily basis, so this interview feels more like a conversation between friends than a structured question and answer. I know you’re going to love hearing Misty talk about her life as a star ballerina, an author, and a businesswoman. She is an inspiration to me and countless others, who feel underrepresented or misunderstood in the world of classical ballet. We might even talk about her return to the stage after the birth of her son, Jackson. So have a seat and stick around. You’re in the Front Row.

Misty Copeland is the first African American female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre. She is a New York Times bestselling author, a Broadway star, a recurring judge on So You Think You Can Dance, and one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. She has endorsed brands such as LG Signature, Under Armour, Seiko, and more. Misty is currently working on launching her own athletic wear company called Greatness Wins.

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Episode 6: Laura Brown Feb 15, 2023

Laura Brown is the former editor in chief of InStyle magazine as well as the Features/Special Projects and executive director of Harper's Bazaar magazine. She has been responsible for award winning covers for both magazines as well as the popular InStyle podcast, “Ladies First with Laura Brown”. She has also appeared as a featured judge on Bravo’s hit series, “The Fashion Show”.

I love Laura’s honesty in this interview. She’s really not sugar coating her thoughts and opinions on fashion. We talk about InStyle Magazine going digital, her favorite covers, including the award winning Rihanna cover, and what she’s got up her sleeve since her departure from print fashion magazines. Laura explores her options as a true fashion entrepreneur, here in the Front Row.

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Episode 5: Rozzi Feb 08, 2023

Rozzi’s vibe is infectious. With her new album, Berry (Deluxe), Rozzi knows who she is and what she wants from the music industry. In this interview, she tells me about her early days on tour with Adam Levine and Maroon 5, she sings some Aretha Franklin hits for me, and we talk about one of her most popular songs, “The Best Friend Song”, and how another artist maybe stole her thunder. I’m so lucky to call this amazing artist my friend. Please welcome Rozzi to the Front Row.

Rozzi is an American neo-soul singer/songwriter who burst on the music scene after being discovered and signed by Maroon 5 frontman, Adam Levine. Soon after she was touring the country with Maroon 5 and honing her craft on-stage. In 2018, Rozzi released her debut album, “Bad Together” and her EPs “Hymn for Tomorrow” and “Berry” in 2021 and 2022. Her music has been featured on Apple’s “The Morning Show” and will soon be a part of a new Netflix film starring Kevin Hart. Berry (Deluxe) is out now.

Host: James Whiteside @jamesbwhiteside

Guest: Rozzi @thisisrozzi

Produced by: RedCircle @getredcircle

Edited by: Nate Gwatney @nateleeg

Art by: Javier Rivets @rivets_art

Theme: "A-Flat" by Black Violin @blackviolin

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Episode 4: Anthony Roth Costanzo Feb 01, 2023

I love the energy that Anthony brings to this interview. We talk about his days as a backup singer for Michael Jackson, his critically acclaimed show with Justin Vivian Bond, and he even sings a bit of the Gershwin brothers’ “The Man I Love”. Not only am I a huge fan of Anthony, but he gives a great interview, here in the Front Row.

Anthony Roth Costanzo is a grammy award winning countertenor who has led opera companies around the world. He has performed on Broadway, done backup for Michael Jackson, and performed alongside Luciano Pavarotti. Anthony is a graduate of Princeton, where he returns regularly to teach, as well as the Manhattan School of Music. He is a champion of new works and has collaborated with countless artists, most recently on the show “Only an Octave Apart” with NYC cabaret legend Justin Vivian Bond.

Host: James Whiteside @jamesbwhiteside

Guest: Anthony Roth Costanzo @arcostanzo

Produced by: RedCircle @getredcircle

Edited by: Nate Gwatney @nateleeg

Art by: Javier Rivets @rivets_art

Theme: "A-Flat" by Black Violin @blackviolin

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Episode 3: Alicia Graf Mack Jan 25, 2023

In this episode, Alicia tells me about her incredible professional trajectory; from being a young dance student, fighting an auto-immune disease, to attending Columbia University and ultimately going back to the world of dance to be a star in multiple dance companies, touring the world. And finally, what she had to go through to secure her position as Director of Dance at Juilliard. Alicia is someone who takes the bull by the horns and doesn’t let an opportunity go unexplored, all with heart and grace.

Alicia Graf Mack is the director of the dance division at the Juilliard School. She has enjoyed a long career of professional dancing as a lead dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and as a principal dancer with Dance Theater of Harlem. She’s danced for Alicia Keys, Andre 3000, John Legend and Beyonce. Alicia graduated magna cum laude with honors in history from Columbia University and she is a recipient of the Columbia University Medal of Excellence. She began her inaugural season as director of the Juilliard Dance Division in the fall of 2018. She is the first woman of color and youngest person to hold this position.

Host: James Whiteside @jamesbwhiteside

Guest: Alicia Graf Mack @aliciagrafmack

Produced by: RedCircle @getredcircle

Edited by: Nate Gwatney @nateleeg

Art by: Javier Rivets @rivets_art

Theme: "A-Flat" by Black Violin @blackviolin

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Episode 2: Jim Luigs Jan 18, 2023

In this episode of Front Row, we find out from Jim Luigs what it means to stumble into a career in design and how that business is structured. We also learn about Jim’s work in theater with Disney and the late musical theatre star Barbara Cook. Jim Luigs is a creative force that brings humor, wisdom, and beauty to all he does…and wait till you hear his soothing and rich baritone!

Host: James Whiteside @jamesbwhiteside

Guest: Jim Luigs @jimluigsdesigns

Produced by: RedCircle @getredcircle

Edited by: Nate Gwatney @nateleeg

Art by: Javier Rivets @rivets_art

Theme: "A-Flat" by Black Violin @blackviolin

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Episode 1: Isaac Mizrahi Jan 11, 2023

James Whiteside speaks to Isaac Mizrahi about his mother, growing up in a religious community, Anna Wintour, and being a workaholic. Isaac Mizrahi has worked extensively in the entertainment industry as an actor, host, writer, designer and producer for over 30 years. He is the subject and co-creator of Unzipped, a documentary following the making of his Fall 1994 collection which received an award at the Sundance Film Festival. He hosted his own television talk show The Isaac Mizrahi Show for seven years, has written two books, and has made countless appearances in movies and on television. He currently serves as a judge on Project Runway: All-Stars.

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Front Row - Trailer Dec 16, 2022

Front Row is a frank discussion about the creative process and the business of creativity with some of the world’s brightest stars. What does it mean to be a creative? And how does a creative earn a living while staying true to their art? I have been exploring these questions my whole professional career. I’m the host of Front Row. My name is James Whiteside and I’m a principal dancer and choreographer with American Ballet Theatre in New York City, and the author of Center Center. Join me as I speak to artists and professionals in the business of art while we try to find the answer to the elusive question: How can I be successful in the arts? Check your ticket and take your seat. You’re in the Front Row.

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