Viking Center Center: A Funny, Sexy, Sad Almost-Memoir of a Boy in Ballet Hardcover Edition Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This document serves as an informational guide for the hardcover edition of "Center Center: A Funny, Sexy, Sad Almost-Memoir of a Boy in Ballet" by James Whiteside, published by Viking. It provides details regarding the book's content, author, physical characteristics, and general care recommendations.

Image 1.1: Front cover of the "Center Center" hardcover book. The design features a male dancer in a sequined dress against a vibrant yellow background, with the title in large pink letters.

2. About the Author

James Whiteside is a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre. He is also known for his alter egos, JbDubs (a pop star) and Uhu Betch (a drag queen). Whiteside is a member of the NYC-based drag posse, the Dairy Queens. His professional activities include choreography for music videos, commercials, film, and ballet. In 2018, he performed in Arthur Pita's dance/theater work "The Tenant" at The Joyce Theater in New York City. He hosts the podcast "The Stage Rightside with James Whiteside." His song and music video "I Hate My Job" have been featured in various media outlets.

3. Content Overview

"Center Center" is a collection of essays that explores James Whiteside's life and career. The book provides an inside look at his experiences as a ballet dancer, his personal journey, and his creative endeavors outside of classical ballet. Themes include self-expression, identity, friendship, and the pursuit of artistic passions.

Image 3.1: Promotional text highlighting the book's nature as a memoir-in-essays by a multi-faceted artist.

Key Themes:

• Experiences in classical ballet and the American Ballet Theatre.
• Exploration of personal identity and self-expression.
• The development of alter egos JbDubs and Uhu Betch.
• Reflections on friendships and relationships.
• Insights into the creative process and pushing boundaries.

Image 3.2: A quote from Misty Copeland, an American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, endorsing the book.

Image 3.3: A quote from Jennifer Garner, highlighting James Whiteside's artistry and the book's appeal.

4. Reading Experience

This book is structured as a collection of essays, allowing readers to engage with individual narratives and reflections. It is recommended to read the essays in sequence to follow the author's chronological and thematic development, though each essay can also be appreciated independently. The content is intended for mature readers due to its candid and sometimes explicit nature, as indicated by the author's note: "THIS IS NOT A BOOK FOR CHILDREN."

5. Care and Handling

To ensure the longevity and preservation of your hardcover edition of "Center Center," please observe the following guidelines:

• Storage: Store the book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity to prevent page discoloration and cover warping.
• Handling: Handle the book with clean, dry hands. Avoid bending the cover or forcing the spine open excessively, which can damage the binding.
• Protection: If the book includes a dust jacket, keep it on to protect the hardcover from dust and minor abrasions.
• Cleaning: For light dust, gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using liquid cleaners.

6. Specifications

7. Support and Inquiries

For any inquiries regarding the content or publication of "Center Center," please contact the publisher, Viking, directly. Contact information can typically be found on the publisher's official website or within the book's front matter.

Publisher: Viking (an imprint of Penguin Random House)