Judith Jamison, renowned international dance star and longtime director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, passed away Saturday in Manhattan at age 81.
She died at NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center after a “brief illness,” according to Ailey company spokesman Christopher Zunner. Jamison was “surrounded by close friends” at the time of her passing.
“We remember and are grateful for her artistry, humanity and incredible light, which inspired us all,” Zunner said.
A Philadelphia native, Jamison was introduced to Philadelphia’s vibrant art culture from an early age by her father, who taught her piano and violin. She began her dance training at age six at the Judimar School of Dance, where she studied classical ballet and modern dance under the guidance of Marion Cuyjet, one of her early mentors.
She joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965, a time when Black dancers were rare in ballet, and quickly rose to international stardom. During her 15 years with the company, Alvin Ailey created some of his most iconic roles for her, including the powerful solo Cry and the signature piece Revelations.
Ms. Jamison stayed with the Ailey troupe until 1980, when she left to star on Broadway, perform as a guest artist with ballet companies worldwide, and found her own company, The Jamison Project, in 1988.
The following year, Mr. Ailey invited Ms. Jamison to return to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as his successor to be artistic director. Mr. Ailey passed away from AIDS at age 58 that same year. Ms. Jamison remained in the role until her retirement in 2011.
During her 20 years of leadership, she led the company out of deep financial trouble, bringing it out of debt for the first time. Under her guidance, the company reached new heights, including two historic tours in South Africa and a 50-city global tour celebrating its 50th anniversary, establishing it as one of the most successful dance companies in the United States.
In 2005, her vision for a permanent home for the Ailey organization came to life with the opening of The Joan Weill Center for Dance, named in honor of the esteemed Chairman Emerita Joan Weill.
Among her many awards, Jamison received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1999, along with the National Medal of Arts and the Handel Medallion—New York City’s highest cultural award.
Her dedication, graceful dancing, and contributions won widespread admiration.
“She was a unique, spectacular dancer who was majestic and queenly. She danced with eloquence and integrity,” Sylvia Waters, Ailey II Artistic Director Emerita, said Saturday following the news of Jamison’s death.
“To dance with her and to be in her sphere of energy was mesmerizing,” Waters said. “I was fortunate to perform with her and she set the bar very, very high.”
Jamison’s directorship of the Ailey theater “sustained the company and helped it to grow. She was an eloquent speaker, strong leader and ran a tight ship,” Waters said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.