James is an award-winning dancer and choreographer based in the UK and working internationally. He is a storyteller who seeks to give his audiences pause for thought in an ever complex world.

James trained as a gymnast before graduating from the Laban Dance Centre with a first-class degree and was awarded The Marion North Award for outstanding achievement in performance. He danced with Richard Alston Dance Company, and in 2013 he joined Company Wayne McGregor to tour extensively for many years. In 2013, James was awarded the New York Times Award for Best Duet (James Pett & Elly Braund) from Richard Alston’s Unfinished Business (2013).

After leaving Wayne McGregor’s Company in 2019, James continued his career as a freelance artist both as dancer and choreographer. His long lasting artistic partnership with Travis Clausen-Knight led them to create their company Pett | Clausen-Knight.

Since 2019, James and Travis have presented their works for stage and screen internationally in theatres, platforms and festivals such as: Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Teatro Grande in Brescia, Festival Exister in Milan, Festival Morelos Danza (Mexico), Korea, Australia, Thailand Cultural Centre, Black Box Festival in Bulgaria, Florence Dance Festival, New National Theatre in Japan, and many more.

Over the years they have been called by international companies to work as guest choreographers and artists, creating works for: Bangkok City Ballet (Thailand), Los Talleres (Mexico), DANCEHAUSpiù, Encore Dance Company.

November 2022 saw the official premiere of the critically acclaimed duet IMAGO, their first full piece. IMAGO is continuing to tour throughout 2023 and has been presented so far in Italy, New York, Mexico, Thailand and Bulgaria. IMAGO also received the Europe in Dance Grand Prix award as best duet (2021).

Starting January 2023 they have been appointed associate artists of DANCEHAUSpiù, National Production Centre for Contemporary Dancein Milan, that supports their latest creations In the Absence and After Echoes.

Their works for screen include a number of dance films such as A Space Left Blank, honourably mentioned for best choreography at the New Renaissance Film Festival; Doldrums music video by Silverhours (2023) and Beast by Veronica Furman (2023).

They also danced alongside international etoiles Mara Galeazzi, Alessandra Ferri, Roberto Bolle, Melissa Hamilton and Marie-Agnès Gillot in many different galas.