James Willis started dancing in 2016, at the Lisa Clark Dance Centre in Canberra after many years as a national level gymnast.
 
In 2021 James joined Queensland Ballet Academy, relocating to Brisbane to pursue full-time ballet studies. He completed the Academy’s Pre-Professional Program in 2024. 

During his time at Queensland Ballet Academy, he worked with various choreographers including Natalie Weir, Paul Boyd and Louise Deleur performing lead roles in newly created works. He made his professional debut with Queensland Ballet in Greg Horsman’s Coppelia (2024).
 
James joined Singapore Ballet as an Artist in 2025