Willie Anderson claims Atlanta, Georgia as home, where he began his modern dance training at DM Therrell High School. Upon graduation, he received a scholarship to Ballethnic Academy of Dance, where he continued his training in ballet, modern, ethnic and jazz. Willie later joined Ballethnic Dance Company, and was promoted to principal dancer in 1995.

In 1997, he joined the San Jose Cleveland Ballet and moved with the company when it became Ballet San Jose, dancing numerous roles as principal and corps. His roles with the company include Theseus in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and performances in Donald McKayle's Rainbow 'Round My Shoulders, Roland Petit's Carmen, and Dennis Nahat's Blue Suede Shoes. Mr. Anderson has performed as a guest with Compagnie Ebene in Paris and Capital City Ballet in Atlanta.

After 11 years, Willie retired from Ballet San Jose in 2008.