 Judith Jamison helps Ailey celebrate its 50th birthday
By Jessica Dufresne
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s winter performances at New York’s City Center, and the dance company wouldn’t be where it is today—celebrating its 50th anniversary from the top of the dance world—without Judith Jamison.
To many, Jamison is synonymous with AAADT, having taken the reins upon Alvin Ailey’s passing in 1989. Under her tutelage, AAADT has evolved into a powerhouse, performing worldwide for more than 20 million fans. Staying true to her mentor’s vision of ensuring community access to the arts, Jamison was instrumental in establishing a B.F.A dance program at Fordham University and in securing The Ailey School’s new Manhattan home, which holds many classes that are open to the public.
A dancer since the age of six, the Philadelphia native decided to pursue the art form as a career while attending Fisk University. Jamison was discovered in 1964 by famed choreographer Agnes de Mille and performed with her American Ballet Theater. One year later, Jamison joined Alvin Ailey’s company—and so began their storied relationship. As Ailey’s muse and AAADT’s principal dancer, Jamison brought grace and power to pieces created just for her, most notably 1971’s spine-tingling solo in Cry and the 1976 duet with Mikhail Baryshnikov, Pas de Duke.
The recipient of countless awards, Jamison earlier this year announced that she will retire in 2011. A relentless champion of the arts, author, and celebrated choreographer and dancer, she wears many hats. The one that fits best? Legend.
Check alvinailey.org to find out when AAADT will be performing in your city.
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