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In honor of the legendary Judith Jamison, we dedicate this article of remembrance to her legacy.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Judith Jamison first gained significant acclaim in 1965 while performing with the American Ballet Theatre, where her talent began to shine on a national stage. Soon after, Alvin Ailey invited her to join his company. She garnered international recognition for her powerful performance in Ailey’s iconic work, Cry, a piece celebrated for its deep emotional resonance and technical brilliance.
Throughout her career, Jamison’s influence on the dance world has paralleled a bright star illuminating the path for others. She has served as a source of inspiration for countless dancers and artists, encouraging them to embrace and showcase their unique talents to the world.
Her artistic journey includes notable collaborations – not only with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater but also with institutions like the San Francisco Ballet and the Swedish Royal Ballet, complimented by ventures on Broadway, where her versatility truly shone.
In 1989, Judith Jamison took on the role of artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where she shaped and expanded the company’s artistic vision. Through her leadership, she solidified her legacy as one of the most significant figures in the world of dance.
We asked our followers and readers to share their gratitude, admiration, and memories of Judith in an Instagram comment to be featured in this memorial article.
Adrienne Abdus-Salaam said:
“Ms. Jamison, thank you for showing a chocolate girl like me that we can be beautiful too. The first piece I ever saw was Revelations, and the first solo I ever saw was Cry. Ms. Jamison, your performance was so captivating that at the age of 4, I knew I was going to be a dancer. Thank you for inspiring me to aspire!”
Timothy said:
“Celebrating an icon! Judith Jamison’s impact on dance is unforgettable.
Ra (Theonesunlionra) said:
“Thank you, to the beautiful Ms. Judith Jamison for being unfettered elegance and strength! Your love, creativity, and masterful dedication to the arts will forever be celebrated! Rest easy sis.
Raphael Xavier said:
“Lineage & Legacy are the first things that come to mind when I hear the name Judith Jamison! Black culture was stamped by two names and two faces when I saw dance: She and Alvin Ailey! Her Dedication to culture, history, and heritage is forever inspirational to my vision of the dance aesthetic as I aim to come as close as I could to Judith Jamison’s heart and soul in black dance. Especially hip-hop forms. Now more than ever! Through so many artists, her legacy and vision lives on!”
Jos Duncan-Asé said:
Judith, thank you for soaring, stretching, and creating space for so many of us to turn the air into our canvas – our bodies painting vibrant colors across time. You showed us a light, and for that, we are forever grateful. We will sing your name through movement and carry your legacy forward for generations. Asé
Jasmine Sudarkasa said:
“Growing up, I remember a black and white photograph of Judith Jamison displayed in my house – the blurred vision of her mid-movement during a performance of Cry This photo made me feel that dance could be akin to flying. I will forever be grateful for the language of movement she gave to a shy, tall, dark-skinned teenager who dreamed of what it meant to fly.”
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