Gilbert Bolden III was born in San Diego, California and began dancing at the age of nine in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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His ballet training began in 2011 at Idyllwild Arts Academy in Idyllwild, CA, and he continued his studies at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia, PA in 2013. In 2014, Mr. Bolden enrolled at the School of American Ballet, NYCB’s official school.

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Mr. Bolden became an apprentice with the Company in August 2017 and joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet in August 2018. As an apprentice with the Company, Mr. Bolden III performed a featured role in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® (Mother Ginger) and originated a featured role in Gianna Reisen’s Composer’s Holiday.

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In October 2023, Mr. Bolden was promoted to soloist and in February 2025 was promoted to principal dancer.