Judith Jamison, Alvin Ailey trailblazer and Artistic Director Emerita, dies at 81
HELL'S KITCHEN, Manhattan (WABC) -- Judith Jamison, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater trailblazer and Artistic Director Emerita has died at 81, a spokesperson said.
Jamison passed away after a brief illness.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater released a statement saying in part,
"We remember and are grateful for her artistry, humanity and incredible light, which inspired us all."
Jamison grew up in Philadelphia and trained there in ballet from a young age. At a time when Black dancers were rare in ballet, she began with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965.
After Alvin Ailey's death in 1989, Jamison stepped into the role of artistic director, where she remained until she retired in 2011.
The highly acclaimed former dancer sat down with Kemberly Richardson in a rare interview in 2023.
"I didn't know what I was doing here, I had no idea. I just knew I was in New York and that this man saw me fail an audition and I ended up with an invite three days later, asking if I wanted to join the company," Jamison said.
Over the years, Jamison performed some of Ailey's most prized works including "Revelations." Her style inspired generations of dancers and brought tears to audiences who were fortunate to witness her talent and grace.
"She was a unique, spectacular dancer who was majestic and queenly. She danced with eloquence and integrity," Sylvia Waters, Ailey II Artistic Director Emerita, said Saturday following the new of Jamison's death.
"To dance with her and to be in her sphere of energy was mesmerizing," Waters said. "I was fortunate to perform with her and she set the bar very, very high."
Jamison and others at Ailey, followed what was Ailey's mantra: to educate, entertain, and uplift.
"At the end of a performance when people go crazy and are applauding or stunned, that's when I got ya, I know that this has happened to you, we've shared an experience," Jamison said.
Some information from the Associated Press
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