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Judith Jamison, Alvin Ailey Pioneer and Artistic Director Emeritus, Dies at 81

Umito November 10, 2024

HELL’S KITCHEN, Manhattan (WABC) — Judith Jamison, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater pioneer and artistic director emeritus, has died at age 81, a spokesperson said.

Jamison died after a brief illness.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater released a statement saying in part:

“We remember and are grateful for his artistry, his humanity and his incredible light, which inspired us all.”

After Alvin Ailey’s death in 1989, Jamison assumed the role of artistic director, a position she held until her retirement in 2011.

The highly acclaimed former dancer spoke 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 this man had seen me fail an audition and I ended up with an invitation three days later, asking me if I wanted to join the company,” Jamison said.

Over the years, Jamison has performed some of Ailey’s most popular works, including “Revelations.” His style inspired generations of dancers and brought tears to the eyes of audiences who were lucky enough to witness his talent and grace.

She and others at Ailey followed Ailey’s mantra: educate, entertain and uplift.

“At the end of a show, when people go crazy and applaud or are stunned, that’s when I understood you, I know it happened to you, we shared an experience,” Jamison said .

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