 He graduated with a marine science degree in 1957, and rejoined the School of American Ballet.Villella became a member of the New York City Ballet in 1957, rising to soloist in 1958 and principal dancer in 1960, last dancing there in 1979.Among his most noteworthy performances were Oberon in George Balanchine's ballet "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (with music by Felix Mendelssohn), "Tarantella", "Rubies" in the Balanchine ballet "Jewels", and "Prodigal Son".