Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (May 10, 1943 -November 9, 2024) age 81 yrs

Judith Jamison was an American modern dancer. Her elegant, striking presence helped make her an immediate success with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Jamison served as the company’s artistic director from 1989 to 2011. Jamison began taking dance lessons at age six at the Judimar School of Dance. She left her studies at Fisk University. She attended the Philadelphia Dance Academy (now the University of the Arts). She later became a visiting distinguished professor there. Discovered by Agnes de Mille, Jamison made her New York City debut with American Ballet Theatre. She performed her debut with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in “Conga Tango Palace” in 1965. Her height of 5 feet 10 inches and her larger-than-life presence helped make her an international star. In 1971, Ailey choreographed Cry expressly for Jamison. It was a 15-minute solo depicting the struggles of Black women. This piece became her signature work. She performed extensively both in the United States and abroad.