James Payne began his training in Phoenix, Arizona with Michel Fokine’s great niece Nina Marlow. His performing career with Ballet West (1989-1994) and Houston Ballet (1994-2001) gave him the opportunity to perform internationally, working with exceptional choreographers and coaches. He has over 35 years of professional experience in the art of ballet.
Excelling at both classical and contemporary work allowed him to perform soloist and principal roles in all the classics as well as work by Ben Stevenson, Christopher Bruce, Ronald Hynd, George Balanchine, Val Caniparoli, Glen Tetley, William Forsythe, John Neumeier, Eugene Loring, Helgi Tomasson, Peter Martins, Jiri Kylian, Trey McIntyre, and more.
Upon his retirement from the stage, he served as Houston Ballet’s company manager and then co-founded and directed a student performing company and school for 17 years in the Woodlands, Texas. Jim has choreographed and produced 5 full length ballets and many one act ballets. He has served as Philadelphia Ballet’s School Director, Houston Ballet Academy faculty, and sat on the board of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). Jim continues to serve as a Master Teacher and judge for YAGP and repetiteur for Trey McIntyre, staging his ballets internationally.
