Judith Jamison: Dancing Beyond Boundaries

From humble beginnings in Philadelphia to being listed among the  “TIME 100: The World’s Most Influential People,” Judith Jamison's life was nothing short of inspiring. Jamison not only had an incredibly successful career as a dancer but utilized the power of dance as a vehicle for social change.  

Born in in the Mantua neighborhood of Philadelphia, Jamison grew up in a city famous for nurturing incredible artists spanning a variety of genres including jazz, Broadway, comedy, classical music, and dance. As Joan Meyers Brown, Founder and Executive Artistic Director of PHILADANCO! noted, "Philadelphia's 'Black Dance' community had produced many outstanding dance artists, but none as outstanding and impressive as Judith Jamison." 

Jamison joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965 and her career instantly took off. During her time as a dancer for Alvin Ailey, she originated one of Ailey's signature pieces, Cry, which he choreographed as a birthday present to his mother. Additionally, she performed on Broadway in the show Sophisticated Ladies and, in 1988, formed her own dance company, The Jamison Project, where she choreographed and showcased her own works. 

Later, Jamison became Artistic Director for Alvin Ailey. Her relationship with the iconic founder was special, as she later reflected in her Ted Talk in 2020: "When [Alvin Ailey] asked me to take over the company before he passed in 1989, I felt prepared to carry it forward. Alvin and I were like parts of the same tree. He, the roots and the trunk, and we were the branches. I was his muse. We were all his muses." 

In her 21 years as Artistic Director, Jamison elevated the company to new heights, including groundbreaking engagements in South Africa and a 50-city global tour celebrating the company's 50th anniversary. Her brilliance was widely recognized through numerous prestigious honors, including a Primetime Emmy Award, Kennedy Center Honor, National Medal of Arts, and being honored by First Lady Michelle Obama at the first White House Dance Series event in 2010. In 2015, she became the 50th inductee into the Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Dance. 

As Alvin Ailey’s Artistic Director, she actively recruited and promoted dancers of color, ensuring the company maintained its commitment to diversity. Her impact was transformative, as Ronni Favors, former Ailey dancer and current Rehearsal Director, observed when interviewed on ABC’s Eyewitness News: "She created the representation, and she made a path wide enough for other people to walk through, too."

When discussing Jamison, Shelly Power, Philadelphia Ballet Executive Director, stated, "Her career has been a testament to resilience, artistry, and creation – inspiring countless artists and audiences the world over." Jamison passed away on November 9, 2024, at the age of 81, but her legacy continues to inspire generations of dancers to use their art to break barriers. 

To honor Jamison's life, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is presenting a one-night-only tribute dance to Jamison's Cry on Friday, February 28, 2025, in Philadelphia. Don't miss your chance to witness this historic performance and celebrate Jamison’s legacy. For more information, visit our website here.