Mr. Fayette retired from New York City Ballet in 2005 at the rank of Principal dancer. Throughout James’ dancing career he was privileged to work with the greatest dancers and choreographers of that time, originating roles in works by Jerome Robbins as well as ballets by other choreographers including Christopher Wheeldon, Susan Stroman, Lynn Taylor-Corbett and numerous works by Peter Martins. He also established himself as an excellent partner in a number of signature roles in the New York City Ballet repertoire.

Following retirement from full time performing in 2005, he was recruited by the dancers’ union to become the New York Area Dance Executive for the American Guild of Musical Artists, representing professional dancer employment nationwide. He has worked closely with the managements and dancers of most major American dance companies and his approach to resolving problems between companies and their artists has earned him a high level of respect throughout the professional dance world.

In 2014 the Founding Director of L.A. Dance Project, Benjamin Millepied, invited him to take the role of Managing Director of the company in addition to his role as Associate Director of L.A. Dance Project’s affiliated school, the Colburn Dance Academy, where he also teaches and rehearses student as part of its faculty.