PA Ballet Soloist To Retire After 25 Seasons

Pennsylvania Ballet Soloist James Ihde has announced he will retire after 25 seasons on stage with Pennsylvania Ballet, with a performance of George Balanchine's Diamonds on Sunday, May 13 at 2pm at The Academy of Music.

"James is an amazing dancer and is one of our longest-tenured dancers at Pennsylvania Ballet," said Artistic Director Angel Corella. "He is a true testament to dedication and professionalism in ballet, and his leadership among the dancers will be missed. A performance of Diamonds is the perfect way for us to celebrate his career at Pennsylvania Ballet."

Born in Kent, OH, James began his ballet training at the Dance Institute of the University of Akron, where he studied for eight years. In 1993, he came to Philadelphia for a summer session at The Rock School of Pennsylvania Ballet. Upon completion, James was invited to join Pennsylvania Ballet as an apprentice for the 1993-1994 season. In 1995, he joined the corps de ballet, and was promoted to soloist in 2003.

James has performed principal roles in numerous works, including George Balanchine's Agon, Jerome Robbins'?In G Major, William Forsythe's Artifact Suite (Pas de Deux 1), Ji?í Kylián's?Forgotten Land (Black Couple), Christopher Wheeldon's Liturgy and After the Rain (Pas de Deux), along with?title roles in George Balanchine's Apollo and Ben Stevenson's Dracula.

"I've spent 25 years dedicated to Pennsylvania Ballet," said Ihde. "Even when I went through the typical ups and downs dancers face, I always knew this was a good place for me. I love Philadelphia, I love the company and all my amazing coworkers throughout the years."

Some of James' favorite memories are dancing at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland and working with William Forsythe. "He's famous for doing cutting edge, avant-garde, intellectual ballets but he's the nicest, most personable guy you can work with in a studio," said Ihde. "Working with him was a really revelatory experience."

Diamonds, the third act of George Balanchine's Jewels, is an intricate piece influenced by the Russian-born choreographers experience with the pomp and splendor of Russia, set to a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

"I feel fortunate to have had such an exciting career with Pennsylvania Ballet," said Ihde. "I'm looking forward to my next chapter, including finishing my degree, and seeing how dance will fit into that."