Judith Jamison was a superstar dancer, a powerful extension of legendary dancer Alvin Ailey, a jazz fan and a great friend. The graceful internationally-renowned dancer and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Artistic Director Emerita died on Saturday, November 9 at the age of 81.
Jamison died after a brief illness in New York, surrounded by close friends, Ailey company spokesperson Christopher Zunner confirmed to The Associated Press.
“We remember and are grateful for her artistry, humanity and incredible light, which inspired us all,” Zunner said.
Jamison grew up in Philadelphia and trained 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.
Tall and expressive, she became one of the company’s most famous performers and a muse for Ailey. Jamison had star turns in two of Ailey’s signature dances, “Revelations” and “Cry.” She danced with the Ailey company for 15 years before leaving to perform on Broadway and as a guest artist with other ballet companies.
Jamison later returned to the Ailey company as its artistic director for two decades. She is widely credited with helping to make it one of the most successful dance companies in the U.S.
As a dancer, choreographer, director and speaker, her distinguished career leaped over barriers of race and gender.
Jamison was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1999. Other honors included the National Medal of Arts and the Handel Medallion, the highest cultural award from New York City.
Judith was a regular guest on the WBGO Journal through the years, joining me in the studio to talk about upcoming company performances at NJPAC. She even joined me on a special edition of my podcast SportsJam to talk about the athleticism and gracefulness of her dancers. You can hear that SportsJam episode here.
Judith honored me with a "50th Anniversary Alvin Ailey" Barbie doll that is one of my most treasured gifts in my office.
Judith Jamison really had all the qualities of a star on and off the performance stage. She was brilliant, super-talented, powerful, funny and kind. I will miss her very much. WBGO was blessed to have had such a long and beautiful relationship with this iconic dancer and leader.
