The dance world has been in mourning since the announcement of the death of famous dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison, known to have been the muse of the talented Alvin Ailey.
Judith Jamison passed away at the age of 81 this Saturday, November 9. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Judith Jamison, Artistic Director Emeritus of The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, after a brief illness. We remember and are grateful for his artistry, his humanity and his incredible light, which inspired us all.”we can read in a press release posted on the Instagram account of the famous company. The announcement of his death provoked a wave of reactions, like that of Sylvia Waters, artistic director of the Ailey II company. “She was a unique, spectacular, majestic and regal dancer. She danced with eloquence and integrity. Dancing with her and being in her sphere of energy was fascinating. I had the chance to perform with her and she placed the very, very high bar.”
The world of dance loses one of its most emblematic icons
Passionate about dance, Judith Jamison began her dance training at the Judimar School of Dance in Philadelphia at the age of six. She joined the modern dance company The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965, at a time when black women were rarely seen in ballet, where she created with the help of her mentor a solo that she dedicated “to all African-American women around the world and especially our mothers.” She danced with the company for fifteen years before performing on Broadway and forming her own dance company called The Jamison Project. She eventually returned to The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where she landed the position of artistic director. A position she held from 1989 to 2011.
Death of Judith Jamison: Michelle Obama pays powerful tribute to the American dancer
The former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, had a tender thought for the dancer and choreographer who died at the age of 81. “Judith Jamison was a true visionary in the world of dance. From American Ballet Theater to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, she broke barriers and moved souls with her grace and artistry. Today, Judith's spirit will live on in all the dancers she inspired, in all the pieces she perfected, in all the audiences she moved and elevated Barack and I send all our love to her family, to her. dancers and to all those who admired her”can we read on his X account.
A publication to find ICI.
Article written in collaboration with 6Médias
