Dancer and artistic director Judith Jamison dies at 81

New York. Judith Jamison, an internationally renowned dancer who later served as artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for two decades, died Saturday at age 81.

A brief illness ended his life. She was in New York surrounded by close friends, Ailey company spokesman Christopher Zunner confirmed.

We remember and are grateful for his art, humanity and incredible light, which inspired us allZunner said.

Jamison grew up in Philadelphia and trained in ballet there from a young age. At a time when black dancers were rare in the discipline, she joined the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965.

Tall, elegant and expressive, she became one of the company’s most famous performers and Ailey’s muse. Jamison had starring roles in two of the company’s signature dances, Revelations y Cry. She danced with Ailey for 15 years before leaving to perform on Broadway and as a guest artist.

Jamison subsequently returned to the Ailey as artistic director, which she held for 20 years. He is credited with making it one of the most successful dance companies in the United States.

As a dancer, choreographer, director and speaker, her distinguished career crossed barriers of race and gender.

She was a unique and spectacular dancer, majestic and regal. He danced with eloquence and integritysaid Sylvia Waters, artistic director emeritus of Ailey II, upon news of Jamison’s death.

Dancing with her and being in her sphere of energy was hypnotizing.said Waters. I was fortunate to perform with her, and she set a very, very high standard.

Jamison’s direction at the Ailey Theater supported the company and helped its growth. She was an eloquent speaker, a strong leader, and exercised efficient management.Waters added.

Jamison’s striking images, including photos, videos and a sculpture, are currently on display in an exhibition about the Ailey company at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.

Jamison was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1999. Among other honors, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts and the Handel Medal, New York’s highest cultural award.