New York — Judith Jamison, world-famous dancer who later worked as a dancer Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for two decadesHe died. She was 81 years old.
Ailey’s spokesman, Christopher Zauner, confirmed in a statement to CBS News that Jamison died in a New York hospital surrounded by family and friends after a short illness.
“We remember and are grateful for her art, her humanity and her amazing light that inspired us all,” Zauner said.
Jamison grew up in Philadelphia and trained in ballet there 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.
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Tall, graceful and expressive, she became one of the company’s most popular artists and an inspiration to Ailee. Jamison had the starring role 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 20 years. It is widely credited with helping make it one of the most successful dance companies in the United States
As a dancer, choreographer, director and speaker, her distinguished career has leapt across barriers of race and gender.
“She was a unique, stunning dancer who was majestic and regal. She danced with eloquence and integrity,” Sylvia Waters, Ailey II’s artistic director emeritus, said Saturday after Jamison’s new death.
“Dancing with her and being in her energy field was amazing,” Waters said. “I was fortunate to perform with her and she set the bar very high.”
Jamison’s management of the Ailey Theater “supported the company and helped it grow. “She was an articulate speaker, a strong leader, and she ran a tight ship,” Waters said.
Jamison’s stunning images including photographs, video and sculptures are currently on display in an exhibition about Ailey’s works at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.
Jamison received the Kennedy Center Honor Award in 1999. Other honors included the National Medal of Arts and the Handel Medal, New York City’s highest cultural award.
